HPE Discovery Forum 2024, Las Vegas, USA

Exposing the Hidden Cost of Innovation at HPE Discover 2024

At the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Discovery Summit in June 2024 in Las Vegas, the Human Thread Foundation, through founder and humanitarian photographer, Lisa Kristine brought to light an often-overlooked reality: the human cost of innovation. In an industry that celebrates progress, Kristine’s powerful imagery and testimony served as a stark reminder that many of the world’s technological advancements come at an unthinkable price – millions of lives trapped in forced labor.

Modern Slavery: A Crisis in the Tech Supply Chain

In her Tech Talk Presentation, Kristine told the stories behind her images, stories of men, women, and children working under brutal conditions, forced into labor to extract the materials and assemble the components that fuel the modern world. From the cobalt mines of Africa to factory floors where workers endure endless hours for meager pay, she challenged the audience to face an uncomfortable truth: progress should never come at the cost of human dignity.

A Fireside Chat with HPE COO John Schultz

At the HPE Discovery Summit, Lisa Kristine shared her powerful images depicting modern slavery alongside HPE COO John Schultz, reinforcing HPE’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices. As one of the few major tech companies actively scrutinizing its supply chain, HPE stands out as a leader in corporate responsibility, proving that businesses can drive significant change without compromising their bottom line. Their dedication to ending human trafficking sets a high standard for the industry, demonstrating that decency and accountability belong at the heart of innovation.

In this curated fireside chat, Schultz and Kristine engaged with 60 IT analysts, offering an in-depth look at modern slavery’s presence in the tech industry. But beyond policies and supply chain audits, the conversation returned to what truly matters – the human stories behind the statistics. As Kristine’s photography lined the walls of the summit room, the audience was reminded that modern slavery is not just a distant issue – it is woven into the very products we use every day.

Watch the full talk here.

Reaching a Global Audience: HPE Discover More Studio Interview

The message extended to a global audience through a high-profile interview moderated by journalist Daisy McAndrew, featuring Schultz and Kristine. As a digital wall projected Kristine’s photography, the discussion turned to solutions. How can corporations ensure their supply chains are free from forced labor? What role does technology play in driving transparency and accountability? And, most importantly, what responsibility do industry leaders have in creating a world where innovation no longer comes at a human cost?

A Call for Accountability

HPE Discover 2024 was not just a conversation—it was a call to action. The images, the testimonies, and the discussions left no room for indifference. Technology has the power to expose forced labor, to make supply chains more transparent, and to create a future where no human being is exploited for the sake of progress. With companies like HPE leading by example, the challenge now is for others in the industry to follow suit. The only question is: who will take responsibility next?