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Seattle’s Human Trafficking Prevention Initiative for FIFA World Cup 2026

We are pleased to share the rollout plan for the Human Trafficking Prevention Initiative led in partnership with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), as part of our broader commitment to safety and equity ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC26).

Learn More
Key Details
  • Training Access: Up to 2,500 employees can access BEST’s “BEST Basics” online training (in English and Spanish).
  • Policy Workshop:  Workshop for registered Organizations / Businesses to create customized human trafficking prevention and response strategies (LINK BELOW)
  • Virtual Q&A:  BEST Basics training completers can deepen knowledge and ask questions
Outcomes and Benefits
  • Staff trained to recognize signs of labor and sex trafficking
  • Safer workplaces and communities
  • Improved staff retention and morale
  • Corporate social responsibility and values put into practice
  • Risk mitigation and improved compliance posture

Initiative Timeline

See an overview of the sequential process and timeline for this initiative.

June 12, 2026

Leadership Kick Off Session

  • A kickoff presentation for leadership and supervisors of front-of-house staff (e.g. security, customer service, food servers, sales associates, tellers, custodial, etc.).
  • Focus: Raising awareness, encouraging early training adoption, and setting the tone for prevention efforts
  • Goal: Have 100+ leaders complete BEST Basics by July 25, 2025, for recognition on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30)

June 2025 – January 2026

Online Training Deployment

  • 2,500 licenses to the BEST Basics online training made available to front-of-house staff (e.g. security, customer service, food servers, sales associates, tellers, custodial, etc.).
  • Registered Organizations / Businesses will receive access codes from the LOC
  • Completion rates will be tracked and reported quarterly to LOC by BEST

October 8, 2025

In-Person Strategy Development Workshop

  • Workshop for registered Organizations / Businesses to create customized human trafficking prevention and response strategies
  • Topics: Identifying training needs, internal reporting protocols, supporting staff, and developing prevention policies

January 2026

Live Q&A Session

  • Virtual session for ALL trained staff to deepen knowledge and ask questions
  • Goal: Have 2,500 individuals complete BEST Basics for recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

In-Person Strategy Development Workshop

Registration is now open for the Human Trafficking Strategy Development Workshop from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on October 8th at the Seattle Local Organizing Committee’s offices (220 Second Ave S. Seattle, WA 98104). This workshop will help you draft a multiprong prevention and response strategy for your own business that addresses:

  • anti-exploitation organizational policy
  • how to determine which staff should receive training
  • guidance for managers to encourage reporting
  • internal protocols for staff interaction with potential victims
  • ways to support staff who report indicators of human trafficking

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange feedback on their draft strategies and confer with BEST staff during the workshop.

Register

FAQs

Preparing for Human Trafficking Risks Ahead of FWC26

Scenario:
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup (FWC26) expected to draw a large influx of tourists, a national retail chain begins preparing its staff for increased human trafficking risks. Recognizing that traffickers often exploit crowded events to hide criminal activity, the company proactively partners with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) to train frontline employees.

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Action Taken:
The company enrolls all public-facing staff in the BEST Basics training—a 30-minute, interactive online course available in English and Spanish. The training helps employees learn to recognize signs of sex and labor trafficking and understand how to respond safely. The company opts for the paid training package, which includes completion tracking, reporting tools, and the ability to host the course in group settings.

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Outcome:
Employees complete the training and receive certification. Supervisors report improved team awareness and confidence in identifying red flags. The company experiences greater employee engagement and customer trust and aligns its actions with core corporate values around safety, equity, and social responsibility.

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Key Takeaway:
Proactively educating staff with accessible, industry-relevant training like BEST’s can significantly reduce human trafficking risks during high-traffic events, while strengthening workplace culture and community safety.

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Source: How Employers Can Prevent Human Trafficking - Playbook Resource [73] [47] (BEST)