UNMUTED: The 13th Asia-Pacific CPO Forum

“You’re on mute” may have been the catch cry of the past 12 months...

But 2020 will be remembered as the year when social justice movements took centre stage and everyday citizens were galvanised to action as simmering injustices were laid bare by the pandemic.

Voices long silent were turned up in an insistent, urgent cacophony on issues from: Black Lives Matters, to climate change; the treatment of women and minorities, to poverty and disability services. 

Some took to the streets, while others took to Tweets, sparking overdue conversations and prompting many businesses to reckon with their own treatment of minorities, women and the environment. 

A moment or a movement? 

In its 13th year and with light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, The Asia-Pacific CPO Forum is feeling feisty and handing the microphone to the people and ideas that will be catalysts for change. 

“Enough of the polite conversation. This year we’ve hit the ‘unmute’ - we're turning up the volume on the people and ideas that will be catalysts for change." 

 -Tania Seary, Founding Chair - The Faculty 

Held virtually over two half-days, the Forum will unpack and inspire action on the issues that matter most. 

We’ll get to grips with topics including: 

• The unspoken story behind our trade showdown with China
• Why it’s time for Procurement to speak up on sustainability
• Tailoring a social procurement message that’s loud and clear for the CFO
• Giving voice to indigenous suppliers and building capability
• Toxic truths about the gender pay gap and why it’s hurting your business more than the numbers show  

Headlining the Forum in 2021,  Former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. John Howard, will share his views on Australia’s rift with China, the retreat of democracy, his appraisal of the current Government’s pandemic performance, and why he still believes there is capacity for negotiation, progress and hope. 

Who should attend? 

The preserve of Chief Procurement Officers for over a decade, we’re shaking up the invitation list in 2021 to ensure more voices are heard!

We're encouraging CPOs to invite their lead team members to expand their thinking and speed the change agenda in their business. 

The CPO Forum is suited to:

• CPOs & Heads of Procurement
• CFOs
• Procurement Lead Team Executives

“Thank you for continuing to ignite us!” 

- Naomi Lloyd, Global CPO and CPO Forum Alumni