With the theme, “Facing the Future: Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Growth for the Next Normal”, the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has announced the World Rubber Summit (WRS) virtual event will be held on 8-11 June 2021.
(Related article: World Rubber Summit postponed to 2021 – Rubber Journal Asia -News on Rubber machinery , Manufacturers , Rubber chemical producers and Rubber processors)
The WRS is designed as the leading global discussion forum where a platform is given to producers, users, traders, financial institutions, R&D organisations, NGOs, and academia to meet, together with Governments’ representatives, and exchange views on the major challenging confronting the rubber economy.
According to IRSG, the global economy has witnessed one of the worst economic crises in history. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the COVID19 pandemic has rolled back decades of progress on poverty and has exposed social and economic inequalities. The global economy contracted by 3.5% in 2020, but the economic shock of the pandemic crisis has the potential to provide an opportunity for transformative growth.
The rubber economy is not an exception. New mobility, digitalisation, climate change and the development of the “green economy” are among the driving forces that will determine the future for the rubber sector. Mature and emerging markets might take years to reach the pre-crisis level as lost sales are not going to recover fully.
To embrace an inclusive and sustainable recovery all stakeholders are called to cooperate in restructuring supply chains, implement diligent information sharing; promote green investments, capacity building and upskilling to generate positive social and environmental outcomes. These actions need to be enabled and supported through policy reforms and regulations. IRSG also stresses that the recovery that lies ahead will bring multiple opportunities for governments, businesses, and consumers to drive a real change towards a more socially responsible production and consumption to assure a fair, inclusive and sustainable rubber economy growth in this decade.