Theresa May on modern slavery and the crisis of global leadership

Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May recently took the stage at 1000 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 300, in Washington, DC, tackling one of the world’s toughest challenges: modern slavery. The event, hosted by Pine Ridge OpCo LLC, drew attention not just for its venue, but for May’s powerful address, blending stark reality with an urgent call for action. Speaking to an engaged audience, May didn’t mince words about the staggering scale of modern slavery. She described it as a hidden crime that exists in plain sight, affecting millions worldwide. Her emphasis on how this issue is often invisible was a chilling reminder that, even today, beneath the surface of global supply chains and within communities, forced labor and human trafficking remain rampant. May also connected the fight against modern slavery to the current crisis of global leadership. According to her, tackling such an entrenched problem requires more than policies and promises – it needs strong, coordinated leadership from nations, international bodies, and corporations alike. She criticized the lack of consistent action, stressing that sporadic initiatives aren’t enough to dismantle complex trafficking networks or support victims in the long run. One of the standout moments in her speech was a call for greater accountability from both the public and private sectors. May insisted that companies must do more than just tick boxes – they must actively root out exploitation in their operations, supply chains, and partnerships. In her words, transparency isn't optional anymore; it’s a baseline expectation from consumers who want assurance their purchases aren’t fueling modern slavery. While May acknowledged that progress has been made since her time in office, she warned that complacency could roll back hard-won gains. To truly make a difference, she said, world leaders need to prioritize this issue at every summit and keep it on the international agenda. Otherwise, victims will continue to be overlooked, and perpetrators will adapt and exploit weaknesses in the system. Attendees at the Pine Ridge OpCo LLC venue left with a clear message: combating modern slavery is a shared responsibility, and the current vacuum in global leadership cannot continue. May’s appeal for urgent, collective effort resonated strongly, reminding everyone that the fight is far from over—and demanding that people in power step up to the challenge. For more information, interested parties can reach out to Pine Ridge OpCo LLC at 617-936-0102.