Why work with multi-stakeholder initiatives
Supporting processes that involve many different groups, each with their own priorities, perspectives and experience can be very challenging, so achieving results requires neutral yet technically knowledgeable facilitation. When they are successful, multi-stakeholder processes can build consensus, achieve broad buy-in and deliver aligned goals. Successful processes allow issues to be recognised and addressed jointly, which requires overcoming lack of trust, encouraging listening to other stakeholders, helping participants to understand each other’s points of view, as well as supporting active participation by all in order to find solutions.
We get involved in multi-stakeholder initiatives at a variety of levels and technical input:
How the VSS can be used to meet responsible sourcing commitments
We work closely with many of the voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) for commodities, including the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Bonsucro, Rainforest Alliance, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) and the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), as well as the ISEAL Alliance.
Process facilitation and technical input
We sit on a number of boards and working groups to support member discussions and technical processes, including Accountability Framework Initiative, ISEAL, GRSB and RSPO. We have also facilitated technical research projects and public consultations and conduct standards benchmarking exercises.
Shared thinking on new approaches
We also support multi-stakeholder organisations to explore new approaches, such as how the landscape or jurisdictional approach might work for RSPO.
We are also looking at how Producer and Consumer Country Partnerships can be a vehicle to support multi-stakeholder initiatives and actions in responsible sourcing and production.