- CPOPC Secretary General Rizal Affandi Lukman highlighted palm oil’s crucial contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals at a recent UN meeting;
- His speech highlighted palm oil’s role in SDG 13 (Climate Action), noting that Indonesia’s palm-based renewables have reduced CO2 emissions by 34.9 million tons;
- He also noted the broader contribution to other SDGs including climate action, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
Secretary General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Rizal Affandi Lukman highlighted the crucial role of palm oil in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a recent event at the United Nations in New York.
Speaking at the UN High Political Forum for Sustainable Development 2024, Pak Rizal emphasized the palm oil industry’s significant contribution to environmental sustainability and the global economy. He particularly focused on the industry’s role in achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action) and its interconnections with other SDGs.
“Biodiesel from palm oil can contribute to SDG 13 by offering renewable energy alternatives that can reduce overall carbon emissions, especially in the transportation sector,” Lukman stated. The former Indonesian Deputy of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs also highlighted Indonesia’s use of biodiesel, which has reached 14 million kL as part of its renewable energy realization.
The share of renewables in the Indonesian energy mix is likely to track higher as its biodiesel blending mandate increases going forward.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond environmental benefits. Lukman pointed out that “This program not only contributes to SDG 13, but also to poverty reduction (SDG 1) and decent job creation and economic growth (SDG 8).” In 2023 alone, Indonesia’s biodiesel program created over 1.1 million on-farm jobs and 12,000 off-farm jobs, while reducing approximately 34.9 million tons of CO2 emissions through the B35 initiative.
Lukman also highlighted palm oil’s efficiency, noting that 6,000 liters of biodiesel per hectare can drive a car for 109,000 kilometers. This efficiency makes palm oil a valuable resource in the fight against climate change and in supporting sustainable development.
Pak Rizal emphasized the industry’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “In Indonesia, ISPO certification is mandatory for all types of plantations, with the principle of transparency applied in the latest updates.”
Representing over 20 million palm oil workers in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras, including 3 million smallholders, Lukman called for international cooperation and recognition of the progress made by palm oil-producing countries in maintaining sustainability standards and promoting innovative policies to achieve the SDGs.
“We believe this forum is relevant to strengthen our voices, the voices of smallholders, farmers, workers, and SDGs champions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras,” Lukman concluded, emphasizing the importance of investing in research and development for low-emission palm oil production and supporting smallholders in implementing climate-friendly practices.”