LONDON, May 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On 18 June 2019, a large international symposium on the impact of sustainability standards takes place in The Hague. In which way do standards have a positive impact on economic, social and environmental issues? What is effective and what is not? Experts will engage the government, business community and civil society in a conversation on the lessons we can learn from existing sustainability initiatives and how can we incorporate these into concrete actions.

In recent years, a great deal of information has emerged about the manner in which sustainability standards can contribute to a fair and sustainable world. This information shows that quality standards are capable of effecting positive change; however, the impacts vary across contexts.

During the 'Global Sustainability Standards Symposium', experts and stakeholders will discuss how to improve the effectiveness of market-driven solutions. In his keynote speech, Arjen Boekhold of Tony's Chocolonely and Game Changer UnLtd will discuss the extent of sustainability issues and how to set priorities. Darrel Webber of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil will outline the current state of affairs and share his vision on the course we need to embark upon.

Other speakers include Laura Jungmann, sustainability manager at Albert Heijn, Andreas Kratz from Fairtade International and Sophie Persey from the Rainforest Alliance. During breakout sessions and discussions, they will share their experiences and expertise on the effects and effectiveness of quality standards on sustainability policy.

The 'Global Sustainability Standards Symposium' is an initiative of the ISEAL Alliance, a membership organisation for credible sustainability standards, and is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attending speakers represent global sustainability standards, governments, academia and the business community.

Find out more about speakers at the symposium.

New website sharing impacts evidence and information

The symposium closes with the launch of a new website, Evidensia. This site contains credible research into the effects and impact of sustainability supply chain tools and approaches. As a key source of evidence and information, Evidensia aims to lead to more informed action and decisions based on credible evidence.

Global Sustainability Standards Symposium

The 'Global Sustainability Standards Symposium' will take place in Madurodam, The Hague, on 18 June. Participation is recommended to anyone from the business community, NGOs, governments and knowledge institutes that are involved in the development and implementation of sustainability policies or quality standards.

More information about the symposium and the registration process is available on the ISEAL website.

About ISEAL

ISEAL is the global membership organisation for sustainability standards and its mission is to strengthen these standards for the benefit of people and the environment. Its membership is open to multi-stakeholder sustainability standards and international accreditation bodies that demonstrate their ability to meet the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice and accompanying requirements and commit to learning and improving.

ISEAL members cover social and environmental sustainability issues – from labour rights and sustainable livelihoods to biodiversity conservation – and are active across a diverse range of sectors. Members include the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Fairtrade International, Alliance for Water Stewardship, Marine Stewardship Council, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Rainforest Alliance and Responsible Jewellery Council.

Visit the ISEAL website for a full list of ISEAL members.

SOURCE ISEAL