The upcoming UN/CEFACT Forum will center discussions around three key topics: sustainable value chains, digital connectivity for climate-smart trade and transport corridors, and gender-responsive policies. These issues have become increasingly important in the face of growing concerns about the reliability and credibility of sustainability claims, the impact of the climate crisis on global trade, and the need for greater gender equality in trade.
UN/CEFACT, a subsidiary of UNECE, has been actively working on initiatives to address these challenges. These include Recommendation No. 49, the United Nations Transparency Protocol (UNTP), and Digital Product Passports (DPPs), which aim to improve data interoperability, ensure trustworthy sustainability reporting, and promote transparent and circular value chains. Additionally, UN/CEFACT’s digital data exchange tools, such as the Buy-Ship-Pay model, can help reduce costs, streamline supply chains, and support green and digital transformations.
The 43rd UN/CEFACT Forum, to be held in Rome, Italy in December 2024, will bring together over 300 participants from more than 50 countries to discuss these issues. The Forum will focus on three main themes: fostering sustainable, transparent, and resilient value chains; enhancing digital connectivity for climate-smart trade corridors; and advancing UN/CEFACT standard development.
In addition to policy dialogues, the Forum will also feature project sessions and technical dialogues on topics such as traceability, multimodal transport, and sustainable travel and tourism. The final day of the Forum will include a session on ESG Traceability in Sustainable Value Chains.
UN/CEFACT, a subsidiary body of UNECE, is a global platform for developing trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards. Its membership includes experts from intergovernmental organizations, national authorities, and the private sector, and it plays a crucial role in simplifying international trade processes and promoting sustainable development.