On 30 January 2025, UNIDO is hosting the event “Who Pays?... for the Implementation of Sustainability-Driven Regulations?”  Experts from the public, private, and development sectors will come together to discuss the impacts that mandatory sustainability requirements have on producers and suppliers in the different stages of the supply chain. 

As global supply and value chains evolve, environmental, social and governance considerations are becoming increasingly important for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Voluntary standards have not triggered the necessary systemic change, driving an increasing shift towards mandatory regulations. This shift has raised concerns about the impact of these regulations, particularly on smallholder farmers and SMEs in global value chains. 

Across three panel sessions, the "Who Pays” event will address several pressing issues, including the costs of complying with such regulations versus the costs of delaying action, the impact on upstream suppliers and producers and the development of innovative capacity-building and financing mechanisms to ensure that all stakeholders can benefit from more sustainable supply chains.  

The event will feature interactive panels and dynamic discussions and will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and contribute to the future of sustainable global trade. Attendees are welcome to join the discussions in person, at the Vienna International Centre on 30. January 2025. A livestream will be available to follow the event virtually.  

Please register for both in-person and virtual participation using this registration form.