The global coffee industry is abuzz as the 138th Session of the International Coffee Council (ICC) and the 6th CEOs & Global Leaders Forum kick off this week. For the first time since the pandemic, exporting and importing members of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) have gathered in London to address pivotal issues shaping the future of the coffee sector.
Starting from September 9, 2024, through September 12, ICO members, industry leaders, and key stakeholders will engage in a series of important discussions and decision-making sessions aimed at fostering sustainability, enhancing market access, and supporting the livelihoods of coffee farmers worldwide. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of the coffee sector amidst ongoing economic, environmental, and social challenges.
Key Highlights of the Week:
- 9th Meeting of the Working Group on ICA 2022: A crucial session focused on the implementation of the International Coffee Agreement (ICA) 2022, laying the foundation for enhanced international collaboration within the coffee sector.
- 61st Finance and Administration Committee Meeting: Held online, this session will review the financial health and operational structure of the ICO, ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization.
- Coffee Sustainability Event (Side Event): Taking place on September 10 at the Swiss Embassy in London, this gathering will spotlight initiatives that aim to make coffee farming more sustainable, with invited participants from leading sustainability-focused organizations.
- 6th CEOs & Global Leaders Forum (CGLF): Set for September 11, the forum will bring together top executives and key decision-makers from across the global coffee industry to discuss pressing issues such as climate change, innovation, and equitable practices. This year’s CGLF promises to delve deep into strategies for aligning the coffee sector with international sustainability goals.
- Living and Prosperous Income Sessions: As part of the week’s activities, the ICO will host in-depth discussions on income improvement for coffee farmers, aimed at securing a living and prosperous wage for those working at the heart of the industry.
- International Coffee Council Plenary: The core of the week’s events, running from September 12, will focus on global coffee policies, with discussions ranging from trade regulations to strategies for boosting global consumption.
The ICO has made the full agenda and details of the events available on their website. These meetings, held in hybrid formats and closed sessions, demonstrate the organization’s dedication to fostering collaboration between exporting and importing countries, ensuring a sustainable future for coffee.
For more information about the programme, visit the ICO website. The global coffee community eagerly awaits the outcomes of these high-level meetings as they are set to influence the coffee sector for years to come.