Social Sustainability in Focus at the Europe Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue

Paris, France 26 May 2025 – The Annual Europe Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD), organised by Action for Sustainable Derivatives (ASD), IDH, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) convened over 250 stakeholders committed to advancing social sustainability in the palm oil sector. 

The discussion explored critical social issues, including labour rights, fair wages, safe working conditions, grievance policies, gender, and the well-being of local communities, which are strategic pillars of responsible business operations. Not just for growers but also for actors along the supply chain, addressing this through responsible procurement policies and downstream collaboration.

Human rights and social inclusion were key topics in the Dialogue. The sessions covered approaches for smallholder inclusion, fairer work conditions for workers, and the implications of European regulations. Leading voices from the industry, policy, and civil society gathered to explore how companies are working to prevent negative social impacts and create positive outcomes for workers and local communities. 

“Social issues operate in the grey spaces of sustainability,” said Anita Neville, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, Golden Agri Resources (GAR).

Advancing social sustainability means engaging with complex local dynamics — from land rights to labour conditions. The main way forward seems to be a differentiated and tailored response to the actual field approaches, either through specific projects or through the alignment and harmonisation of existing certifications. Several speakers referenced the RSPO Standards, which have continued to evolve to strengthen social sustainability across the supply chain. 

While social issues in the palm oil sector have often received less attention to environmental concerns, they are equally critical. The event raised perspectives from diverse stakeholders who are increasingly seeing social sustainability as essential  – emphasising that long-term business success is intertwined with the wellbeing of workers and communities. “There’s a cascading effect in value chains—everyone has a role to play. It’s not about competition, but about complementing one another to create impact,” Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability, Consumer Goods Forum. 

Challenges continue to persist around land rights, smallholder inclusion, and the effectiveness of social audits. The future lies in integrated, localised, and collaborative approaches that balance human rights, environmental goals, and economic realities.

About SPOD: 

The  Europe Sustainable Palm Oil Dialogue (SPOD) is an annual event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to discuss and drive sustainable practices in the palm oil sector. SPOD aims to foster collaboration and innovation to promote environmental and social responsibility in the palm oil supply chain. 

For more information, kindly contact the organisers: 

ASD – Lenaïg BENJAMIN, ASD Lead Coordinator, at: [email protected]

IDH – Beatrix Richards, Senior Program Manager, at: [email protected]

RSPO – Kimasha Williams, Communications Manager, Europe, at: [email protected]