23 January 2015: Helen Clark, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) opened a drafting session discussion during the 2015 World Economic Forum in Davos addressing the drivers of deforestation linked to agriculture. The event built on commitments made at the UN Climate Summit in New York, US towards deforestation free supply chains and considered how such commitments can be achieved when considering agricultural commodities.

Featuring ministers, chief executive officers (CEOs) and heads of sustainability, representatives of international organizations, and representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities, the event brought together public and private sector actors to identify challenges and solutions in meeting deforestation free commitments. The event also considered how addressing agricultural drivers of deforestation could benefit indigenous peoples and local communities.

Overall, the event was organized around two main themes, with the first examining how momentum to address deforestation has been built through ongoing work and agreements on climate change. The second theme considered the case of palm oil, focusing on how to develop practical guidance on expanding deforestation commitments into other supply chains, such as soy, beef, pulp and paper.

Main conclusions from the event included renewed commitments to deforestation free supply chains as well as the start of a process for drafting a practical framework for action for public-private partnerships in support of deforestation free growth and development. The event also provided an opportunity to highlight good practices from industries and companies including partnerships for the provision of technical assistance and the protection of natural forests as well as innovative investment approaches to support sustainable supply chains. [UNDP Press Release] [Speech: Reducing Tropical Deforestation Related to Key Agricultural Commodities] [IISD RS Sources]