Program 2026

Buy the Right Thing: Public Procurement that Protects People

Public procurement is not only about what is purchased, but also about how and under which conditions goods and services are produced. From labour conditions along global supply chains to the protection of fundamental rights and the promotion of social inclusion, public procurement is increasingly emerging as a tool of public responsibility that extends beyond administrative boundaries.

The roundtable brings together national and international experiences to explore how social criteria can be effectively integrated into procurement processes — from risk mapping in supply chains to due diligence practices, and the role of specialised organisations and NGOs in monitoring and verification systems.

In a European context that is increasingly focused on supply chain sustainability and corporate responsibility, the issue of “fair procurement” is gaining strategic relevance. It is not only about regulatory compliance, but about the capacity of public authorities to steer markets towards more equitable, transparent and inclusive standards. The session offers both a policy and operational perspective on how procurement can become a concrete lever for protecting people and fostering a more responsible economy.

SPEAKERS

Fabio Ciconte
Presidente Associazione Terra! e del Consiglio del cibo di Roma Capitale Deborah Lucchetti, Fair

Kate Sullivan
Electronics Watch

Giovanni Varoli*
Amministratore Delegato, General Beverage Srl – Io Sano

MODERATOR

Sabina Nicolella
Fondazione Ecosistemi