CFC Side Event at the 37th Governing Council: Introducing the Speakers Driving the Conversation on Smallholder Empowerment
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is pleased to announce the distinguished speakers and expert contributors who will join its Side Event during the 37th Governing Council, dedicated to the theme:
“Empowering Smallholders to Drive Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Commodity Value Chains.”
Smallholders remain central to global commodity production and food systems, yet continue to face persistent challenges in accessing finance, technology, markets, and data. These challenges are compounded by evolving sustainability requirements, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which are reshaping the expectations placed on producers across the Global South. This Side Event aims to foster constructive dialogue, share evidence and best practices, and identify pathways for strengthening smallholder resilience within global value chains.
Keynote & Expert Speakers
Mr. Henrique Choer Moraes
Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil to the Netherlands
A career diplomat since 2004, Mr. Moraes brings extensive experience in economic diplomacy and multilateral negotiations, including leadership in concluding the EU–MERCOSUR trade agreement. His postings span Brazil, New Zealand, Belgium, Uruguay, and key global institutions such as the WTO, WIPO, and the United Nations.
Dr. Cheryl Barr Kumarakulasinghe
Deputy Undersecretary, Strategic Planning & International Division, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
A leading expert in digital governance and sustainability policymaking, Dr. Kumarakulasinghe champions resilience, competitiveness, and cross-sector collaboration within Malaysia’s agricommodity landscape. Malaysia will showcase the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber (MSNR) initiative, a national regulatory and digital framework ensuring deforestation-free, legal, socially compliant and fully traceable natural rubber.
Mrs. Wang Yan
General Manager, Bank of China (Europe) S.A., Rotterdam Branch
With 30 years of experience in corporate banking, international settlement, investment banking, and treasury operations, Mrs. Wang has held senior leadership roles in Singapore and China. She also serves as Vice President of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in the Netherlands.
Prof. Ajay Bailey
Chair in Geographies of Health, Inclusion, and Development, Utrecht University
Prof. Bailey is a global expert on inclusive development, ageing, urban health, and social equity. His work spans India, Bangladesh, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, with decades of experience leading cross-country research teams and strengthening Global South research collaborations.
UNCTAD Presenters
Dr. Mussie Delelegn
Head, Productive Capacities & Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD
With 30 years of experience in trade and development, Dr. Delelegn leads UNCTAD’s work on productive capacities, structural transformation, and the organisation’s flagship Productive Capacities Index (PCI).
Dr. Andrzej Bolesta
Productive Capacities & Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD
An Oxford- and LSE-trained development economist with 25 years of global experience across the UN system, international diplomacy, and academia, Dr. Bolesta has authored multiple books and research papers on development challenges facing LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
Project Showcases
🌱 Kathryn James
Partnerships Manager – Group Sustainability, ETG
Ms. James leads ETG’s sustainability portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa, driving initiatives in regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, green fertilisers, and inclusive supply chains. Her presentation will showcase sustainable farming initiatives for soybeans in Malawi and cashews in Mozambique
🌴 Jan Hein de Vroe
Founder & CEO, Planting Naturals (Goldtree Ltd.)
An entrepreneur with deep experience in organic palm oil production and smallholder systems, Mr. de Vroe has transformed Goldtree into a leading certified organic and fair-trade producer in Sierra Leone.
🤝 Dr. Kamran Shams
CEO, Akhuwat Foundation
A pioneer in interest-free microfinance, Dr. Shams leads Akhuwat—now the world’s largest Islamic microfinance organisation—with over Rs. 160 billion disbursed to 5 million families.
About the Side Event
This Side Event brings together policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and private-sector partners to explore practical approaches for empowering smallholders amid rapidly evolving sustainability and market dynamics. Featuring keynote insights, the launch of the CFC–UNCTAD study, and project showcases from Africa and Asia, the session will examine how smallholders can be supported to meet emerging regulatory requirements, strengthen climate resilience, and take a more active position in global markets. Discussions will highlight innovations such as climate-smart agriculture, regenerative production, traceable supply chains, and inclusive financing mechanisms—each opening new opportunities for producers across the Global South. The dialogue will emphasise collaborative pathways to ensure sustainability transitions are not only effective, but equitable and development-enhancing for the communities at the heart of commodity value chains.
This interactive event is open to all stakeholders committed to building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable commodity systems.
📅 Date: 9 December 2025
🕒 Time: 14:00–16:30 CET
💻 Format: Virtual participation open to all
🔗 Register here: Registration Form Side Event on "Best Practices" (9 December 2025)