By helping developing economies to meet international SPS standards set by Codex, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) - referenced in the WTO SPS Agreement - the strategy continues to unlock economic opportunities by facilitating greater participation in global trade.

Developed in collaboration with the STDF’s global partnership, the strategy sets out a roadmap to enhance SPS capacity, drive impact and results and promote sustainable solutions. Considering emerging challenges and opportunities shaping SPS capacity and trade facilitation such as digitalization, climate change, agrifood system transformations and regional integration, the new strategy ensures the STDF remains well-positioned to respond, while maintaining its core focus on enhancing SPS capacity in developing economies and least developed countries. 

Marking the launch of the new strategy, Dr. Marie-Luise Rae, Chair of the STDF Working Group, stated: "Global trade is evolving rapidly and we need innovative solutions that are both relevant and effective. With its strong track record — and the support of WTO members and partners — I am confident that the STDF will continue to adapt, remain agile and evolve in this increasingly complex environment. The strategy we launch today provides a solid framework to tackle these challenges, ensuring our collective efforts continue to facilitate safer trade, making a real difference for farmers, businesses and consumers worldwide."

The launch event featured two developing country experts - Ms Grace Mandigma of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards in the Philippines and Mr Rommel Betancourt of Ecuador's Phyto and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency - who highlighted how the STDF’s work has strengthened SPS capacities in their regions. They emphasized that the new strategy presents an opportunity to scale up successful approaches and extend benefits.

Drawing from a recently completed STDF project in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr. Dennis Ndolo, Group Leader for Biopesticides at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), emphasized the value of the STDF in catalyzing change for developing economies. He noted that STDF knowledge products have improved access to information in the SADC, enabling the project to promote best practices for enhanced SPS compliance.

The 2025-2030 strategy strengthens the STDF’s four key pillars: convene, innovate, learn and catalyse - placing a strong emphasis on innovation and scaling. It focuses on identifying SPS innovation and connecting developing economies with new funding and investment sources to expand their SPS capacities. Parallel to this, the strategy will continue to strengthen regional links that promote sustainable solutions through dialogue and knowledge exchange.

In collaboration with the STDF’s partners, donors, global and regional members, as well as private sector and developing economy experts, the new strategy expands its approach to enhancing SPS systems. By embracing emerging trends and challenges, it reinforces the STDF's positioning, enabling continued progress and support for broader sustainable development goals, including economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and climate resilience.

Download the strategy here.

The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership facilitating safe and inclusive trade, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the WTO, which houses and manages the partnership. The STDF responds to evolving sanitary and phytosanitary needs, drives inclusive trade, and contributes to sustainable economic growth and food security, in support of the United Nations' Global Goals.