Ireland contributes EUR 200,000 to advance safe and inclusive trade in developing countries

This contribution will enable the STDF's global partnership to deliver on its new Strategy for 2025-2030 "Facilitating Safe Trade to Meet Global Goals", which focuses on strengthening SPS capacity as a pathway to safer and more inclusive trade. It will support the STDF's efforts to enhance food safety, and animal and plant health systems in countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean so that producers and traders, including women and youth, can unlock market opportunities and benefit more from global agri-food trade.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "My sincere thanks to Ireland for this important contribution, which will contribute to strengthening SPS systems in developing and least-developed countries, enabling farmers and producers to meet international standards, reduce trade barriers and connect to global markets. By advancing safer food and more resilient agricultural practices, Ireland’s support will translate into higher incomes, healthier communities and more sustainable trade."

Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, stated: "Supporting the STDF is an investment in safer food systems, stronger economies and more inclusive trade. I am pleased that this contribution demonstrates Ireland’s long-standing commitment to prioritising those furthest behind, as well as to building a fairer and more sustainable global trading system."

The STDF's work aligns with Ireland's development cooperation programme priorities on food systems strengthening, health and gender equality, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The STDF’s Gender Action Plan promotes inclusive approaches that benefit women and men equally across agricultural value chains. In Senegal, for instance, a project is integrating gender considerations into SPS capacity development, enabling women – who play significant roles in agricultural value chains – to actively participate in enhancing export potential.

In today’s world where climate change, conflict and insecurity continue to make people increasingly vulnerable, strengthening SPS capacity for safe trade facilitation offers a pathway to sustain development and growth across communities and in developing countries worldwide.

To date, the STDF has funded more than 260 projects benefiting developing countries. Eligible countries are encouraged to apply for STDF project and project preparation grants. Details on how to apply are available here.

The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes safe and inclusive trade. It was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO, which houses and manages the partnership.

In support of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STDF responds to evolving SPS needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and resilience to climate change.