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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).

Complete TrainingLearn More about BEST
Key ACtivities
  • 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.
  • 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

Human Trafficking Prevention Initiative

Summary 

The initiative launched with a Leadership Kickoff Session on June 12, 2025, engaging supervisors and front-of-house leaders—including security, customer service, food service, retail, and custodial teams—to raise awareness, encourage early training adoption, and set the tone for prevention efforts. More than 100 leaders completed BEST Basics in advance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

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Between June 2025 and January 2026, 2,500 licenses to the BEST Basics online training were distributed to participating organizations. Access codes were provided by the LOC, and completion rates were tracked and reported quarterly.

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On October 8, 2025, organizations participated in an in-person Strategy Development Workshop to create customized human trafficking prevention and response plans, including internal reporting protocols, staff support strategies, and prevention policies.

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In January 2026, a live virtual Q&A session was held to reinforce learning and provide trained staff an opportunity to deepen their understanding and ask questions, aligning with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month recognition goals.

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Virtual BEST Basics training remains available, and organizations are encouraged to continue enrolling staff to strengthen awareness, preparedness, and prevention efforts leading into 2026.

Free Human Trafficking Prevention Training

As we get closer to the World Cup, we want to encourage you to take advantage of the free BEST Basics training licenses available to your organization through the Seattle FWC 2026.Take advantage of free BEST Basics training licenses available through SeattleFWC26.

1. Go to BEST’s online training center

2. Use enrollment code: FIFA26-SEA

3. Download the BEST Basics indicator handout for display at your workplace.

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Learn More about BEST

REgister

Raise Awareness in Your Workplace

Support survivors and help prevent exploitation by displaying Not Alone Campaign materials—available free to download through BEST.

These posters and resources empower employees and customers to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking.

FAQs

In addition to training your staff and implementing anti-human trafficking policies in your workplace, your organization can raise awareness about human trafficking and the resources available to survivors by using BEST’s Not Alone Campaign materials, available to download free of charge.

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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)