The STDF has released its Annual Report for 2024, marking a significant year as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. The report details progress in strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities in developing countries and integrating gender and environmental issues into its initiatives. An external evaluation of the STDF's performance is also included.
In 2024, the STDF advanced SPS measures across 11 countries and supported legislative, regulatory, and policy changes in 19 countries. It also initiated work on public-private partnerships, digitalization, SPS e-certification, and cross-cutting issues.
Some notable achievements include a spices project in India that improved safety and quality standards, enabling over 80% of tested spices to meet Codex Alimentarius Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This has facilitated access to premium markets. In Guinea, an STDF project strengthened the country's phytosanitary system, securing EU market approval for mango exports and increasing potato production by 112%, opening new opportunities for agricultural exports.
The organization continued addressing gender challenges according to its Gender Action Plan. Gender analyses were conducted in over ten countries to identify needs and opportunities for enhancing gender equality in SPS capacity development. Additionally, the STDF published an assessment on environment-related factors like biodiversity and climate resilience within its projects.
An external evaluation conducted in May 2024 confirmed the ongoing relevance of the STDF’s work with stakeholders expressing high satisfaction with its progress. This evaluation contributed to developing a new Strategy for 2025-2030 alongside founding partners, donors, experts from developing countries, and others involved with the STDF.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General said: “The STDF has been at the forefront of creating pathways to ensure that trade is both safe and sustainable... Over the past two decades... generating higher earnings... driving inclusive development.”
As aid landscapes change globally, the STDF remains committed to supporting developing nations through innovative SPS solutions ensuring inclusive trade benefits everyone involved.
The annual report is available online for viewing or download.
The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership established by several international organizations including FAO of UN; WOAH; World Bank Group; WHO; managed by WTO aiming towards safe inclusive trading practices supporting UN's Global Goals concerning economic growth poverty reduction food security climate resilience among other objectives.