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November 25, 2025
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) participated in the 2025 Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 14-17 October. The event brought together representatives from governments, ecolabelling organizations, and international partners to strengthen cooperation and promote credible ecolabelling as a key instrument for advancing sustainable consumption and production (SCP).
The meeting was officially opened by H.E. Abdukhakimov Aziz Abdukaxarovich, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his opening remarks, the Minister emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to being at the forefront of the green economy and invited Uzbek businesses to actively engage in environmental certification efforts. Notably, one local company was formally awarded its ecolabel certification during the event. Uzbekistan has shown strong leadership in Central Asia by explicitly integrating ecolabelling and green public procurement into national legislation. In 2025, Uzbekistan launched the voluntary ecolabel “Yashil Belgi” (Green Mark), developed in accordance with the ISO 14024 standard. Building on this momentum, the Government adopted a resolution in June that encourages certified enterprises by awarding additional points in procurement evaluations, thereby integrating ecolabelling into national procurement systems.
The event brought together ecolabel organizations and government representatives from across Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of GEN members to advancing sustainable consumption and production through strong partnerships and the exchange of good practices. With a focus on emerging markets, participants discussed how ecolabelling can catalyze change by reaching new consumer communities and supporting regional efforts to scale up credible, harmonized, and impactful sustainability initiatives.
UNEP’s 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) Secretariat, has a strong partnership with GEN supporting ecolabelling initiatives. During the event, UNEP emphasized the unique contribution of ecolabels in addressing the triple planetary crisis—biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Ecolabels guide consumers and businesses toward products and services with lower environmental impacts across their life cycles while supporting national and global policy frameworks, including the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Global Framework for Chemicals, and national efforts to advance circular economy and sustainable public procurement (SPP). UNEP also highlighted the importance of engaging consumers and businesses through effective communication strategies that reflect values such as health, quality, and social responsibility. A strong call was made for greater efforts toward regional and global harmonization of ecolabelling schemes to enhance credibility, efficiency, and policy alignment.
Progress under the EcoAdvance project was showcased, a collaborative effort between UNEP, GIZ, and Öko-Institut, receiving financial support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). Key achievements include the Environmental Alliance of the Americas, the first regional initiative to establish a joint programme for ecolabelling and environmental declarations in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as efforts to develop strong ecolabel criteria for products in the building and construction sector in Asia and to leverage them for SPP. A key highlight for the EcoAdvance project was the in-person signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the national ecolabel of Uzbekistan and Japan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Russia, Thailand and Ukraine, as well as the signing of a tri-party Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the national ecolabels of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Singapore on common criteria for cement. Regional harmonization of ecolabels helps streamline procedures for businesses seeking to market products across borders, reduce costs and complexity, and catalyze international trade in environmentally friendly products.
Through continued collaboration with GEN and its members, UNEP remains committed to promoting credible ecolabelling systems that empower consumers, enhance transparency, and accelerate the transition toward sustainable consumption and production globally.
Learn more at UNEP One Planet Network news center.
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November 17, 2025
Copenhagen, 2025 – The Circular & Fair ICT (CFIT) Pact convened participants and partners in Copenhagen for its 2025 meeting, hosted by UNOPS. The gathering underscored how public procurement can shape ICT markets by setting shared expectations and standards.
The CFIT Pact, an action under UNEP's One Planet network’s Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Programme, shows that government spending decisions carry influence beyond individual contracts. By aligning procurement approaches across countries, CFIT creates consistent signals that help direct investment, innovation, and competition in ICT.
A moment of commitment
A key moment was the formal handover of Ireland’s signed CFIT Pact by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). This reinforced Ireland’s commitment to putting sustainable ICT procurement into practice. Anne-Claire Howard, Director of Procurement at UNOPS, opened the meeting with a clear call to action: “Let’s focus on tangible, workable solutions that we can all stand behind and implement. This meeting is our moment to harness the power of this partnership, to forge a common path, and to drive a new standard for the entire sector.”
Advancing and broadening action
Participants advanced work on CFIT’s framework, which covers circularity and critical raw materials, due diligence and transparency, carbon and climate, and chemicals of concern. CFIT resources, including mini-guides and manuals, provide practical tools that help public procurers apply consistent approaches. The meeting also broadened CFIT’s scope. Beyond workplace ICT, the Pact will now address the environmental footprint of data centers and cloud storage.
Responding to new requirements
The meeting addressed changes in the global landscape, including new sustainability and due diligence regulations that affect procurement. CFIT supports members by offering harmonized approaches and shared expertise to meet these requirements more effectively. Participants also heard from Daniel Reid, Head of the Secretariat of the Circular Electronics Partnership (CEP), who shared perspectives on circularity, sourcing, and design challenges across the electronics sector.
Why participation matters
CFIT shows how coordinated procurement can strengthen sustainability in the ICT sector. By joining, participants gain access to shared resources and a network that supports implementation and creates wider market impact.
For more information at One Planet Network news center.
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November 10, 2025
At COP30, UNEP and the 10YFP are elevating sustainable public procurement to the forefront of climate action through two complementary sets of engagements: a cross-cutting programme highlighting public procurement’s role in driving resilient, inclusive transitions, and a dedicated built-environment area showcasing cooperation and solutions for low-carbon and circular construction in the road to a near-zero emission and climate-resilient built environment.
Discover the main events and engagements across COP30 at the One Planet Network website.
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November 3, 2025
Paris, 3 October 2025 - The 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) joined the International Resource Panel’s (IRP) capacity-building meeting for new Panel members. The session brought together scientists, policy practitioners and the 10YFP Secretariat to strengthen the links between research and international action on sustainable consumption and production.
Representing the 10YFP, Jorge Laguna Celis, Head of the 10YFP, presented the programme’s work and priorities, highlighting how the partnership with the IRP has been essential in ensuring that science informs policy and implementation. He underlined how IRP assessments such as the Global Resources Outlook have helped ground 10YFP work and outputs - and how joint initiatives—such as the value-chain approach developed with the IRP—translate scientific methods into practical tools for governments and stakeholders.
“By combining the IRP’s evidence base with the 10YFP’s intergovernmental reach, we can accelerate progress towards SDG 12 and support countries in building more sustainable patterns of consumption and production”, said Laguna Celis.
The event provided an important opportunity to connect with prospective IRP panel members and reaffirm the close cooperation between the two organizations. Moving forward, there remains a consensus between the organizations for advancing the global science–policy interface, ensuring that the authoritative and science-based knowledge of the IRP and international convening power of the 10YFP, work hand in hand to deliver tangible impact on SDG12.
More details at One Planet Network News Center.
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October 27, 2025
This report discusses the use of Type I Ecolabels for green public procurement (GPP) programs, and the use of EPDs in construction projects. It makes a recommendation to include EPDs in Type I Ecolabels for priority construction materials and products such as cement, concrete and steel, to support streamlined and interoperable reporting.
Many governments adopt Type I Ecolabels as a basis for their enterprise-wide green or sustainable procurement policies. Type I Ecolabels are third-party verified labels that indicate a product meets a threshold for specific environmental, and sometimes social, criteria. They streamline GPP and minimize administrative burden and are most often used for enterprise-wide green procurement or Scope 3 reporting.
Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) include an actual measurement of greenhouse gas emissions for the product but they do not include a threshold. Many governments specify the use of EPDs for construction materials to support green project design and infrastructure planning. EPDs are most often used to support whole (construction) project life cycle assessment, and more recently for GPP commitments and product regulations for low-emission materials.
Type I Ecolabels and Type III EPDs are distinct yet compatible environmental reporting instruments. Combining them can reduce reporting burden by supporting both enterprise-wide GPP and green building programs.
The document was developed with support from UNIDO and the Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI), with contributions from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) One Planet Network and EcoAdvance project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), and Three Pillars Consulting (TPC), and in consultation with IDDI member governments.
Learn more details at the One Planet Network news center.
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October 23, 2025
Paris, 2025 – The Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) of the One Planet Network Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Programme convened in Paris on 3 July 2025 to strengthen collaboration, align strategic priorities, and define next steps to scale implementation. Hosted by the 10YFP Secretariat alongside the programme co-leads: China Environmental United Certification Center under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Directorate: Sustainability (Integration & Reporting) of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning.
The meeting brought together key partners to discuss strategies for positioning sustainable public procurement more prominently in global policy agendas. The discussions focused on reinforcing shared priorities across the SPP Programme, identifying synergies among partner initiatives, and outlining actions to better integrate SPP into global frameworks such as the Climate COP30, UNEA-7 and broader sustainable development and financing agendas. Participants reaffirmed their recognition of public procurement not only as a technical function but also as a strategic instrument with immense potential for delivering sustainability outcomes.
Participants underscored the importance of life-cycle approaches and cross-sectoral planning, especially in complex supply chains such as infrastructure and electronics. The discussions identified opportunities to ensure greater alignment and cooperation, particularly in addressing institutional fragmentation, enhancing reporting on SPP under SDG 12.7, and strengthening coordination between procurement authorities and sectoral ministries. The meeting highlighted practical entry points for action. Sustainable Public Food Procurement, particularly through school meal programmes, was recognized as a growing area of interest.
A set of proposed activity areas to guide future collaboration merged from the meeting discussions. These include enhanced technical support to Member States, stronger alignment across SPP Programme partners and UNEP, and efforts to raise the Programme’s visibility and influence in global sustainability processes. The meeting reaffirmed SPP’s role as a strategic driver of public sector transformation and sustainability action worldwide.
The SPP Programme extends its sincere thanks to all MAC members and partners for their continued support, and to those who joined the meeting in person in Paris or online, including the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority of Kenya, the Procurement Policy Office of Mauritius, the National Development Unit of the Ministry of National Infrastructure of Mauritius, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands (DG Rijkswaterstaat), the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Senegal, the City of Malmö, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
For more details at UNEP One Planet Network news center.
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October 20, 2025
Sustainability challenges are prompting us to rethink how we design, use, and dispose of our IT devices. This comprehensive guide explores the concept of circular IT, providing actionable insights to help you extend the lifespan of products, reduce e-waste, and lower your climate impact.
Climate change, resource depletion and the e-waste crisis — the world’s fastest-growing waste stream — are interconnected issues that are worsened by our tendency to treat electronic devices as short-lived consumables. The need for a circular approach to IT has never been more pressing, and many developments are happening in this area.
The guide “What and how: Circularity and IT products” is packed with expert knowledge and practical strategies for implementing circular, more responsible practices.
-From today to 2033: the shift from linear to circular
-Roadmap for Sustainable IT
-Reducing e-waste — the world’s fastest-growing waste stream
-Key factors for repairability in practice
-Circular criteria in TCO Certified
-Circular procurement in five steps
Whether you’re an IT buyer, manufacturer, or sustainability advocate, this guide is an essential tool for driving change. Download it now and get to the next level of circular IT.
More details at One Planet Network Knowledge Center.
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October 15, 2025
In Geneva at the World Resources Forum, Jorge Laguna Celis, Head of the One Planet Network (OPN), delivered a keynote address underscoring the urgency of accelerating circular and sustainable solutions.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Laguna Celis stressed that the world has a unique window of opportunity: to deliver solutions at scale that use fewer resources while providing greater benefits for people and planet. He noted that advancing circularity across industries is not optional—it is essential to achieving global sustainability targets and building resilience for future generations.
During his address, he set out four key priorities that should guide the transition:
-Design for enough, not more
-Harness AI & Digitalization to scale up circular economy solutions
-Compare, value and measure circular economy at business level
-Mobilize capital at scale and create markets that reward circularity
These actions, he emphasized, will help unlock innovation and create new opportunities for economies to grow within planetary boundaries. They will also help ensure that people everywhere can enjoy improved wellbeing, while industries reduce waste and dependence on scarce resources.
Mr. Laguna Celis thanked the World Resources Forum for convening such an important dialogue, bringing together leaders and stakeholders committed to addressing the challenges of resource efficiency, circularity, and sustainability. He highlighted the importance of platforms like the Forum to foster collaboration and accelerate the shift toward greater patterns of sustainable consumption and production worldwide.
Watch his full opening remarks here: Grand Opening & Keynotes.
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October 10, 2025
The European Union has launched a public consultation for its upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA), a key step in its push towards a more circular economic model. The initiative invites businesses, civil society, and citizens globally to provide input on a new framework for sustainable production.
A New Market for Circularity
The European Commission plans to propose a Circular Economy Act to enhance the EU’s economic security and competitiveness, while promoting more sustainable production, circular economy business models, and decarbonization. The Act will facilitate the free movement of ‘circular’ products, secondary raw materials, and waste. It will also increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate demand for these materials in the EU.
The CEA will build on existing frameworks with the objective of creating a robust single market for secondary raw materials. It aims to increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate market demand, making them a more viable alternative to virgin resources.
Key areas under discussion include:
Design for Circularity: The Act will explore comprehensive obligations for product design, making goods easier to repair, reuse, and recycle.
"Right to Repair": The CEA is expected to strengthen "Right to Repair" initiatives, ensuring consumer access to affordable spare parts and repair services.
Sustainable Public Procurement: The consultation is gathering input on how governments can use public procurement to actively create a market for circular products and services.
Stakeholder Engagement
The consultation has already seen a proactive response from industry. Businesses and industry associations are engaging directly to help draft workable legislation.
"This is a crucial moment for businesses to get ahead of the curve," a representative from a leading European business association stated. "By providing feedback now, companies can ensure the final legislation is both ambitious and practical, setting a level playing field that rewards innovation in circular business models."
The CEA’s focus on harmonization also aims to simplify compliance for companies operating across multiple Member States, reducing administrative burdens and creating a clear pathway for circular innovations to scale.
How to Respond
The public consultation for the Circular Economy Act is open to a broad range of stakeholders, both within and outside the EU.
Who Can Respond?
Businesses and Industry Associations: All companies are welcome to provide input on how new rules will affect their operations.
NGOs and Environmental Groups: These organizations ensure the Act is ambitious and delivers on its environmental goals.
Government Authorities: National, regional, and local governments are invited to share their experiences.
Academics and Researchers: Researchers and universities are encouraged to provide evidence-based feedback.
Individual Citizens: Anyone with an interest in product durability, the right to repair, or waste reduction can share their opinion.
How to Take Part
Respondents can participate through the European Commission's official "Have Your Say" portal. This is the centralized platform where all feedback is collected. The portal provides a structured questionnaire and allows for the submission of supporting documents.
The public consultation is open until November 6, 2025.
To take part in the consultation, please visit the official "Have Your Say" portal here.
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