PALMOILMAGAZINE, WASHINGTON D.C — Palm oil once again captured global attention as, for the first time, the World Bank Group and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) jointly hosted a special seminar titled “Plantation 360: Unlocking Jobs, Innovation, and Climate-Smart Growth.” The event, part of the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the palm oil sector, now being recognized as a key driver of green economic growth and global innovation.
The seminar was chaired by Dr. Wempi Saputra, Executive Director for the South-East Asia Voting Group at the World Bank Group, and brought together leading international figures from academia, industry, and multilateral organizations. The session opened with remarks from Allen Forlemu, Director of Regional Industry FIG Asia & Pacific and Acting Regional Vice President of IFC, followed by a keynote address from Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Distinguished speakers included Izzana Salleh (Secretary-General of CPOPC), George Baxter (University of California), Satya Tripathi (Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet), and James Brooks (Clemson University). Discussions highlighted how the palm oil industry supports more than 24 million jobs worldwide, particularly benefiting smallholders, women, and young people in developing countries.
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Palm Oil as a Pillar of Green Economy and Global Innovation
CPOPC underscored that palm oil has evolved far beyond its outdated image. Today, it serves as a platform for innovation, circular economy development, and climate resilience. Supported by the World Bank—which allocates around US$3 billion annually for climate-smart agriculture—both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to positioning palm oil as a strategic partner in the global green transition.
Beyond its economic role, palm oil remains a foundation of global food security. With the highest productivity among vegetable oils, it provides affordable, nutritious edible fats for billions of people. Its natural antioxidant content and balanced fat composition make it a valuable ingredient for future food innovation.
During the forum, Allen Forlemu emphasized that palm oil is “not merely an agricultural commodity—it is a catalyst for inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable growth.” He highlighted the importance of smart policy frameworks, digital traceability systems, and investment in green technologies to make palm oil a model for sustainable development that balances people, planet, and prosperity.
From Controversy to Climate Solutions
The event in Washington D.C. also marked a turning point in the global perception of palm oil—shifting from a frequently criticized commodity to a recognized climate solution.
Michael Krake, Executive Director for Germany at the World Bank Group, commended CPOPC for its initiative in uniting diverse stakeholders at one table, noting that sustained dialogue is crucial to addressing misconceptions about the palm oil industry.
Meanwhile, Nurdiana Darus from Unilever Indonesia and Rebecca Elmhirst from the University of Glasgow discussed the sector’s strategic role in creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth, and promoting environmentally responsible practices within the industry.
The seminar gathered professionals from multilateral institutions, academia, and the private sector to exchange ideas and develop collaborative solutions for a more sustainable palm oil future.
With international financial institutions like the World Bank now recognizing palm oil’s transformative role and strategic partnerships with CPOPC in place, the commodity has entered a new era—from controversy to becoming a symbol of green transformation, innovation, and inclusive global growth. (P2)
