On April 8, 2025, Professor Rachel Chambers and graduate students Elizabeth Sullivan and Taylor Moran from the University of Connecticut’s Master of Science in Social Responsibility and Impact in Business (MSSRIB) program attended a landmark event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The event marked the unveiling of a major new report by the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

Held in the iconic Trusteeship Council Chamber, the high-level convening brought together world leaders, advocates, policymakers, and experts for a full day of dialogue and action planning aimed at eradicating one of the most urgent human rights challenges of our time: modern slavery.

“Attending the launch of a new report from the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking was an incredibly inspiring experience,” said Professor Rachel Chambers. “The high-level opening session set a powerful tone, with distinguished speakers like Dr. Pierre-Justin Kouka (Executive Director of the Commission) and the Ambassadors of the UK and Bahrain to the United Nations emphasizing the urgent need for global collaboration.

Most impactful to us, however, were the testimonies of survivors of modern slavery. The networking session provided us with the opportunity to engage with experts like Professor Andrew Thompson, Professor of Global and Imperial History at Oxford University and Commissioner, whose words about the history of the Trusteeship Chamber at the UN caught our attention.”

For students in the MSSRIB program, the event served as a powerful bridge between academic study and real-world global policy. It also reinforced UConn’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of ethical and socially responsible business leaders — individuals prepared to tackle complex global challenges through a lens of human rights, sustainability, and justice. This event not only emphasized the importance of survivor-centered solutions but also spotlighted the critical role of ethical leadership and business accountability in ending modern slavery by 2030.

“The event offered a rare and powerful opportunity to hear from a range of influential voices—including successful politicians, academics, and business leaders. Most importantly, we had the privilege of listening to survivors of modern slavery share their lived experiences,” said graduate student Taylor Moran. “This experience left a lasting impact on me. It reinforced the importance of involving all stakeholders; especially those most affected by exploitative labor practices – in the conversation. True reform is only possible when every voice, particularly those on the front lines, is heard and valued.”

“The event was a very insightful experience. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity through the MSSRIB program and classes,” said graduate student Elizabeth Sullivan.

Learn More: 

• Read Forbes Article: Global Commission Urges Action And Clarity In Fighting Modern Slavery 

• Read CNN Article: ‘A moral stain’: Former UK Prime Minister, Global Commission Deliver New Report Calling to Eradicate Modern Slavery by 2030 

“When it comes to making the transition to a more sustainable economy, investors should play a leading role,” State Treasurer Erick Russell said at The Dodd Center for Human Rights on Feb. 27, as part of the opening event for a two-day conference hosted by the Business and Human Rights Initiative at UConn.

“As investors, we can play a role in the battle against climate change that can be both vital and transformative,” said Russell. “Capital can fuel the transition to renewable energy, revolutionize agriculture, and drive technological innovation—and every investment decision helps contribute to that.”

Russell emphasized the importance of transitioning to net zero in a way that also protects human rights. He noted that sustainability goals must ensure no one is left behind. Companies can achieve this by focusing on labor during the transition, such as reskilling workers for green jobs. A just transition, which supports employees through the shift to a low-carbon economy, not only creates a green economy but also respects workers’ rights. “Just transition is critical. It’s a critical topic for investors to engage in, and while we have made strides on this, more transparency is certainly needed,” said Russell.

Russell’s address was followed by a discussion moderated by Associate Professor of Business Law Stephen Park and Assistant Professor of Business Law Rachel Chambers, the co-directors of the Business & Human Rights Initiative.

All levels of government are crucial agents in executing a just transition to a sustainable economy, the panelists said. This has been especially true at the state level, where policymakers have been active and innovative in crafting laws, policies, and practices that seek to address the roots of the problem.

“We believe as an investment firm that companies that responsibly manage those challenges over the long term will outperform,” said panelist Mary Beth Gallagher, an asset manager who invests in public companies as the Director of Engagement at Domini Impact Investments. “We are fundamentally trying to generate sustainable, equitable returns for our shareholders, but we believe thinking about managing human rights responsibilities as well is really not separate from that, but fundamental and critical to a company operating well.”

After the panel discussion, the moderators opened the floor to questions, fostering an active discussion among the panel members and audience. Students asked questions ranging from how they could get involved in promoting just transitions to how this can be achieved while protecting workers’ livelihoods.

“One of the premises of the Business and Human Rights Initiative is that ethical and socially responsible business practices should be informed by human rights,” said Park. “As part of our mission of engaged research, we brought together an amazing group of financial professionals, human rights practitioners, and academic researchers to explore the human rights implications of the climate transition. UConn was the perfect place for this convening.”

This event was made possible by the Business and Human Rights Initiative, a partnership program between Gladstein Human Rights Institute and UConn School of Business.

Article adapted from UConn Today: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/03/sustainable-investing-is-smart-investing/