WBCSD Asia Pacific

Many global companies rely on goods produced in the region. Security of supply and mounting requirements for supply chain transparency means that global businesses need to collaborate with suppliers from the region. Ensuring economic growth while preserving the environment and supporting local communities is of particular importance because the region is home to the 5^th and 7^th world largest rainforests. Managing these landscapes are essential for global climate and biodiversity conservation

In addition, many countries of the region have an agriculture-based economy, with low-lying lands, dense population and fragile ecosystems, making them vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

With its fast-growing middle class and population of 880 million, Asia Pacific’s economic power is growing and is  a vital area for commodities production and trade with world-leading positions in goods such as coffee (Vietnam #2 and Indonesia #4 in the world), sugar, palm oil (#1), cocoa and rice. Because business cannot succeed in societies that fail, it’s therefore crucial to help those regional companies integrate a sustainable approach and impact their actions to deliver the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.

The purpose of the Asia Pacific office is to support more effectively WBCSD Members and projects in the region. With the Singapore office, WBCSD is in a better position to understand regional and national specificities, business priorities and practices, political and regulatory landscape and learn from cultural diversity and perspectives of local communities. This knowledge shall be directed back to WBCSD with the aim to enhance the quality and relevance of the global programs and develop global solutions with local adaptations.

Currently, three WBCSD global projects are being either run or supported out of Singapore: the Tire Industry Project’s funded Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), the Global Agribusiness Alliance and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. We also partner with organizations such as UN ESCAP and UN HABITAT on the future of Asian cities and proactively convene and facilitate regional dialogues and workshops in line with WBCSD work programs.