ITC creates pioneering alliances for sustainable coffee and circular economy initiatives during COP28 in Dubai
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has taken decisive steps towards fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable coffee value chains by solidifying strategic partnerships during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The move aims to amplify the voices of producers and small businesses in critical climate discussions.
In a pivotal move, ITC and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 3, outlining plans for groundbreaking projects across the ICO’s 75 member countries. Under this agreement, coffee producers will undergo comprehensive training covering value addition, circular economy practices, sustainable production methods, enhanced productivity, coffee quality improvement, and resilience to climate change—all geared towards generating decent and living incomes.
A second milestone occurred on December 10, as ITC, ICO, and the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) joined forces through another MoU. This collaboration is designed to empower coffee farmers and producers to derive sustainable value from traditional waste streams. Both agreements are contingent on final validation by the International Coffee Council (ICC).
Historic Momentum in ITC and ICO Partnership
The partnership between ITC and ICO, spanning several years, gained fresh momentum with the recent appointment of Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira as Executive Director of the ICO. Activities under this historic alliance include collaborative efforts in coffee data management, sustainability initiative mapping, circular economy initiatives, compliance with the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, value addition at coffee origin, and innovative financing for the coffee sector.
Through these newly established partnerships, ITC aims to formalize and expand its collaboration, building upon the foundation laid by their initial MoU in 2000, which aimed to create a more inclusive coffee sector for producers.
Accelerating Circular Economy in the Coffee Sector
The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a global precompetitive platform funded by the Lavazza Foundation, the Polytechnic of Turin (PoliTo), and the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy, is at the forefront of advancing circular economy in the coffee sector. Supported by ICO, ITC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), C4CEC is set to put circular economy principles into practice.
The collaboration between ITC, ICO, and C4CEC aims to disseminate knowledge to small businesses, value chain operators, farmer organizations, and consumer-facing companies worldwide. This initiative builds upon the partnerships established through the ITC Coffee Guide Network and the circular economy working group co-facilitated by ITC, ICO, and the Lavazza Foundation.
COP28 Trade House: A Platform for Circular Economy Exploration
The COP28 Trade House provided a platform for ITC and its partners to delve into the circular economy within the coffee sector. Hernan Manson, Head of Inclusive Agribusiness, Food Systems, and Trade at ITC, moderated a session titled ‘Global Green Deal: How would it fit the Global South?’ The panel explored transformative measures for global food systems in the face of climate change.
Mario Cerutti, Lavazza Foundation Secretary, and Lavazza Group Head of Institutional Relations & Sustainability, emphasized the necessity for unified action within the coffee industry, highlighting the potential of the Center for delivering environmental benefits and improved incomes for coffee growers and stakeholders.
Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization, affirmed the commitment to drive impactful change in the coffee sector through the enduring partnership with ITC, marking the alliances formed at COP28 as a significant step towards a sustainable future for coffee farmers and advancing circular economy practices.
International Coffee Organization (ICO):
The ICO is the sole intergovernmental organization supporting exporting and importing countries to enhance the sustainability of the coffee sector, providing a high-level forum for stakeholders and official statistics on coffee production, trade, and consumption. ICO Website
International Trade Centre (ITC):
ITC, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets. The Alliances for Action initiative seeks to transform food systems through ethical, climate-smart, and sustainable agricultural value chains.
