Closing the Social Gap: Strengthening the Role of Business and Finance in Advancing Better Outcomes for People

Monday, September 21, 2026
3:30–4:30 p.m. (EST)
FF Building, 304 East 45th Street, 15th Floor, Room 1507A, New York

Inequality, modern slavery, human trafficking, poor labour conditions and other social challenges are not only moral concerns, they are increasingly recognised as material risks to business performance, financial stability and economic resilience.

While sustainability reporting has helped advance action on climate and nature, significant gaps remain in how businesses and financial institutions understand, manage and disclose their impacts on people. Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST), the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD) and the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, will host a dialogue during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

Bringing together governments, international organizations and sustainability experts, the discussion will explore emerging approaches to social disclosures and how improved measurement, management and accountability can help align private sector conduct and financial flows with sustainable development objectives, including the implementation of the Sevilla Commitment.

About the Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST)

FAST leverages finance to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, driving impactful changes through strategic engagements and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FAST mobilizes public and private financial actors to address the systemic issues causing and (unintentionally) reinforcing modern slavery and human trafficking, By adopting an evidence-based approach, FAST equips financial institutions with essential tools and the capacity to – empower survivors and foster a financial system committed to integrity and transparency.

About the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD)

Launched in early 2025, The Taskforce on Inequality and Social-Related Financial Disclosures (TISFD) is a global initiative to develop recommendations and guidance for businesses and financial institutions to understand and report on impacts, dependencies, risks, and opportunities related to people. The aim of the Taskforce is to incentivise business and financial practices that create stronger, more resilient societies and economies.

About the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies

The Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies is a cross-regional and member state-led, multi-stakeholder coalition committed to advancing action on peace, justice, equality and inclusive institutions through the Sustainable Development Goals and beyond (SDG16+). It is convened by 46 governments, works with over 100 partners across civil society, the United Nations (UN), and regional and international organizations, and is hosted by the Center on International Cooperation at New York University.