An interdisciplinary conference on Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) will take place in Leuven, Belgium, on the 27th and 28th of October 2026. The conference will provide a space for researchers and experts to reflect on the changing role of VSS, with particular attention to new challenges, adaptation and future pathways. The conference comes at a time when the global sustainability governance landscape is evolving rapidly. Recent UNFSS discussions have highlighted how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) are increasingly interacting with new regulatory
April 20, 2026
UNFSS Welcomes New Members, Strengthening Global Expertise on Sustainable Standards The United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) has expanded its global network with the addition of new institutional and academic members, reinforcing its role as a leading intergovernmental platform on Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS). The latest developments include the accession of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to the UNFSS Steering Committee and the appointment of new experts to its Academic Advisory Council (AAC). ILO Joins UNFSS Steering Committee, Reinforcing Social Sustainability The
June 3, 2025
As global trade evolves, so does the responsibility it carries. The latest UNCTAD report, “The Future of Sustainable Trade: Due diligence initiatives, voluntary sustainability standards and developing countries”, paints a picture of a world where sustainability is no longer optional—it’s becoming a requirement and ethical imperative. At the heart of this transformation is the rise of mandatory due diligence regulations. Countries, particularly developed ones, are enacting laws that require companies to ensure their supply chains are free from environmental harm
May 19, 2025
This article builds upon the discussions that were held at the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council meeting 2025, 31st March and 1st of April 2025, at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) . The global sustainability governance landscape is rapidly transforming. A new global order is emerging, more fragmented in nature and shaped by regulatory approaches. New due diligence now requires businesses to ensure their supply chains do not harm people or the planet. These laws require companies to
February 14, 2024
In a stride towards fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enriching sustainability discourse, the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council unveils new leadership and a distinguished addition. Committed to advancing sustainability expertise, the council welcomes fresh perspectives to drive meaningful progress. Reflecting the UNFSS’s commitment to robust research in the domain of sustainability standards and global value chains, the Academic Advisory Council (AAC) stands as a cornerstone in advancing understanding and effectiveness of sustainability standards. Comprising renowned academic experts from diverse disciplines worldwide, the AAC functions
December 11, 2023
In a groundbreaking gathering of minds, the 3rd International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards (ICSTS) held in New Delhi, India, set the stage for global collaboration in the realm of sustainability standards. The convention, themed “Policy Dialogue on Sustainability Standards as a Tool for Advancing Global Sustainability Goals,” witnessed a convergence of over 400 participants from diverse sectors, shaping a vision that leverages the power of Solidarity, Support, Strength, and Synergy—dubbed the 4 S’s. At the 3rd ICSTS, these four pillars
November 30, 2023
This article builds upon the discussions that were held at the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council annual meeting 2023, 12 October 2023, European University Institute (EUI). Due diligence regulatory initiatives have been proliferating recently around the globe, aiming to advance the sustainability agenda through global value chains governance. Due diligence is an on-going, proactive and reactive process through which companies need to identify and address actual or potential risks in order to prevent or mitigate risks of contributing to adverse impacts associated
October 26, 2023
3rd International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards, November 2-3, 2023 Policy Dialogue on Sustainability Standards as a Tool for Advancing Global Sustainability Goals Organised by the India National Platform on Private Sustainability Standard, Hosted by Quality Council of India, in collaboration with United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards The 3rd ICSTS is in continuation to the line of activities of Indian platform on sustainability standards that aims to bring together experts and practitioners to discuss innovative ideas, best practices, policies and
October 9, 2023
This article delves into the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) proposal and probes the prospective role that Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can play, potentially offering existing structured frameworks for due diligence obligations, including commitment, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, communication and remediation infrastructures. The article, presented in a series of articles by UNFSS, highlights how certification processes can support the implementation of due diligence obligations to ensure sustainability in global value chains. Currently, about 70 per cent of international
September 21, 2023
This article delves into the European Union’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) and probes the prospective role that Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can play, potentially offering avenues for collecting information, risk evaluation, mitigation, monitoring, and assurance. The article highlights how certification processes can support enhancing supply chain transparency and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities, ultimately aligning with the due diligence needs. Deforestation is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment, biodiversity, and climate change. The United Nations Food
