InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR — Marking two decades of striving for sustainable palm oil, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) will once again hold its prestigious annual conference RT2025, with the theme “Building the Next 20 Years: Sustainability in Action.” This conference symbolizes RSPO's new determination to go beyond mere discourse towards real action.
RSPO Chief Executive Officer, Joseph (JD) D'Cruz, said, “This conference is not just a discussion forum, but a venue to map the future of a more resilient and inclusive sustainable palm oil industry.” RT2025 will be a meeting point for various global stakeholders—from small farmers, companies, donor institutions, to environmental organizations. D'Cruz emphasized that this moment is very important for the industry facing global pressure on deforestation and product traceability issues.
“We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn pressure into progress. With digital tools, stronger data, and transparent due diligence systems, we can ensure truly measurable sustainability impacts,” he said quoted by InfoSAWIT from RSPO, Monday (3/11/2025) in Kuala Lumpur.
Unlike previous conferences, RT2025 features new more interactive features, such as business matching initiatives to open green investment opportunities, training sessions for small farmers, and immersive spaces showcasing sustainable supply chain innovations. One of the main focuses of the conference is promoting financing for small farmers and ecosystem regeneration.
According to D'Cruz, true sustainability can only be achieved if all parties, including grassroots farmers, get equal access to support and markets. “Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also ensuring human welfare. That is why global partnerships become the main pillar of RSPO's strategy,” he emphasized.
In addition to panel discussions and best practice sharing sessions, RT2025 will also feature the Youth Leaders Forum, which brings together young leaders to help shape the future direction of the sustainable palm oil industry. D
'Cruz concluded with an optimistic message, “As we forge the next two decades, let us make this conference a milestone for real change—building a strong foundation for the planet, humanity, and shared prosperity.” With the spirit of cross-generational collaboration and sustainable innovation, RT2025 is expected to be a starting point for a new phase of global palm oil transformation. (T2)
