How trade associations helped put the world on a sustainable path: Looking back from 2035

Trade associations are often cited as critical blockers of climate policy. Yet, in many cases, they can and do play a constructive role. For companies seeking to promote a science-based policy agenda, mobilising trade associations to accelerate rather than block policy progress is essential.

How trade associations helped put the world on a sustainable path: Looking back from 2035  tells the story of how positive policy engagement went from niche to mainstream, helping to tip the balance in favour of science-based policies. It is the first output of an ongoing project on mobilising trade associations as a force for good, which is funded by Porticus.

This report is intended as a provocation – a thought experiment about the positive role trade associations can play in promoting strong climate policies and what it will take to make that happen.

Key highlights of the report:

• A new framework for categorising trade associations and targeting engagement for maximum impact.
• A whistlestop tour of the rapidly evolving responsible/positive policy engagement ecosystem.
• An action agenda for 2025 and beyond – with specific recommendations for companies, financial institutions, NGOs and funders, governments and trade associations.

What’s next?

We are collaborating with WBCSD’s Positive Policy Engagement Advisory Group to develop a detailed playbook for companies to help them assess, align and activate their associations as a force for good. Due to be published in early 2025.

If you’d like to know more about our work on trade associations, contact us at info@volans.com