Press Release The 27^TH Senior Officials Meeting Of CPOPC 16 May 2024

PRESS RELEASE
THE 27TH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING OF CPOPC
16 MAY 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

1. The 27th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) was held on Thursday, 16 May 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting focused on reviewing the outcomes of activities accomplished since the last SOM in November 2023 and strategizing programs 2024 by CPOPC.
2. The meeting was co-chaired by YBhg. Dato’ Abdul Hadi bin Omar, Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Planning & Management), Ministry of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia, Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud, Senior Advisor for Connectivity, Service Sector, and Natural Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Mr. Lid Roy Lazo Rodriguez, Vice Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras.
3. In their respective opening remarks, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras emphasized the necessity to include sustainability aspects, while also safeguarding the livelihoods of smallholders from any adverse effects of regulation implementation. Additionally, they suggested that CPOPC expand its membership base and develop proactive strategies to promote palm oil through positive campaigns targeting both national and international audiences, with a particular focus on engaging young people.
4. The meeting was also attended by high-level representatives from observer countries, namely Colombia, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea (PNG), and guest countries, namely Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. They highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among producing countries to overcome the challenges faced by the palm oil industry. It is pertinent to achieve a balanced Sustainable Development Goals such as the principles of environmental, social, and economic. The three observer countries reiterated their efforts to expedite the accession process to be a full member of CPOPC.
5. The meeting welcomed the Secretariat’s efforts on continuous engagements with youths, considering their population growth in producing and consuming countries. Through #YoungElaeis Ambassadors Competition in 2023, the 12 winners from Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, India, Pakistan, and Ghana participated in the Induction Program in Indonesia and Malaysia from 13 to 18 May 2024. The program aims to provide on-ground experience and a better understanding of the sustainable development and actions taken by the palm oil sector. In particular, the efforts on biodiversity conservation.  The meeting acknowledged the great potential of youth in advocating the positive debate on sustainable palm oil.
6. The meeting acknowledged the great potential of the younger generation in advocating the positive dialogue on sustainable palm oil and in addressing the any negative campaign. It recognized the commendable efforts made by CPOPC to implement and support relevant initiatives, among others, engagement with academicians and student leaders from higher institutions of learning, and ASEAN Palm Oil Student Association (APOSA) as part of its commitment to ensuring the inclusivity of the younger generation.
7. The meeting also welcomed the new Scientific Committee (SC) members and first participation from Honduras’ representatives. CPOPC’s study results and new proposed study topics are expected to support CPOPC’s advocacy works.
8. The meeting underscored CPOPC's commitment to advancing sustainability through the 3rd Sustainable Vegetable Oils Conference (SVOC), scheduled for 10 September 2024, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This event addresses global challenges amid regulatory changes like the EUDR. It allows CPOPC to consolidate all vegetable oils actors to establish sustainability as a core agenda and foster collaboration.
9. The meeting acknowledged the results of the 2nd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force (JTF) on EUDR conducted in Kuala Lumpur on 2nd February 2024. The SOM Leaders wished for a continued dialogue facilitated by CPOPC to ensure that the EUDR is implemented according to WTO rules and regulations and upheld the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
10. The meeting highlighted CPOPC's initiatives to expand its membership and noted Papua New Guinea's pending accession. The charter is expected to be ratified in the mid-2024. Additionally, CPOPC has been actively engaging with Guatemala, Nigeria, and Africa, showcasing proactive outreach and reinforcing its potential for global influence and comprehensive representation through united efforts.
11. The meeting recognized the need for CPOPC’s leveraging status in UN fora. The SOM leaders noted that CPOPC has obtained observer status in ECOSOC and urged CPOPC to apply for observer status in other UN fora, i.e., UNESCAP and COP 28 in Dubai. Such leveraged status is deemed necessary to promote a sustainable palm oil industry in multilateral platform.
12. SOM leaders recognized CPOPC's effort to seize opportunities in sustainable energy sectors. Given the potential for palm oil-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), CPOPC is advised to actively promote palm oil waste as feedstocks and explore its potential participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
13. The meeting is aware of the ongoing challenges of the palm oil industry, specifically against the backdrop of the UK's Forest Risk Commodities (FRC), the US FOREST Act, and the EU Due Diligence Directive on Human Rights and Environment, which target the legality and sustainability of certain commodity imports, including palm oil. As a response, CPOPC is urged to monitor these evolving regulations closely, give recommendations to members on the shifting regulations, and engage proactively with the related stakeholders.
14. The meeting emphasized the need for CPOPC to continuously monitor the growing trend of green and protectionist policies that could lead to stricter environmental regulations and trade barriers.
15. The meeting agreed that the 28th CPOPC SOM Meeting will be held in Indonesia.