Read the latest sustainability news from the United Nations, the European Union, and Spain.
UN Global Compact: New Strategy to Maximize China’s Contribution to SDGs
The recently published UN Global Compact China Strategy seeks “to unlock the potential of business and other stakeholders to maximize their impact on the SDGs and contribute to sustainable development in China and the rest of the world”.
The strategy identifies seven key areas:
- Combat climate change,
- Reduce inequality,
- Take collective actions against corruption to further SDG 16,
- Advance decent work,
- Engage private sector through the Belt and Road Initiative to accelerate the SDGs,
- Strengthen South-South cooperation through China-Africa business collaboration on the SDGs,
- Foster business innovation and SDG partnerships through the Global Development Initiative.
The strategy’s five key enablers are membership strategy, stakeholder engagement, fundraising strategy, marketing and communications strategy, and organizational development.
EU: Ban of Products Made with Forced Labor on the EU Market
On September 14, 2022, the European Commission proposed to prohibit products made with forced labor on the EU market. The proposal covers all products, namely those made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, and imported goods, without targeting specific companies or industries.
The proposal now needs to be discussed and agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can enter into force. It will apply 24 months after its entry into force.
The Commission will also issue guidelines within 18 months from the entry into force of this Regulation. The guidelines will include forced labor due diligence guidance and information on risk indicators of forced labor. The new EU Forced Labor Product Network will serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between competent authorities and the Commission.
EU: CAP at a Glance
The new common agricultural policy (CAP) is due to begin in January.
The CAP is intended to support farmers and ensure Europe’s food security. To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.
In June 2018, the European Commission presented legislative proposals for a new CAP, which outlined the incorporation of the sustainable ambitions of the European Green Deal.
After extensive negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, the new CAP was formally adopted on December 2, 2021, and is now due to be implemented as of January 1, 2023.
EU: Environmental Law, Implementation Review 2022
Approved by the European Commission on September 8, 2022, the environmental implementation review is a regular cycle of analysis, dialogue and collaboration to improve the implementation of EU environmental policy and law in EU member countries.
The 2022 EIR will consist of:
- 27 country reports on the progress by each EU country in complying with the main environmental obligations, and
- a policy paper identifying the common challenges and priority actions for all countries.
EU: Recycled Plastic in Food Packaging
On September 15, 2022, the European Commission adopted updated food safety rules on recycled plastic in food packaging. EU rules require individual authorizations for plastic recycling processes.
This amendment sets out:
- transitional provisions,
- provisions for the appropriate evaluation of non-PET materials (i.e., without polyethylene terephthalate), and
- clear obligations for operators and competent authorities.
Spain: New Nutritional and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines
On September 16, 2022, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), Ministry of Health, published a list of essential foods for a quality, healthy and sustainable shopping basket. The document features selected products and recommendations on their consumption in daily meals.
In terms of nut consumption, the guidelines indicate that:
- nuts belong to the group of foods with a lower environmental impact,
- can be consumed with the three meals of the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a snack between meals,
- nut consumption can be daily, but needs to be adjusted to the caloric expenditure,
- nuts are recognized as a healthy source of protein.
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