Unpacking a Wicked Problem Modern Slavery and Sustainability in Global Business

Modern slavery in Global supply chains

This case study critically explores the issue of modern slavery within global supply chains as a complex sustainability and ethical challenge. It highlights how forced labour, debt bondage, and child exploitation directly violate human rights and negatively affect environmental and economic sustainability, undermining several UN Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis frames modern slavery as a wicked problem, given its interconnected nature, lack of a universal solution, and varying impacts across global contexts. Attempts to address the issue are often ineffective due to soft legal enforcement, lack of transparency, and economic dependencies. Using the Iceberg Model, the report uncovers underlying systemic and cultural drivers—such as poverty, globalisation, power imbalances, and profit-driven mindsets—that perpetuate exploitation. Systems thinking is proposed as a practical tool to identify root causes and guide ethical, transparent interventions. Overall, this reflection demonstrates the need for collaborative and context-specific efforts to combat modern slavery and promote ethical global business practices.