USAID Trade Reform & Development in Egypt (TRADE) Project’s Post

How do we make sure that the goods we consume did not infringe on #human #rights nor cause #environmental damages throughout the supply chains? Part of the answer lies with CSDDD, which introduced #due #diligence obligations for large companies (turnover > 450m€ & nb of employees > 1,000). It also requires to implement #grievance #mechanisms to identify and remediate grievances arising from all stakeholders involved in their supply chain. In this perspective, we’ve been working with Audace Institut Afrique for the past 18 months, to design a cross-company grievance mechanism in the #cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire. As we did not want to merely tick a box, we spent lots of time with farmer communities to make sure we would propose a #relevant, #impactful, and #additional system - and then held several rounds of review. We are happy that the report is now #public and you can find it here: https://lnkd.in/dsFdD5i8 Our next step is to pilot the proposed mechanism - do reach out if you would like to join the group of interested companies! The study was co-funded by some members of the German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa and co-funded by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)'s Due Diligence Fund.

Muhsin Makassy, a Senior Associate in International Trade and Customs team, shares insights on Prospects for Green Exports in East Africa. East Africa has significant prospects for green exports, driven by abundant renewable resources and increasing global demand for sustainable products. Investments in eco-friendly agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism can enhance competitiveness in international markets. As regional policies promote sustainability and environmental protection, East African countries can position themselves as leaders in green exports, attracting investment and fostering economic growth. Follow our #FocusonTradeAndCustoms series to learn, quickly identify and bridge knowledge gaps on pertinent issues that affect your import and export operations. #PwCInsights #greenexports #exports #ESG

🤝 With the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Alliance is launching an initiative to tackle challenges in #cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea. 💰 Cocoa is a lifeline for millions of smallholder farmers in West Africa, yet it faces many threats: deforestation, soil depletion, pests, and the impacts of #climatechange. 📢 Paired with economic inequalities and social issues such as child labor, urgent action for sustainable cocoa production is needed. The Alliance Initiative will use a collaborative approach to: 🌱 Foster sustainable, nature-positive farming practices, 📈 Enhance market access and boost farmer incomes, and 🌳 Reduce deforestation and address social issues.   🤝 Together with Save the Children Italia and other partners, the Alliance will co-design impactful solutions aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO)'s priorities. Discover more here! 👉 https://lnkd.in/eUZDmAcj  Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale

Pleased to share my poster on CSR Policies in the Tunisian Extractive Sector within Law No. 2018-35. This poster examines Tunisia's Law No. 35 of 2018, highlighting its role in fostering responsible corporate practices. It emphasizes the need for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and advocates for an approach that integrates economic success with community needs and environmental sustainability. The analysis suggests a pathway for Tunisian corporations to become entities that are economically robust while also contributing to societal progress and environmental stewardship. It aims to highlight how businesses can drive positive social change alongside economic growth. This poster was presented at the Ifriqiyah Energy Hub, organized by the Tunisia Energy Society. #CSR #Tunisia #ExtractiveSector #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalStewardship #EconomicGrowth

MPOC expects EU's Parliament to give nod to EUDR delay 1) MPOC CEO Ms. Belvinder Sron anticipates the EU Parliament will approve a 12-month delay for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), giving Malaysia's palm oil industry more time to ensure compliance, especially for #smallholders. 2) The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification could play a crucial role in meeting EUDR requirements, with its recognition raised in Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions. 3) Despite the anticipated #EUDR delay, Belvinder stressed that #Malaysianpalmoil producers are ready to comply, backed by #MSPO certification, while continuing to advocate for a "low-risk" classification for the nation. Read full news here: https://buff.ly/4dYkNNm Help your network stay informed, share this #MPOC post!

The EU-Kenya 🇪🇺🇰🇪 Economic Partnership Agreement is more than just a trade deal—it's a blueprint for sustainable development and inclusive growth. This ambitious agreement focuses on: 🌱 Environmental protection 📈 Boosting bilateral trade & investment But let's cut to the chase. Watch the video to see how the EU and Kenya are building a brighter, more sustainable future together 🎥👇 #EUTrade #TradeDeal

'Fair Finance Pakistan coalition has indeed achieved a milestone with insertion of Article 9A in Pakistan's constitution. With climate-related challenges becoming increasingly critical in #Pakistan, Article 9A brings to the forefront the need for proactive measures in addressing issues like #pollution, #deforestation, water scarcity, and #airquality,.' shares Fair Finance Pakistan coalition member Ume Laila Azhar, Executive Director, @HomeNet Pakistan. Through #LegislateNow, the Fair Finance Pakistan coalition champions clean air initiatives and offers multi-lateral solutions to address the health and economic impacts of #airpollution crisis. Our collective efforts have significantly contributed to this landmark provision and we will continue to ensure these rights translate into tangible benefits for the people of #Pakistan at policy, scientific and financial fronts to have clear policy directions, stronger regulatory frameworks, ESG integration into business operations at strategic, transaction and portfolio levels to limit air pollution in the country. Article 9A of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental right and provides impetus to our work on air quality. This landmark provision underscores the government’s responsibility to ensure #cleanair, clean water, and a #sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, including women and children. By enshrining environmental rights, Article 9A aims to address the disproportionate impact of #airpollution and environmental degradation on these groups. Women and children often bear the brunt of poor air quality and contaminated water sources, facing health risks that can hinder their development and well-being. The amendment mandates the state to take proactive measures in policy-making and enforcement, ensuring access to essential resources and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment. This constitutional commitment reflects a growing recognition of environmental justice, highlighting the necessity of safeguarding natural resources for present and future generations in Pakistan. #LegislateNow #Cleanair #Environment #ESG Bernadette V.Kees KoddeHomeNet InternationalOxfamClimate & Clean Air CoalitionUnited Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)The GuardianCOP29 Azerbaijan

Join the Conversation on Kenya’s Transformative EPR Regulations! Kenya has officially gazetted the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, a game-changing policy that positions us at the forefront of sustainability and circularity in Africa. 🌱 These regulations mark a bold step toward a greener future by making producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. But what does compliance look like? How do we navigate these pathways together? And what entrepreneurial opportunities emerge in this new circular economy? 📢 We’re inviting YOU to be part of this pivotal conversation. 📅 Date: 26th November, 2024 📍 Location: Hybrid (Limited in-person slots available + Virtual via Zoom and YouTube) This exclusive event will feature: ✅A high-level panel discussion with key ecosystem players. ✅Insights on what the regulations mean for Kenya. ✅Discussions on pathways to compliance and multistakeholder collaboration. ✅Exploration of opportunities in sustainability and waste innovation. 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/dpF822h6 Together, let’s unlock the potential of a circular, green, and inclusive economy! 💡🌱 #EPRKenya #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement

I had the privilege of working on a report "Trade Policy measure to Encourage a Shift Towards Green Technologies" as part of the Consortium for Development Policy Research in collaboration with REMIT Pakistan. In light of economic development in Pakistan which is increasingly affected by environmental considerations, reflects the urgent need for the country to reduce its carbon footprint and move towards greener trade. This report assesses the extent to which trade and related policy actions can help Pakistan achieve greener growth. It focuses on the following specific policy areas: tariff and non-tariff measures on environmental goods; a framework for dealing with environmental services; and broader industrial policy measures. Report Authors: Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Dr. Aadil Nakhoda, Zara Salman, Eiva Arshad, Hassan Aziz and Dr. Ijaz Nabi.

Eco Mark and Dual Marking benefits in Africa: Regulatory Benefits: 1. Harmonization: Eco Mark and Dual Marking promote harmonized standards, simplifying regulations and reducing complexity. 2. Environmental protection: Encourages sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact. 3. Consumer trust: Builds trust through recognized labels, ensuring products meet environmental and safety standards. Business Efficiency Benefits: 1. Increased market access: Dual Marking facilitates trade between Africa, India, and EU countries. 2. Reduced costs: Single certification process for both Eco Mark and CE marking reduces costs and administrative burdens. 3. Competitive advantage: Eco Mark and Dual Marking differentiate products, enhancing market competitiveness. 4. Improved brand reputation: Demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability and quality. 5. Simplified export procedures: Dual Marking streamlines export processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. In Africa, Eco Mark and Dual Marking can: 1. Support regional harmonization efforts (e.g., African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)). 2. Enhance product competitiveness in global markets. 3. Encourage sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By adopting Eco Mark and Dual Marking, Africa can align with international best practices, fostering trade, sustainability, and economic growth.