Summary
What would it take to move the sector toward more harmonised, inclusive, and effective governance?
Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world. It is a critical economic driver, particularly for countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, which together account for nearly 85% of global palm oil production. Major importers such as India, China, and the European Union rely on it heavily for food, cosmetics, biofuels, and industrial use.
As global demand continues to rise, so does the importance of ensuring that palm oil production is governed responsibly, balancing trade and economic benefits with environmental sustainability and social equity.
In response, a variety of mandatory and voluntary standards have emerged to promote sustainable practices across the sector. These include: Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).
In a 90-minute session, jointly organised with UNDP’s FACS Community, research, certification, and palm oil experts explored how these standards are implemented in practice, with a particular focus on smallholder inclusion and certification challenges. The event also explored the interplay between trade, regulation, market expectations, and producer realities, highlighting opportunities for greater harmonisation and effectiveness across the sector.
Featured speakers:
- Etsuyo Michida | Professor, Faculty of Global Liberal Studies | Nanzan University
- En. Mohd Hasbollah Suparyono | Chief Operating Officer | Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)
- Moch. Edy Yusuf | Assistant Deputy for Agribusiness Development in Plantation | Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs | Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO)
- Cheryl Ong | Senior Manager, Research & Knowledge Management | Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)