China and ICLEI’s Renewed Leadership for A Strengthened One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme, The Netherlands continues support as a strategic and funding partner

Sustainable public procurement continues to gain recognition as a catalyst for driving market transformation and the transition towards a circular economy. The public sector can indeed play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and circularity, lead by example and stimulate market innovation utilizing its purchasing power which, according to the Sustainable Public Procurement 2022 Global Review report, can account for up to 30% of GDP.

The 10YFP Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (2023-2030) acknowledged by the UN General Assembly (A/RES/77/162) recognizes the importance of sustainable public procurement including its recognition specified in SDG target 12.7. The Global Strategy will help countries to achieve the target through a strengthened Sustainable Public Procurement Programme by helping governments, public authorities and other relevant stakeholders, at all levels, to collaborate and use their planning and purchasing power through strategic, reliable and practical resources to adopt, implement and monitor the impacts of sustainable public procurement in relevant sectors based on national policies and priorities. The inclusion of target 12.7 under SDG 12 highlights the importance of sustainable public procurement in global efforts to achieve sustainable consumption and production patterns. 

Acknowledging the transformative power of public procurement, China, represented by the Environmental Development Centre of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) have recently renewed their leadership commitment to the One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands (Rijkswaterstaat) continues to be a crucial strategic and funding partner. 

Together, the renewed leadership will continue driving the Programme’s strategy and implementation in close cooperation with its core partners, including Member States, UN agencies, scientific and technical institutions and others, providing the resources needed to mobilize and coordinate key networks and stakeholders as well as to build synergies and cooperation at all levels, further positioning sustainable public procurement as a key enabler to achieve the global sustainable development agenda through advocacy and enhanced visibility.

BACKGROUND:

The One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme is an integral component of the United Nations’ 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, a universal agreement anchored in the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 8 and SDG12. It plays a central role in the implementation of the new 10YFP Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (2023-2030) adopted last year. 

Established in 2014, the Programme envisions a world in which environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability are embedded in public procurement policies, strategies, processes and practices as a means for promoting circularity, efficiency, value for public spending, good governance and integrity in public procurement. The Programme operates as a global multi-stakeholder collaborative platform that brings together and scales up existing initiatives and partnerships and facilitates new projects and activities with the potential to accelerate the transition to sustainable consumption and production by setting the agenda and implementing sustainable public procurement as well as monitoring progress towards SDG12. 

As part of the 10YFP Results Framework for 2023-2024, the Programme has prioritized three high-impact sectors: construction and food, in cooperation with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction and the One Planet Sustainable Food Systems Programme, respectively, as well as information and communications technology systems, through the Circular & Fair ICT Pact, led by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Netherlands, and the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development, Belgium.

About ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Our members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.

Since 1996, ICLEI has been advocating for, promoting and demonstrating the value of sustainable, innovative, circular and strategic procurement. ICLEI provides professional information, advice, networking opportunities, training and tools to public authorities wanting to implement better, more cost-effective procurement practices. 

About the Environmental Development Centre of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China

The Environmental Development Centre of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (EDC) is a comprehensive scientific research institution, providing technical support to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China. China Environmental United Certification Centre (CEC) is affiliated to the EDC and is mainly engaged in environment management policy research and innovation practice, standards development, certification and verification, as well as international cooperation, with a focus on sustainable production and consumption, environmental labelling, green supply chain management, green public procurement and climate change. Since EDC joined the SPP Programme in 2013, CEC has been engaged in the relevant work of the SPP Programme and made remarkable achievements to promote SPP implementation in China. CEC is awarded CDM DOE by UNFCCC and acts as the secretariat of the International Green Purchasing Network and a board member of the Global Ecolabelling Network, closely cooperating with ecolabelling programs in 13 countries and regions around the world.

About the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands (Rijkswaterstaat)

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.

Rijkswaterstaat is the implementing agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, responsible for the implementation of policy for Dutch main road network, the main waterway network, the main water systems, and the environment in which they are embedded. On behalf of the Ministry, Rijkswaterstaat also has an international arm and acts as a front runner and promoter of circular procurement.

JOIN US AND TAKE ACTION!

The One Planet Sustainable Public Procurement Programme is uniquely positioned to guide the agenda and mobilize stakeholders in advancing sustainable public procurement practices worldwide. Join the Programme leads and core partners to support the positive momentum and become a part of this collective endeavor to shift consumption and production patterns towards sustainability through public procurement! Direct your expression of interest and requests to the 10YFP Secretariat and the Programme by emailing oneplanetnetwork.spp.programme@gmail.com