INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services’ initiative supporting the global fight against modern slavery has been cited as one of the outstanding corporate sustainability efforts in the Philippines during the recent 2019 Sustainable Business Awards.

ICTSI earned a ‘special recognition for business responsibility and ethics’ for leading the effort to stop human trafficking across local and global supply chains. It was made possible through a grant by ICTSI Foundation, the logistics company’s corporate social responsibility arm to the Voice of the Free Foundation in 2018.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI global corporate head and foundation president said, “While the phenomenal development of global connectivity – especially in mobile communications, the internet, and commercial transportation – have brought massive benefits to entire nations and regions, criminal elements, including those organised to profit from human trafficking, have also taken advantage of these connectivity systems to carry out their activities”.

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“As a global player aware of our critical role to stop trafficking in local and global supply chains, ICTSI is committed to empower vulnerable women and children so they can explore even greater opportunities in life without the risk of exploitation,” he said.

An illegal global trade that victimises 2.4m people annually, trafficking activities, which include prostitution and forced labor, amount to US$32 billion every year, according to the United Nations.

Organised by the Singapore-based Global Initiatives, the Sustainable Business Awards-Philippines recognises companies leading the way in sustainable business and which have truly instilled sustainability into their long-term business strategies.

SBA-Ph is conducted in partnership with global consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, with the results reviewed and decided by a national advisory panel in each country. The body is made up of senior representatives from business, the academe, non-government organizations, regulatory agencies, and the media.