UNRBHR Forum APAC 2026: Measuring Living Wage for Supply Chains

As expectations around living wages continue to grow, companies are increasingly being asked not only what they commit to, but how credibly they understand and address wage gaps across their own operations and supply chains. Hosted by IDH and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) during the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum 2026 in Bangkok, this interactive session will explore practical approaches to measuring living wage gaps and the key choices that influence outcomes. Drawing on IDH's experience developing living wage methodologies, tools and implementation roadmaps, alongside WBA's insights into corporate performance and disclosure, participants will examine how credible wage data can support informed business decisions, meaningful social dialogue, and responsible supply chain management. Through examples from sectors including tea, aquaculture, apparel and other Asian supply chains, attendees will discuss how transparent measurement and verification can help companies, suppliers, workers and other stakeholders build trust and accelerate collective action toward living wages. Why Attend? Living wages are increasingly recognised as a critical component of responsible business conduct and a root-cause issue connected to broader human rights risks and due diligence obligations. Credible measurement of living wage gaps helps companies identify priorities, engage suppliers and workers more effectively, and build confidence among investors, civil society and regulators. This session will provide practical insights for organisations seeking to strengthen their approach to living wages and responsible supply chain management. What You Will Learn Participants will gain insights into: • Why living wages matter for business resilience, human rights due diligence, investor expectations and long-term value creation. • How buyers and suppliers can use wage data to strengthen accountability, inform investment decisions and drive progress towards living wages. • How verification and assurance approaches can increase confidence in living wage data and reporting. • How transparent wage-gap measurement can support more meaningful social dialogue and collaboration throughout supply chains. Who Should Attend? • Sustainability and ESG professionals • Human rights and responsible sourcing practitioners • Procurement and supply chain leaders • Companies operating in global supply chains • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) • Investors and financial institutions • Civil society organisations • Multi-stakeholder initiatives and industry platforms Session Format Interactive deep dive session, where participants can expect: • Expert insights from IDH and WBA • Practical case examples from Asian supply chains • Interactive discussion and audience engagement • Opportunities for peer learning and exchange This event is part of the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum 2026 programme. Registration is free, but spaces may be limited.