LONDON, United Kingdom — The Elizka Relief Foundation, a Ghanaian non-governmental organisation dedicated to sustainable development, is representing its grassroots initiatives this week at the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum in London. Kwabena Abotreye, the Senior Project Development Officer of the foundation, will participate in the three-day programme across London to highlight how community-level capacity building and environmental restoration directly support sustainable global supply chains.
Based at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development Campus in Kumasi, the foundation bridges the gap between grassroots initiatives and international trade policies. Its focus on nature-based land reclamation to reverse damage from illegal mining, alongside climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture, addresses critical supply-side constraints. By tackling these ecological and agricultural challenges, the organisation helps local communities establish the high-standard production methods required for international export markets.
During the forum, the foundation intends to establish relationships with international trade experts and policymakers to foster investment in community-led economic initiatives. By presenting its research-driven field interventions, the foundation aims to demonstrate how empowering vulnerable demographics, particularly women and youth, builds local enterprise resilience. Establishing these connections is vital for aligning grassroots production with global market demands.
The alignment of trade policies with environmental, social, and governance standards makes grassroots ecological stewardship increasingly vital. As global markets demand greater transparency, addressing supply-side constraints in developing economies is essential. The foundation’s work in reclaiming degraded ecosystems directly prepares local enterprises to meet strict international import standards, ensuring that trade relationships remain sustainable and non-exploitative.
“True sustainability in international trade cannot be achieved without addressing the environmental and social realities of the communities at the very beginning of the supply chain. In Ghana, our focus is on restoring land degraded by illegal mining and equipping young people and women with the tools needed for climate-smart agriculture, ensuring they are not left behind as global trade patterns evolve.”
“By participating in this forum, we intend to demonstrate that investing in grassroots capacity is a practical strategy for building resilient, compliant, and sustainable export pipelines. Aligning local production with international ecological and social standards is the key to securing long-term market access and fostering fair trade relationships.”
The foundation’s participation in the London forum marks a significant step in its ongoing international advocacy. Since receiving Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2015, and holding accredited observer status with various global bodies such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization Civil Society Commission, the organisation has consistently worked to elevate local environmental and social data to global policy platforms.
About Elizka Relief Foundation
Founded in 2000 and registered in Ghana in 2007, the Elizka Relief Foundation is a Ghanaian non-governmental organisation focused on capacity building, human empowerment, and sustainable development. Based at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development Campus in Kumasi, the foundation designs field interventions that connect grassroots initiatives with global policy. Its core projects include nature-based land reclamation, climate-smart agriculture, and economic empowerment for youth and women.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum is an elite three-day event taking place from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 November 2026 at various venues across London, United Kingdom. The forum brings together senior business leaders, trade officials, and policymakers from around the world to discuss and advance international trade, market access, supply chain resilience, and global export growth.
About the International Trade Council
Established in 1956, the International Trade Council is an independent, non-lobbying peak-body chamber of commerce supporting international trade and foreign direct investment. Spanning more than 179 countries with over 28,000 members, its network includes businesses, government trade ministries, diplomatic missions, and industry associations. The Council works to reduce trade barriers, encourage investment, and support sustainable growth through collaboration, research, and education.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring
The International Centre for Trade Transparency Limited, trading as the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM), is a UK-registered commercial spin-off of the International Trade Council. Founded in November 2022, with offices in the UK and the Philippines, ICTTM increases transparency in global commerce. It developed the AI-driven ADAMftd platform, which analyses billions of customs, tariff, and shipping data points to help companies assess market risk and model supply chains.
Media Contact
Kwabena Abotreye. Senior Project Development Officer. Elizka Relief Foundation. https://elizkafoundation.org