SINGAPORE—Natural rubber stakeholders have agreed on a governance structure and priority actions for the Global Platform on Sustainable Natural Rubber, the organization said.
The GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs who comprise the Tire Industry Project within the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, according to a Feb. 5 press release.
More than 50 stakeholders met Jan. 22-23 in Singapore for a workshop featuring founding members of the GPSNR, the release said. There they aligned on a multi-stakeholder governance structure that includes greater voting power for civil society members, it said.
"This a significant development," said GPSNR Director Stefano Savi. "It's a product of the dedication of all stakeholders to the shared goal of sustainable natural rubber.
"We've seen compromise from all parties, there's a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity that shows there's real commitment to make this work."
The platform places a high priority on recruiting smallholder members, according to the organization. The GPSNR plans to establish a working group to identify and secure adequate smallholder representation, it said.
The GPSNR will put the governance structure forward for adoption at its first-ever general assembly, scheduled for March 21 in Singapore in conjunction with the World Rubber Summit.