USPG conference on Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery held in India – anglican.ink

Report on the Global Conference on Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Introduction

A Global Conference on Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery was convened by the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) from 3rd to 8th November 2025 in Durgapur and Malda. The conference aimed to strengthen global efforts to combat human trafficking and modern slavery, directly contributing to the achievement of several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The conference’s objectives and discussions were fundamentally aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a significant focus on the following goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The event directly addressed Target 8.7, which calls for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By focusing on combating exploitation and trafficking, the conference supported Target 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The initiatives discussed aim to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by trafficking, thereby promoting greater equality and justice.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The conference itself served as a model for Target 17.16 and 17.17, fostering a global, multi-stakeholder partnership to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to achieve the SDGs.

Strategic Approaches and Collaborative Efforts

Delegates from around the world collaborated to develop strategies centered on achieving a world free from exploitation. Key strategic pillars identified include:

1. Enhanced International Cooperation: Fostering cross-border partnerships between faith-based organizations, governments, and civil society to create a united front against trafficking networks, in line with SDG 17.
2. Innovative Technology: Exploring the use of technology for prevention, victim identification, and the disruption of trafficking operations.
3. People-Centred Approaches: Ensuring that strategies are designed with the well-being and empowerment of survivors and at-risk communities at their core, promoting just and humane practices.

Key Participants and Partnerships

The event demonstrated a significant commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by bringing together key stakeholders from various global and regional bodies. Notable participants included:

• Church of North India (CNI): The Most Revd. Dr. Paritosh Canning (Moderator), The Rt. Revd. Silvans Christian (Deputy Moderator), Revd. Dr. D. J. Ajith Kumar (General Secretary), Mr. Subrata Gorai (Treasurer), and The Rt. Revd. Sameer Khimla (Bishop of Durgapur Diocese).
• Church of South India (CSI): Adv. Fernandas Raja (General Secretary).
• United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG): Revd. Canon Dr. Duncan Dormor (General Secretary), Revd. Canon Dr. Peniel Rajkumar (Director for Global Mission), and Revd. Davidson Solanki (Regional Secretary for South Asia & the Middle East).
• Global Delegates: Representatives from numerous countries who contributed diverse perspectives and experiences.

The Diocese of Durgapur (CNI), under the leadership of The Rt. Revd. Sameer Khimla, was instrumental in organizing the conference, facilitating this critical ecumenical partnership.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • The article’s central theme is the “Global Conference on Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.” Human trafficking is a severe form of violence and exploitation that disproportionately affects women and girls, making this target highly relevant.
2. Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
   • This target is directly addressed as the conference’s explicit purpose is to “combat human trafficking and modern slavery.” The article states participants worked towards this goal.
3. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • The focus on combating “human trafficking” inherently includes the protection of children, who are a significant portion of trafficking victims. The conference’s goal aligns with ending this form of exploitation.
4. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
   • The article describes the event as a “Global Conference” with “delegates from across the globe,” highlighting “international cooperation” and an “ecumenical partnership.” This demonstrates a multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at sharing insights and experiences to achieve a common goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Targets 5.2, 8.7, and 16.2: Existence and implementation of strategies and cooperative frameworks to combat human trafficking.
   • The article does not provide quantitative data but implies progress through action. The organization of a “Global Conference on Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery” is itself an indicator of a strategic effort. The discussion of “enhanced international cooperation, innovative technology, and people-centred approaches” points to the development and implementation of such frameworks.
2. Implied Indicator for Target 17.16: Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
   • The article explicitly mentions the partnership between the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG), the Church of North India (CNI), and the Church of South India (CSI), with “delegates from across the globe.” This “ecumenical partnership” and “international cooperation” serve as a qualitative indicator of the formation of partnerships to address a global issue.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: anglican.ink