Advancing Sustainability and Equity: Insights from the World Cocoa Conference

Introduction

The World Cocoa Conference is an important event in the global cocoa industry, drawing together stakeholders from various sectors to address pressing issues, share insights, and forge collaborations. This year's conference, held in Brussels, Belgium, between April 21 and 24, was particularly notable for its emphasis on farmer pay and sustainability, sparking open discussions and constructive debates among participants.

The Voice Network's Insights

A global network of NGOs and Trade Unions working on sustainability in cocoa, the Voice Network, delivered a candid and insightful assessment of the sector's challenges, offering a balanced perspective on both the progress made and the areas that require urgent attention. The organization's remarks highlighted the growing recognition of sustainability as a paramount concern within the cocoa industry and the need for concerted efforts to translate commitments into tangible actions on the ground.

One of the key themes that emerged from the Voice Network’s remarks was the issue of child labor in cocoa production. While acknowledging that there has been some progress in reducing child labor rates, the Voice Network emphasized the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to address this persistent challenge effectively. The organisation also highlighted the importance of acknowledging uncomfortable truths and facing them head-on to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of children in cocoa-growing communities.

Figure 1: The Voice Network at the World Cocoa Conference

Another critical topic addressed was deforestation, particularly in cocoa-producing regions. The Voice Network drew attention to the long-term and catastrophic impact of deforestation on the environment and stressed the need for robust regulatory measures to combat this pressing issue. Additionally, optimism remains regarding the potential of regulatory frameworks like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to drive positive change by incentivizing companies to adopt sustainable practices and adhere to strict environmental standards.

Reflecting on the conference's progress since its inception in 2012, the Voice Network further emphasized that while significant strides toward sustainability in the cocoa industry have been made, there are still many obstacles to overcome. The organisation further stressed the importance of sustained efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to address these challenges and move the industry towards a more sustainable future.

Regulatory Measures and Collaboration

The sentiments expressed by other participants at the World Cocoa Conference, such as the Rainforest Alliance, Puratos, and the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), echoed those of the Voice Network, emphasizing the pivotal role of sustainability, farmer income, and collaboration in effecting meaningful change in the cocoa sector. For example, the Rainforest Alliance spoke about initiatives to promote compliance and sustainability in the cocoa industry. Representatives from cocoa companies and industry federations joined the Voice Network in highlighting the urgent need for collective action and shared responsibility to tackle critical issues facing cocoa-producing communities. These participants underscored the interconnected nature of challenges such as child labor, deforestation, and poverty among cocoa farmers, stressing that addressing these issues requires a holistic and collaborative approach. They recognized that sustainable cocoa production is not only essential for safeguarding the environment but also for improving the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the long-term viability of the cocoa industry.

Figure 2: Participants at the World Cocoa Conference

By echoing the Voice Network’s remarks, these participants reinforced the message that sustainability and social responsibility must be central pillars of the cocoa industry's efforts to drive positive change. They accentuated the importance of partnerships between governments, NGOs, cocoa companies, and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions and create a lasting impact in cocoa-growing regions. Overall, the consensus among participants at the conference highlighted the shared commitment to advancing sustainability and improving the well-being of cocoa farmers. Through continued collaboration and concerted action, they aim to address systemic challenges and build a more resilient and equitable cocoa supply chain for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

Conclusion and Outlook

In conclusion, the World Cocoa Conference 2024 served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, exchange ideas, and commit to concrete actions to enhance sustainability and improve livelihoods in the cocoa industry. By fostering collaboration and collective action, the conference laid the groundwork for addressing critical challenges and advancing the industry toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all stakeholders involved.