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AAK - Sustainability report 2013/2014

This is Global Shea Alliance New members in Global Shea Alliance 22 | AAK Responsible growth ZDVD\HDURIVLJQL¿FDQWJURZWKIRUWKH Global Shea Alliance, and 120 new members were added. The GSA now has 375 members from 25 different countries, including women’s JURXSVQRQSUR¿WV86DQG(XURSHDQIRRG and cosmetic brands, and international oils and fats suppliers. The GSA launched a sustainability program and members are now undertaking projects related to work streams and guidelines developed through a multi-stakeholder process. The program addresses key sustainability challenges including women’s empowerment, decent working conditions, development of local communities, and the protection of ecosystems across the industry. First standard for daily trading To promote quality, the GSA established its ¿UVWVWDQGDUGIRUGDLO\WUDGLQJRINHUQHOVDQG trained 14,876 women collectors in West Africa in best practices for collection, processing, and storage. The GSA, that also promotes shea worldwide, held international conferences in Abuja, Nigeria and New York, NY that attracted 500 participants and also presented at WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative in Geneva. More than 20 articles in international publications referenced GSA efforts this year, including the New York Times, Confectionery News, and Cosmopolitan. The GSA mandate to promote the industry and ensure sustainability and quality is robust and requires collaboration and action by members and stakeholders around the world. In 2014, the GSA needs to continue to expand its initiatives, further engaging women’s groups, food and cosmetic brands, retailers, and governments across Africa. 7KH*OREDO6KHD$OOLDQFHLVDPXOWLVWDNHKROGHUQRQSUR¿WRU- ganization established in 2011 with AAK as one of its founding members. Today, the organization has more than 350 members from 25 different countries. The purpose of the alliance is to drive a competitive and sustainable shea industry worldwide, improving the livelihoods of rural African women and their communities. More information about the Global Shea Alliance can be found at ZZZJOREDOVKHDFRP. Joseph Funt Managing Director Global Shea Alliance “ “


AAK - Sustainability report 2013/2014
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