TIANJIN, 17 September 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today convened the United Nations Forum on Sustainable Production and Procurement during the 2026 Global Low-Carbon and Green Development Exhibition and Conference in Tianjin.
Organized on behalf of the United Nations in China under the Planet Results Group of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the Forum brought together representatives from government, United Nations agencies, the private sector, academia, development partners and civil society to explore how sustainable production and procurement can accelerate green transformation, strengthen competitiveness and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At a time when the world faces mounting climate, biodiversity and resource challenges, participants examined the role of sustainable production and procurement in driving industrial upgrading, promoting responsible business practices, strengthening sustainable supply chains and supporting a more inclusive transition to a low-carbon future. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and the increasing demand for sustainability across global markets.
The Forum also served as a platform to showcase the collective efforts of the United Nations system in China in supporting sustainable economic transformation through policy innovation, partnership-building, capacity development and knowledge sharing. Organized under the framework of the UNSDCF Planet Results Group, the event demonstrated how different UN agencies are working together to advance climate action, responsible consumption and production, biodiversity conservation, sustainable finance and inclusive development.
Opening the Forum, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP in China, emphasized that sustainable production and procurement should be viewed not simply as operational processes, but as strategic tools for shaping markets and driving economic transformation.
“Sustainable production and procurement are essential to building more resilient, and competitive economies,” said Liller. “They influence both what products are made and how they are made. They shape which technologies are adopted, where investment flows, and ultimately, the kind of future we create for generations to come.”
Discussions examined practical approaches across sustainable sourcing, circular economy models, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, green finance, low-carbon technologies and international sustainability standards. Participants also considered how governments, businesses, international organizations and consumers can work together to translate sustainability commitments into changes across markets and supply chains.
A central theme was the growing role of procurement in shaping demand. By incorporating environmental and social considerations into purchasing decisions, governments, companies and other major buyers can help create markets for sustainable products and services, encourage investment in greener technologies and support businesses in improving their sustainability performance.
China’s position as a major manufacturing economy and an important part of global supply chains also featured prominently during the forum. Participants highlighted both the opportunities created by growing global demand for sustainable products and the importance of ensuring that enterprises of different sizes are able to adapt to evolving sustainability requirements.
Particular attention was given to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women-owned businesses, which can face greater challenges in accessing finance, technical expertise and international markets. Supporting these businesses to participate in greener supply chains was highlighted as an important part of ensuring that the transition is both competitive and inclusive.
The Forum also showcased examples of ongoing work by UNDP and other United Nations agencies in China to support more sustainable economic models through policy advice, capacity development, partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Among these is UNDP’s Sustainable Procurement Project in Qingpu District, Shanghai, launched in 2021, which has worked with enterprises and partners to strengthen sustainability practices and advance progress towards SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production.
Reflecting on UNDP's more than four decades of partnership with China, in his remarks Liller also emphasized the organization's long-standing support for renewable energy commercialization, hydrogen and fuel-cell innovation, emissions trading, biodiversity finance, nature-based solutions and sustainable resource management.
“Markets matter. Investment matters. And the signals that shape markets matter. Sustainable procurement is one of the strongest signals available.”
As the world moves closer to the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, the Forum reaffirmed the commitment of UNDP and the wider United Nations system in China to support policies, partnerships and market-based solutions that advance sustainable production and procurement while contributing to a greener, more resilient and more inclusive future.
