About the SummitConvening on counter-trafficking research and practice
The Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI), a program funded by the Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) at the U.S. Department of State, is hosting the inaugural TIP Global Practice Summit. The Summit is a forum for the counter-trafficking community to review what works in counter-trafficking programming.
Participants will present findings from evaluations of counter-trafficking interventions, identify research priorities, and discuss counter-trafficking strategies. The Summit will showcase results from HTRI-funded evaluations, PEMS grantee work, and other counter-trafficking research.
Please note
The Summit is invitation-only. HTRI is not able to provide travel or attendance funding for the general public. Funded travel will be offered to selected presenters and a limited number of attendees who would not otherwise be able to attend.
If you know a colleague who should attend, you can nominate them for consideration.
Eight Intervention PillarsSummit structure
The Summit is organized around eight intervention pillars covering the counter-trafficking field. Each pillar anchors a panel that pairs researchers presenting evaluation findings with implementers responding from program experience. The agenda will also include additional plenary sessions and participant-driven events.
Pillar 01
Social Protection
Social Protection & Safety Nets
Cash transfers, awareness, child marriage and parenting; allied-field adaptation.
Pillar 02
Skills & Education
Vocational Skills & Education
Vocational training, life skills, school-based prevention, ECD.
Pillar 03
Fair Recruitment
Fair Recruitment & Migration
Recruitment fees, MRCs, ethical hiring, AI prevention, humanitarian-context interventions.
Pillar 04
Labour Inspection
Labour Inspection & Workplace Standards
Inspections, OSH, workplace violence, child labour, housing standards.
Pillar 05
Supply Chains
Supply Chains & Transparency
Audits, due diligence, buyer behaviour, worker-voice platforms, platform governance.
Pillar 06
Identification
Victim Identification & Referral
Finding victims through formal, community, healthcare and AI-assisted channels.
Pillar 07
Justice
Justice & Accountability
Prosecution, restitution, compensation, anti-corruption, financial disruption.
Pillar 08
Recovery
Recovery & Survivor Agency
Reintegration, mental health, survivor-led services, case management.
AgendaThree days in Mexico City
The Summit runs September 23-25, 2026. The agenda includes two full days of programming on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24, and concludes by midday on Friday, September 25.
Coming Soon
Detailed agenda to be announced
Schedule updates will be posted here as they are confirmed.
Speakers & PanelistsResearchers, implementers, and donors
Panels pair researchers presenting evaluation findings with implementers responding from program experience.
Coming Soon
Speaker list to be announced
Panelists will be confirmed after the abstract selection process. The roster will include researchers from HTRI-funded evaluations, PEMS grantees, and implementers from each of the eight intervention pillars.
Speaker announcements will be posted here on a rolling basis.
Venue & TravelMexico City
The Summit will convene in Mexico City. Day 3 includes site visits to Mexico City-based anti-trafficking organizations.
Photography: Unsplash.
Logistics
- CityMexico City, Mexico
- VenueTo be confirmed
- HotelTo be confirmed
- Nearest AirportMexico City International Airport (MEX)
Apply to PresentSubmit an abstract
The Summit accepts submissions through two tracks: research and practice abstracts for the main program panels, and proposals for community sessions such as workshops, working groups, regional meetups, and methodology clinics.
