InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), an organization established by Indonesia and Malaysia to promote cooperation in the palm oil sector, has launched the second batch of its Young Elaeis Ambassadors (YEAs) program. This initiative aims to involve young people in dispelling negative stereotypes about palm oil, often labeled as environmentally unfriendly.
At the launch event held in Jakarta on Friday, CPOPC Secretary-General Rizal Affandi Lukman highlighted that misconceptions about palm oil, such as being a primary cause of deforestation and forest fires, are frequently baseless.
“These young ambassadors are on a mission to convey to the world that palm oil can be managed sustainably,” Rizal stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT via Antara on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
The YEAs program targets youth aged 17-30 who are adept at using social media. Rizal emphasized that social media is an effective platform for spreading messages about sustainability and reshaping public perceptions of the palm oil industry.
“We deeply appreciate the enthusiasm of these young ambassadors. By expanding the program’s reach, we hope to shift negative perceptions of palm oil,” he added.
This year, the program extends beyond palm oil-producing countries like Nigeria to include major importers such as the Netherlands and the United States. This expansion aims to combat discrimination against palm oil, particularly in the European Union market, which has historically promoted “no palm oil” labels.
“The trend of such labeling is declining, indicating that sustainability campaigns are yielding positive results,” Rizal remarked.
For YEAs Batch 2, the assessment categories have been expanded to four:
- Smallholder – Focusing on small farmers and their contributions to sustainability.
- Reuse and Recycle – Highlighting recycling initiatives for palm oil-based products.
- Health and Nutrition – Showcasing the health and nutritional benefits of palm oil.
- Climate Action – Addressing climate change impacts through sustainable palm oil management.
Previously, only three main categories were evaluated: Smallholder, Sustainability, and Recycle Economy.
Lusita, a YEA from Indonesia, expressed how the program has deepened her understanding of the importance of the palm oil industry.
“I want young people to realize palm oil’s role in the local economy and sustainability. I’m proud to share this positive narrative on my social media,” she said.
Izzuddin Bin Tuah from Malaysia shared a similar sentiment, noting that the program provided an opportunity to network and learn from other countries.
“We’re not only learning about palm oil but also how to protect the ecosystems around us,” he said.
Juliette Martinez from Honduras reflected on the program’s global perspective.
“This opportunity is invaluable for learning and sharing with my community. I hope young people worldwide become more aware of sustainability,” Juliette added.
Registration for YEAs Batch 2 opened on November 22, 2024, and will remain open until June 30, 2025. Winners will be announced on November 21, 2025.
Participating countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, Colombia, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Thailand, India, China, Pakistan, and various European and American nations.
CPOPC remains committed to strengthening palm oil’s position as an environmentally friendly and economically vital commodity. By engaging youth, the YEAs program is expected to be a driving force in addressing global challenges against palm oil.
Through education and collaboration, the initiative aims not only to shift negative perceptions but also to highlight the benefits of sustainably managed palm oil. With such efforts, the future of palm oil looks brighter, bringing positive impacts to the global economy, environment, and communities. (T2)
