CIPS launches The Great Conversation global initiative

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply has launched The Great Conversation, a global member initiative aimed at procurement and supply chain professionals across more than 150 countries, on 30 April 2026.

The programme runs as a series of structured online discussions, regional roundtables and practitioner research sprints, all feeding into a single body of work on the future of the profession. Themes for 2026 include AI adoption, geopolitical risk in supply chains, ethical sourcing and the talent pipeline.

CIPS Chief Executive Ben Farrell said the initiative would shape the next iteration of the CIPS Global Standard. Findings will be presented at the CIPS Annual Conference and shared with partners including the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management.