India is set to host the 64th ISO council meeting, a significant global event in the sugar sector, from June 25 to 27 in New Delhi. Delegates from over 30 countries, along with representatives from various international organizations, will convene to discuss critical issues related to the sugar and biofuel sectors.
As the world’s largest consumer and the second-largest producer of sugar, India has been nominated by the ISO Council to chair the organization for 2024. To kick off the series of events, an industrial tour for international delegates will be held at a grain-based distillery in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on June 24th. This tour aims to showcase India’s adoption of the latest technology in the production of biofuels and other by-products.
On June 25, a workshop titled ‘Sugar and Biofuels – Emerging Vistas’ will be organized at Bharat Mandapam. Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, will inaugurate the workshop. The event will see participation from international delegates, top management of Indian sugar mills, industry associations such as ISMA and NFCSF, and technical experts.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for over 200 delegates from various organizations and parts of the world to discuss the future of the global sugar sector, biofuels, sustainability, and the role of farmers. The forum also aims to strengthen the Global Biofuel Alliance, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels worldwide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many member countries of the ISO and the Global Biofuel Alliance are common, making this forum an ideal platform to expand the alliance and promote biofuels.
The International Sugar Organisation (ISO), a UN-affiliated body headquartered in London, has about 85 member countries covering nearly 90% of global sugar production. The ISO aims to bring together major sugar-producing, consuming, and trading nations to foster mutual understanding and progressive approaches to issues in the sugar sector. The organization also focuses on biofuels, particularly ethanol, as sugarcane is the second major feedstock for ethanol production globally.
A cultural program is scheduled for the evening of June 25th to give delegates from different parts of the world a glimpse of India’s diverse and rich culture.
On June 26 and 27, various ISO Committee meetings will be held, focusing on the administrative and functional aspects of the organization. These meetings will include presentations of studies conducted by ISO economists. Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution and Chairman of the organization, will chair the meetings.
The program will conclude with a guided tour of the Red Fort in New Delhi on the evening of June 27th, followed by a visit to the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library on June 28th.
Overall, the week-long program will include brainstorming sessions, discussions, academic studies related to the sugar and biofuel sectors, and the administrative functioning of the International Sugar Organisation. This event reflects India’s leadership in the sector and its commitment to fostering global cooperation in sugar and biofuels
