“The Voluntary Sustainability Standards process is a typical MGG knowledge cooperation project. It brought people together to discuss contesting issues, topics and different interests. But because the MGG Network is a safe and trustful space we could overcome these differences and establish national platforms for voluntary sustainability standards”

Jiahan Cao, China, Researcher and policy analyst, Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), MGG 12, 2014

Jiahan's story:

Together with Archna, Jorge and many more I have also been involved in the process of co-shaping the topic around voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) in the private sector. This topic is key for many emerging economies, where often products are produced, but also where the society just started to enjoy consumption. The topic of sustainable consumption has been widely discussed in industrialized countries, but in emerging economies this still has to be developed and applied comprehensively. As a scientist and policy analyst at a Chinese think tank, I had the chance to influence this project on voluntary sustainability standards processes on a global level together with my colleagues from the MGG Network. I could contribute with many other MGG colleagues in setting up the Chinese National platform for voluntary sustainability standards. It can be seen as a model for Indonesia´s efforts to build its own platform. Today I also collaborate with my Chinese MGG fellow working at the China Association for Standardization (CAS) responsible for implementing VSS in China.

After participating in these processes I had the chance to raise awareness on this topic within my organisation and beyond. I am eager to continue my engagement in this area, because I think this is a key topic to promote transformation towards sustainability. Knowledge cooperation on voluntary sustainability standards in the private sector in China is relevant to strengthen China’s global trade relations and support the Chinese society to become more sustainable, which also makes Chinese products more attractive in the global market.

How has the MGG Network helped you to make the change happen?

🤝 trust within the network

🌏 having common objectives and raising awareness regarding the Agenda 2030 

✨ joint knowledge creation

Why is your change story inspiring?

My story is inspiring because I have been part of the working strand on voluntary sustainability standards from the beginning on, as the only member from a Chinese think tank. I saw overcoming challenges within the process, progress and future ambitions. This process has been successful because it involves many actors from diverse countries.

Find more MGG Change Stories here!