Fostering Inclusive and Successfull Implementation of Sustainable Global Supply Chains: A call for Collaborative Action Within the G20 | T20 – Think Tank Engagement Group – G20 Brazil’s Presidency 2024

This policy brief presents a collaborative analysis by European and Brazilian civil society organizations on recent advancements and recommendations for fostering inclusive, sustainable supply chains. It emphasizes the urgent need to align global supply chain regulations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with inclusivity for smallholders and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing regions. The policy brief outlines three essential recommendations aimed at enhancing sustainable practices across international supply chains.

Key Takeaways

1. Promoting Cooperation Across Stakeholders: Effective supply chain sustainability demands cooperative leadership among upstream and downstream actors at political, regulatory, and civil society levels. Enhanced collaboration can strengthen transparency, accountability, and fair participation across regions.
2. Enabling Transition Finance: Access to flexible and easy-to-deploy financing is vital for small farmers, indigenous communities, and SMEs. Tailored financial mechanisms would support these groups in adopting sustainable practices, enhancing resilience, and remaining competitive in global markets.
3. Developing National Traceability Systems: Establishing robust traceability policies is critical for ensuring deforestation-free supply chains. These systems enable better tracking of goods, fostering consumer confidence and supporting sustainable market growth.

The G20 has a unique role in advancing these recommendations, with the potential to catalyze sustainable trade practices on a global scale by setting high standards for cooperation, transparency, and responsible financial support.

Recommendations for G20 Working Groups:

• Trade and Investment: Align efforts between producer and consumer nations for sustainable supply chain regulations.
• Sustainable Finance: Develop financial mechanisms that promote sustainability for smallholders.
• Agriculture: Integrate traceability and responsible production standards for deforestation-free products.

Read the full Policy Brief : link

This T20 Policy Brief was elaborated in collaboration with Amigos da Terra – Amazônia Brasileira

What is the T20? 

T20 is an official Engagement Group of the G20. It serves as an “idea bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks and high-level experts to discuss policy issues relevant to the G20. T20 recommendations are synthesised into policy briefs and presented to G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and leaders’ summit. This helps the G20 deliver concrete policy measures. 

What is the Task Force 4: Trade and investment for sustainable and inclusive growth 

Task Force 04 (TF04) is dedicated to leveraging trade and investment mechanisms to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. To learn more about this Task Force, click here.