For many years, sustainable palm oil has focused primarily on certification, traceability and reducing deforestation. Today, however, the discussion is shifting towards a broader question: how can we work together to build supply chains that are resilient to economic, social and environmental change? That theme ran throughout the programme.

Climate, nature and people

SPOD centred on three interconnected themes: climate, nature and people. Discussions explored the impact of climate change on palm oil production, the protection of nature and biodiversity, and the position of farmers, workers and local communities within the supply chain. Speakers emphasised that these issues cannot be addressed in isolation. Building a future-proof palm oil sector requires solutions that are both environmentally and socially sustainable.

An evolving international landscape

The conference also highlighted the rapidly changing international landscape. New European legislation, including the EUDR, is presenting companies with fresh challenges in areas such as traceability, due diligence, risk management and the role of smallholder farmers within global supply chains. At the same time, geopolitical developments, shifting trade flows and increasing climate risks are creating additional uncertainty. Many participants agreed that these challenges can only be addressed through closer collaboration between businesses, governments, civil society organisations and producing countries.

Building resilience

A recurring theme throughout the conference was how sustainability can go hand in hand with economic resilience. The discussion extended beyond deforestation-free production to include income security, climate adaptation, and investment in the productivity and resilience of producers. The role of smallholder farmers was repeatedly identified as a critical factor in the success of future sustainability efforts.

From sustainable production to resilient landscapes

Several sessions highlighted how sustainability is no longer viewed solely through the lens of individual companies or certification schemes. Increasingly, attention is shifting towards a landscape approach that integrates agricultural production, nature conservation, climate objectives and socio-economic development. There is growing recognition that the challenges facing the sector can only be addressed through shared responsibility for the future of the supply chain.

Solidaridad: investing in resilient farmers and supply chains

One of the organisations that strongly emphasised this transition was Solidaridad. According to Marieke Leegwater, the sector has made significant progress in advancing sustainable palm oil over the past decade. At the same time, she believes that the next phase of sustainability will increasingly focus on resilience - helping farmers cope with climate change, rising input costs, and growing market and regulatory demands. Solidaridad is therefore investing heavily in strengthening the resilience of farming systems through regenerative agricultural practices, improved soil health and more efficient use of agricultural inputs.

Shared responsibility

Solidaridad also stressed the importance of shared responsibility across the supply chain. According to Leegwater, the investments needed to drive further sustainability cannot rest solely with farmers. Businesses, civil society organisations and other supply chain partners must work together to invest in a future-proof palm oil sector. This message echoed a broader discussion throughout SPOD: how both the costs and the benefits of sustainability can be shared more fairly across the supply chain. At a time when the sector is facing new legislation, climate challenges and economic uncertainty, that debate is more relevant than ever.