G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy – G20 High-Level Principle on Bioeconomy

The G20 Bioeconomy Initiative focuses on three main areas: leveraging science, technology, and innovation; promoting sustainable use of biodiversity; and enhancing the role of the bioeconomy in sustainable development. It aims to ensure that the bioeconomy contributes to social inclusion and job creation while promoting sustainable practices and equitable sharing of benefits. The initiative also seeks to establish high-level principles for bioeconomy development, emphasizing Brazil’s leadership in fostering a common understanding within the G20 on this critical issue.

The G20 High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy outline ten voluntary, non-binding principles aimed at guiding bioeconomy activities. These principles emphasize sustainable development, inclusivity, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and responsible innovation. They call for robust policy frameworks, international cooperation, and country-specific approaches aligned with national priorities. The principles also advocate for transparent, science-based assessments, fair trade, and capacity building to support a sustainable bioeconomy globally.

For more details, read the document G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) – G20 High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy »

Our Founder and CEO, Jukka Kantola, had the honor of speaking on international cooperation at the G20 meeting held from 9 to 11 September 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.

Jukka Kantola, speech 9.9.2024 at the G20 on

Fostering cooperation for fostering all SDG through bioeconomy

Good morning, bom dia, distinguished guests and colleagues.

It is an honour to be here at the G20 in Rio de Janeiro – marvelous city – Cidade Maravilhosa – to discuss the critical role of international cooperation in fostering sustainable development through the bioeconomy.

My name is Jukka Kantola, and I am the founder and CEO of the World Bioeconomy Forum and the chair of the World Bioeconomy Association.

Today, I will share with you how the bioeconomy aligns with the sustainable development goals (SGDs) and why global collaboration is essential to advancing these efforts.

I’ll be guiding you through the critical role the bioeconomy plays in fostering sustainable development.

We’ll start by exploring how the bioeconomy aligns with the united nations’ sustainable development goals and the positive impact it has on global trends.

We’ll then discuss the importance of international collaboration and the unique structure of the World Bioeconomy Forum in supporting this cause.

I’ll also share what has been accomplished so far, our vision for the future, and conclude with some key takeaways.

Ladies and gentlemen, the bioeconomy is a powerful tool for achieving the united nations’ sustainable development goals. It integrates biological resources with innovative technologies to create sustainable solutions across various sectors. Let’s briefly review how the bioeconomy contributes to several key SGDs:

Let me come up with some examples:

SDG 2: Zero hunger – the bioeconomy enhances food security through advancements in sustainable agriculture.
SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy – bioenergy and biofuels from biomass are vital in transitioning to renewable energy sources.
SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure – industrial biotechnology drives innovation in manufacturing processes, leading to sustainable bio-based products.
SDG 13: Climate action – sustainable land management and bioenergy production help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These are just a few examples of how the bioeconomy is already making a significant impact.

We are witnessing several global trends that are shaping the future of the bioeconomy. The transition from globalisation to polarisation, coupled with the ongoing fourth industrial revolution and the emerging bio-revolution, presents both opportunities and challenges.

Did you know? Today’s global bioeconomy is estimated to be valued at US$4 trillion, with growth potential to US$30 trillion by 2050.

For instance, advancements in biotechnology, such as genetic engineering and synthetic biology, are opening new markets and business models. However, a polarised world could fragment the bioeconomy, making international collaboration more challenging. We must navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure the growth and success of the bioeconomy on a global scale.

Why is international collaboration needed?

International collaboration is not just beneficial; it is essential for several reasons: let me point out few.

Scaling positive impacts – national efforts alone are not enough. Global cooperation can amplify the benefits of the bioeconomy, such as reducing emissions and enhancing biodiversity.

Mitigating risks – collaboration helps to share standards and practices that ensure equitable and sustainable development.

Harmonising standards – consistent global standards are crucial for measuring and managing the bioeconomy’s impact effectively. Lesson from digitalisation. Enhancing financing mechanisms – by working together, we can unlock and direct the necessary investments, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.

Creating enabling trade rules – to support the bioeconomy, we need trade rules that remove barriers and promote sustainable practices.

Building knowledge and capabilities – through international collaboration, we can develop robust strategies and make informed decisions.

Global policy coordination – platforms like the G20 are vital in aligning global actions with sustainability goals.

All in all, we are elaborating these in the very fresh report on Financing a Sustainable Global Bioeconomy. The report will be publish this week on 12 September here in Rio and we’d be please to invite you to join in this dialogoe.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me share with you some key global bioeconomy initiatives driving collaboration and innovation. The international advisory council on global bioeconomy (iacgb), originating from Germany, fosters international cooperation via the global bioeconomy summit.

The biofuture platform from the U.S. focuses primarily on bioenergy solutions, while China is establishing the international bioeconomy association, with a key interest in biotechnology. Additionally, the International Bioeconomy Forum (IBF) supports governmental collaboration. These forums are essential for shaping dialogue on a sustainable bio-based future, mainly focusing on government organisations.

However, it’s also crucial to engage the private sector. Currently, only the World Bioeconomy Forum actively involves a wide range of stakeholders in the bioeconomy.

And how does it do it?

All World Bioeconomy Forum activities and events are organized around an innovative and engaging four-pillar structure, ensuring a holistic approach to the bioeconomy. This structure fosters comprehensive discussions, connecting government, industry, academia, and society, while addressing the key areas necessary to drive a sustainable bio-based future.

The Four Pillars include:

The bioeconomy: people, planet, policies
Corporate leaders and the financial world
Bioproducts around us
Looking to the future

This unique framework enables us to comprehensively address and evaluate each sector of the circular bioeconomy. In doing so, it promotes progress not only in individual areas but across the entire sector.

Each season of the forum has a designated theme, culminating in a declaration that reflects our collective insights and commitments.

The four-pillar structure also ensures that all stakeholders in the bioeconomy have a platform and a voice.

So, what has been achieved?

The World Bioeconomy Forum’s annual events and roundtables have grown significantly over the years, now attracting participants from over 90 countries worldwide. Our events have been hosted across multiple nations, both in the northern and southern hemispheres. Recently, we held roundtables in Helsinki, London, Sao Paulo or Dar es Salaam, with our 2023 annual forum taking place in Washington D.C., and our 2021 forum right here in Brazil, in Belem.

With representation from south america, North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, our forums and roundtables truly embrace a global perspective, bringing together participants from every continent.

So, what’s next?

We are now planning the World Bioeconomy Forum in Rio de Janeiro for in 12–13 March 2025, marking not just a location shift, but a pivotal moment for the bioeconomy. This forum will bridge the outcomes of the G20 to COP30 in 2025 and beyond. It’s crucial that we maintain high-level communication on the key bioeconomy principles.

Another key aspect of the World Bioeconomy Forum in Rio is engaging the private sector with the G20 results. The forum will act as a platform connecting public and private sectors, driving tangible change. Our goal is to position the global bioeconomy as a scalable solution to climate challenges, benefiting communities worldwide.

So, ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, the bioeconomy is crucial for achieving the SDGs. As we stand on the brink of a bio-revolution, international collaboration will be more important than ever.

The World Bioeconomy Forum, with its unique structure and global reach, is ready to support and lead global initiatives, including those of the G20. Together, we can harness the power of the bioeconomy to build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Thank you for your attention, and i look forward to our discussions today.