Based at the USTED Campus in Kumasi-Ashanti Region, Ghana, the Elizka Relief Foundation operates at the intersection of capacity building, human empowerment, and policy integration. The organisation specialises in embedding research-driven field interventions into localised policy frameworks, aiming to enhance the socio-economic and environmental self-determination of vulnerable communities. Its participation in this trade forum highlights the growing recognition of civil society as an essential stakeholder in sustainable global commerce.
By participating in the forum, the foundation aims to highlight how international trade policies, environmental regulations, and climate financing mechanisms directly affect local economies in emerging markets. Armed with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 2015, the foundation seeks to bridge the gap between high-level multilateral frameworks and practical, on-the-ground economic development.
The foundation's presence is particularly timely as international trade increasingly demands adherence to strict environmental and social governance standards. Elizka holds accredited observer status with several major global bodies, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). These accreditations position the organisation to provide critical insights into how international environmental compliance can be structured to support, rather than hinder, small-scale enterprises and vulnerable populations in developing nations.
"Sustainable global trade cannot be achieved in a vacuum that ignores the socio-economic realities of vulnerable communities. Our objective at this forum is to ensure that international trade policy frameworks and environmental standards are designed with practical, localised implementation in mind."
"By aligning international trade goals with capacity building and localised policy, we can create more resilient supply chains that foster genuine economic self-determination. We look forward to engaging with trade officials and business leaders to integrate civil society perspectives into the global economic agenda."
During the three-day programme in London, Mr. Kankam will engage in discussions on supply chain resilience and ethical commerce, highlighting how African civil society organisations can partner with global enterprises to foster transparent, inclusive trade networks.
About Elizka Relief Foundation
Elizka Relief Foundation is a legally registered non-governmental organisation based in Ghana, headquartered at the USTED Campus in Tanoso, Kumasi-Ashanti Region. The foundation is dedicated to capacity building, human empowerment, and environmental advocacy, working to construct strategic pathways for collaboration across sectoral and geographical boundaries. It holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and maintains accreditations with numerous international bodies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) CSOs Commission.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum is an elite gathering of international business executives, trade ministers, policymakers, and industry experts. Held over three days at various venues across London, the forum focuses on advancing market access, enhancing supply chain resilience, and encouraging collaborative growth in global trade. The event provides a vital platform for cross-sector dialogue on the most pressing challenges facing modern international commerce.
About the International Trade Council
Established in 1956, the International Trade Council is an independent, non-lobbying peak-body chamber of commerce that supports foreign direct investment and global commerce. Serving a vast network of over 28,000 members across more than 179 nations, the Council represents businesses, government ministries, diplomatic missions, and trade associations. The organisation focuses on reducing trade barriers, promoting sustainable economic growth, and offering trade education through the ITC Academy, while championing ethical and transparent trade practices worldwide.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring
The International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring (ICTTM), legally registered in the United Kingdom as International Centre for Trade Transparency Limited, is a commercial spin-off of the International Trade Council. Founded in November 2022 and operating from offices in the UK and the Philippines, ICTTM aims to enhance transparency in international commerce. The company developed ADAMftd, an advanced artificial-intelligence platform that analyses billions of trade data points—including customs records, tariffs, and compliance screenings—to help organisations model supply chains, assess risks, and forecast market trends.
Media Contact
Kofi Kankam. President and Chief Executive Officer. Elizka Relief Foundation.
[email protected]. https://elizkafoundation.org