Launch of the New UNFSS Website

The United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) recently unveiled its newly designed website.  The newly revamped website, which was launched last month, has been optimized for easier access to information, improved functionality, and enriched content areas. The website aims to become a hub  that provides information on the potential value of voluntary standards for a more equitable, fair and sustainable development.

As a public online platform, the UNFSS website intends to increase understanding stimulate the dialogue among partners, and support national multi-stakeholders initiatives on Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS). VSS are guidelines or principles that producers, traders, manufacturers, retailers or service providers follow which relate to a wide range of sustainability metrics such as occupational health, safety, environmental protection.

The website also offers tactile news content on how VSS can open markets, strengthen the quality of  goods, promote sustainability along  value chains, and drive towards sustainable practices. VSS has the potential to positively contribute to countries’ national target goals for sustainability and ultimately help reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Furthermore, the website provides a brand-new space for UNFSS Members and partners to showcase their work. New features such as Projects of UN Partner Agencies, National Platforms or Spotlight on our Partners  will help disseminate the information in a timely and efficient manner.

UNFSS is a platform which helps producers, traders, consumers, standard-setters, certification-bodies, trade diplomats, non-governmental organizations and researchers to discuss amongst each other on, to learn and understand more about VSS, and influence decision makers at the intergovernmental level. UNFSS also aims to provide impartial information, analysis, and discussions on VSS.

The new website will be regularly updated with news events, announcements, and special spotlight features. Visitors are encouraged to explore the website and sign up for the mailing list to receive direct emails.

The United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) is a joint initiative of 5 UN Agencies (FAO, ITC, UNCTAD, UN Environment and UNIDO) that seeks to address these challenges. It is a demand-driven forum for intergovernmental actors to communicate among each other and engage with key target groups (producers, traders, consumers, standard-setters, certification-bodies, trade diplomats, relevant NGOs and researchers) to address their information needs and influence concerned stakeholders. It aims to provide impartial information, analysis, and discussions on VSS and their potential contribution to facilitate market access, strengthen public goods and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most importantly, the UNFSS focuses on potential trade or development obstacles VSS may create, with particular emphasis on their impact on SMEs and less developed countries.

%d