FACT Forum 2025: Malaysia To Take Up Co-chair Role From Indonesia

April event will focus on enhancing support for smallholder farmers

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (14 April 2025) – The 2025 forum of the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue, scheduled for 14–17 April at the Pulse Grande Hotel in Putrajaya, Malaysia, marks the transition of the co-chair role from Indonesia to Malaysia.

Its theme, Enhancing Support for Smallholder Farmers, builds on work already undertaken across the FACT Dialogue and the 2024 Forum in Bali, and will be dedicated to advancing a broad range of scalable best practices for smallholder farmers across all thematic areas of FACT.

The Dialogue was launched at the 26th annual UN climate conference (COP26) in 2021 by the United Kingdom—the conference’s president—and Indonesia; the two governments became FACT’s first co-chairs.

The 28-country strong, government-to-government dialogue brings together the largest producers and consumers of internationally traded agricultural commodities (such as palm oil, soya, cocoa, beef, and timber) to protect forests and other ecosystems while promoting sustainable trade and development and addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

UK Minister for Climate, Kerry McCarthy, said: “Developing sustainable trade should mean growth and opportunity for all those along the supply chain, especially smallholder farmers who are key drivers of change in the transition to a sustainable food system. This year’s FACT Forum will put tackling the challenges smallholders face at the heart of the discussion.

“I thank Indonesia for co-chairing the FACT Dialogue and welcome Malaysia as our new co-chair. Malaysia is making strides to demonstrate that economic growth does not need to come at the expense of forests or livelihoods.”

Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, said: “The FACT Dialogue represents a renewed commitment by the world’s largest producing and consuming countries of internationally traded agricultural commodities to collaborate in promoting sustainable development and trade, while preserving our forests and ecosystems.

“It underscores the ongoing dedication to strengthening partnerships, fostering innovation, and advancing policies that prioritize smallholders’ empowerment. By integrating them into sustainable supply chains, we are not only securing their livelihoods but also strengthening the foundation of global agriculture.

“As it is crucial to bring fresh perspectives and energy to ensure the continuity of this initiative, Indonesia is pleased to announce its transition from the role of co-chair and proudly passes the honour on to Malaysia.”

Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities, said: “Malaysia is honoured to co-chair the FACT Dialogue for 2025–2026 and is committed to advancing the Roadmap for Action,” he said. “As a key global commodity player, we recognize the need to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. Our approach is built on Shared Responsibility, Shared Prosperity, Towards Sustainability.

“Malaysia will showcase our robust sustainability framework and advocate for international recognition of our national sustainability standards such as MSPO (Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil), MSNR (Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber), and MTCS (Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme).”

As a crucial milestone on the road to the upcoming UN climate conference, COP30, the Forum will focus on unlocking access to finance, strengthening land tenure security, and integrating smallholder farmers into global markets. It seeks to deepen collaboration between Dialogue partners and develop actionable recommendations to ensure that smallholder farmers remain central to the global shift toward sustainable food systems.

© Scoop Media