LONDON, United Kingdom — Abdul-Rahman Yakubu, the Youth Development Lead for the Ghana-based non-governmental organisation Elizka Relief Foundation, is representing the organisation at the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum. The high-level assembly, taking place over a three-day programme across London, brings together international trade experts, policymakers, and business leaders to address crucial supply chain challenges and market access strategies.
Established in 2000 and officially registered in 2007, the Elizka Relief Foundation operates at the intersection of grassroots capacity building, environmental advocacy, and sustainable development. Based at the USTED Campus in Kumasi, the foundation integrates research-driven community initiatives—such as reforestation, climate-smart aquaculture, and collaborating with traditional leadership to combat the impacts of illegal mining (galamsey)—into localized policy frameworks. Its global reach is supported by its Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), held since 2015, alongside formal observer credentials with key global bodies including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The participation of the Elizka Relief Foundation at the London forum highlights the growing importance of environmental and social standards in international trade. As global markets enforce stricter regulations regarding supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing, grassroots organisations play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance. The foundation’s work demonstrates how local communities can be integrated into global trade frameworks without compromising ecological integrity.
During the forum, the foundation intends to highlight its sustainable livelihood projects, particularly its youth development initiatives. A key focus will be the Elizka Solar Technicians programme, which trains local youth to maintain rural solar units and foster rural micro-economies. By showcasing these practical models, the organisation aims to foster international partnerships that support the transition toward a green economy, demonstrating how technical skill development supports resilient cross-border trade.
“Sustainable global trade cannot exist in isolation from the communities that steward local ecosystems. By equipping young people with practical skills, such as solar technology maintenance and climate-smart agriculture, we are preparing a resilient workforce capable of driving sustainable local economies that align with modern international trade requirements.”
“Our objective at this forum is to share actionable insights on how grassroots capacity building serves as a safeguard against ecological degradation. We look forward to engaging with international partners who recognise that robust, ethical supply chains are built upon the empowerment of local communities.”
Through these high-level engagements, the foundation seeks to establish new collaborations with trade organisations and private sector stakeholders. By aligning local empowerment with international supply chain policies, the Elizka Relief Foundation continues to connect rural West African youth to the global green economy.
About Elizka Relief Foundation
Elizka Relief Foundation is a Ghana-based non-governmental organisation founded in 2000 and registered in 2007. Headquartered at the USTED Campus in Kumasi, the foundation specialises in capacity building, human empowerment, and environmental conservation, including reforestation and sustainable livelihood projects. Holding Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 2015, the small-scale organisation bridges local community initiatives with international diplomacy.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum is a premier international gathering designed to advance global trade, market access, and export growth. Spanning a three-day programme across London, the event convenes senior business executives, policymakers, and trade officials to discuss critical issues facing global supply chains.
About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council, established in 1956, is a neutral, non-lobbying peak-body chamber of commerce that supports foreign direct investment and international trade. Its expansive network encompasses more than 179 countries and over 28,000 members, ranging from businesses and chambers of commerce to ministries of trade and industry and diplomatic missions. Dedicated to reducing trade barriers and generating new business opportunities, the Council champions inclusive, transparent commerce through research, education via the ITC Academy, and collaborative advocacy. Website: www.tradecouncil.org
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 commercial spin-off of the International Trade Council. Incorporated in November 2022 in the United Kingdom, with operations in both the UK and the Philippines, ICTTM works to improve global commerce transparency. The company developed ADAMftd (Advanced Data Analytics and Modeling for Foreign Trade Data), an AI-driven trade intelligence tool that uses billions of data points—such as customs files, shipping records, and compliance lists—to help users evaluate counterparties, model supply chains, and project market pricing. Website: www.icttm.org
Media Contact
Abdul-Rahman Yakubu. Youth Development Lead. Elizka Relief Foundation. Email: info@elizkafoundation.org. Website: https://elizkafoundation.org
