Hong Kong, 25 June 2026 – The Mekong Club, a Hong Kong-based non-profit organisation working with the private sector to address modern slavery and human rights challenges across global supply chains, is marking its 15th anniversary by highlighting its impact in helping companies strengthen responsible labour practices and human rights due diligence.

Since its founding in 2011, The Mekong Club has worked with companies across industries to build knowledge, develop practical tools, strengthen collaboration and support action to prevent labour exploitation across global value chains.

Over the past 15 years, The Mekong Club has:

  • Trained and engaged with over 3 million people, including corporate professionals, suppliers, students and individuals seeking to better understand modern slavery risks.
  • Supported more than 70 member companies across sectors including manufacturing, retail, financial services, hospitality, electronics, energy and healthcare to strengthen their approach to responsible labour practices.
  • Developed practical tools, training and collaborative initiatives to help businesses identify risks, build internal capacity and move from awareness to action.

Fifteen years after its founding, the challenge remains significant. According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 50 million people are living in situations of modern slavery, while businesses face increasing expectations from regulators, investors, customers and employees to identify and address human rights risks within their operations and supply chains.

“The Mekong Club works with the private sector in a positive, supportive, non-naming-and-shaming way,” said Matthew Friedman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Mekong Club. “It was set up to develop a community of private sector people addressing modern slavery in a way that makes the world a better place.”

To mark the milestone, The Mekong Club has released a testimonial video featuring perspectives from its members, including Li & Fung, MGF Sourcing, J.Crew and Canyon Bicycles, alongside its CEO and board representatives. The video reflects on the role of collaboration, peer learning, practical support and shared action in addressing modern slavery risks across complex global supply chains.

Members featured in the video highlight the importance of working collectively to understand human rights due diligence, navigate legal and regulatory expectations, and improve working conditions for workers.

“I’m most proud of seeing the change from just building awareness around the issues of modern slavery and the businesses’ role in that, to really providing practical, proactive tools and the ability to collaborate with other businesses to solve this issue,” said Louisa Noble, Co-Chair of the Board of The Mekong Club.

As regulatory expectations increase and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate robust human rights due diligence. The Mekong Club continues to support companies through practical tools, training, advisory support and collaborative platforms, helping translate commitments into measurable action.

Looking ahead, The Mekong Club aims to expand its reach, deepen engagement with businesses and their suppliers, and strengthen the use of practical tools and emerging technologies to improve transparency, accountability and worker protection across global value chains.

[Testimonial video: https://youtu.be/53csWwNNLOA]

About The Mekong Club

The Mekong Club is a Hong Kong-based non-profit organisation that works with the private sector to address modern slavery in global supply chains. Through a membership-based model, the organisation provides companies with access to tools, training, advisory support and collaborative platforms to help them implement responsible labour practices and drive sustainable impact.

Media Contact

Tina Van Langenhove
Marketing & Engagement Lead
The Mekong Club
Email: tina.vanlangenhove@themekongclub.org
Website: https://themekongclub.org/