As industries continue to prioritise ethics, safety, and worker rights all around the world, Building Responsibly has emerged as a powerful voice, driving change within the construction sector.
This month, we are hosting our highly anticipated Bi-Annual Members’ Meeting and the Building Responsibly Forum in Paris. These gatherings promise not only to spotlight critical issues but also to set an ambitious course for the future of worker welfare in construction.
Attendees from around the world, including industry leaders, human rights advocates, and stakeholders, will converge in the French capital for three days of discussion to tackle some of the sector’s most pressing challenges.
A day of reflection among members
The Bi-Annual Members’ Meeting on 18 and 19 November sets the stage, welcoming members with an agenda rich in reflection, collaboration, and future planning. Hosted by Technip Energies, the day kicks off with a recap of the past year’s achievements and a frank look at the challenges that remain. This is a time for members to share experiences and exchange ideas, fostering a collective spirit around Building Responsibly’s mission to advance worker welfare.
“The day isn’t just about reflection; it’s also about action.”
A key focal point will be the unveiling of pilot results from the Worker Welfare Assessment Tool – a resource developed to improve labour standards across construction. Presented by Shell and Worley, the tool exemplifies how innovation can drive positive change and offers members a chance to see tangible, data-driven progress.
Later in the day, members will present their own initiatives, creating a lively exchange of insights and lessons learned that will shape our collective approach going forward.
The day isn’t just about reflection; it’s also about action. Through workshops on fair recruitment led by Vinci, participants will dive deep into one of the industry’s thorniest issues. Fair recruitment practices can be complex to implement across diverse labour markets, but the workshop promises concrete strategies that members can take back to their organisations.
Setting ambitious goals for 2025
Building on Day 1’s discussions, the second day of the Members’ Meeting is all about looking ahead. The theme is clear: how can Building Responsibly – and the construction industry at large – push further toward ethical and sustainable labour practices in 2025?
Members will begin by examining worker welfare in the built environment, a session designed to spur thoughts on what it means to create a truly supportive, dignified environment for workers. With contributions from both longtime members and newer faces, the conversation aims to define the next wave of Building Responsibly’s priorities.
Following this, the session shifts to an even more global perspective, introducing focus groups that will target region-specific approaches to worker welfare in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. By focusing on local contexts, we aim to address the unique challenges each region faces and develop a truly adaptable, international approach to labour standards.
The Building Responsibly Forum: Engaging the broader industry
The Building Responsibly Forum on 20 November opens up the conversation to a larger audience, welcoming stakeholders, partners, and anyone invested in the mission of ethical construction practices. The day promises a rich exchange of ideas, with a mix of presentations, panels, and interactive sessions that emphasise both learning and collaboration.
“ Building Responsibly’s mission has never been more relevant”
The Forum begins by addressing some of the most urgent issues facing the construction industry today: forced labour, exploitation risks, and gaps in workplace grievance mechanisms. With speakers from organisations like Stronger Together and Ulula, this panel sets the tone for the day’s conversations by reminding attendees of the very real and complex challenges that lie at the intersection of business and human rights.
Regional breakout sessions follow, offering a chance to dive into the nuances of worker welfare around the world. These sessions will be particularly valuable for attendees looking to understand how Building Responsibly’s principles translate across diverse labour markets and regulatory landscapes.
The Forum wraps up with an exciting opportunity for participants to share feedback on Building Responsibly’s strategies, offering insights and ideas for how the organisation can continue to evolve and engage with its growing community.
As the construction industry continues to grapple with ethical challenges, Building Responsibly’s mission has never been more relevant. These gatherings are more than just meetings. They are an incubator for ideas and a platform for action. By bringing together voices from across the industry and beyond, we’re building a stronger, more resilient network of advocates committed to improving the lives of workers worldwide. The discussions and decisions made over these three days will ripple out, influencing practices, setting new standards, and forging paths to a more ethical future.