The International Coffee Organization (ICO) marked a historic milestone at the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Pescara, Italy, from October 22-24, where global leaders endorsed the new Global Coffee Sustainability and Resilience Fund. This public-private initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and resilience across the coffee value chain through innovative finance solutions and strategic investment, catering specifically to the diverse needs of coffee-producing nations.
Hosted at Pescara’s Aurum center, the meeting featured a dedicated session on coffee chaired by Italy’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Antonio Tajani, and attended by G7 leaders, partner countries, and key private sector representatives. ICO Executive Director Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira emphasized coffee’s crucial role in global social and economic development, highlighting the Fund’s focus on addressing climate change, deforestation, and value distribution challenges within the coffee industry.
The Global Coffee Sustainability and Resilience Fund, a collaborative effort between the ICO, Italian G7 Presidency, and industry stakeholders, is designed to support smallholder farmers, women, and youth, particularly across Africa and vulnerable regions. Dr. Nogueira noted that this initiative aligns with the need for investment in research, technology, and infrastructure to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability in coffee-producing countries.
In a promising step for the Fund’s future, ICO representatives also held bilateral meetings with international organizations, including FAO and UNIDO, to discuss shared goals for the coffee sector and potential areas of collaboration.
With Canada taking on the G7 Presidency in 2025, the ICO remains committed to maintaining progress in establishing this transformative fund, which sets the foundation for a resilient, sustainable coffee future.
For more details, refer to the official communiqué from the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting.
About the ICO:
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is a leading intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing sustainability in the coffee sector, offering vital industry statistics, fostering partnerships, and supporting technical projects. For further information, visit icocoffee.org.