The Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) is a collective effort of diverse organisations dedicated to protecting forests, natural ecosystems, and human rights by making ethical production and trade the new normal.
Our Coalition includes the AFi Steering Group, Supporting Partners, and Backbone Team, supported by the funders listed below. The Private Sector Advisory Group provides input and guidance from the perspective of companies, industry groups, and financial institutions.
Steering Group
The Steering Group is the AFi’s governing body. It is responsible for taking decisions about the initiative’s strategic direction and approving all material within the Accountability Framework.
The Steering Group consists of civil society representatives addressing environmental and human rights issues from both global and tropical country perspectives. The Steering Group strives to take decisions by consensus, according to its Terms of Reference.
Supporting Partners
Supporting Partners promote use of the Accountability Framework by companies, industry groups, financial institutions, governments, and other key stakeholders. They also contribute practical tools, resources, implementation support, and advocacy for ethical supply chains.
For more information on the AFi Supporting Partners please see the Terms of Reference.
Backbone Team
The Backbone Team is the AFi’s secretariat. The Rainforest Alliance and Meridian Institute co-host the Backbone Team. Its roles include:
- Coordinating and supporting joint activities of the AFi Coalition
- Facilitating decision-making processes
- Supporting the development of Framework materials and resources
- Assisting users in applying the Framework
- Leading communications
- Administering the AFi programme
Southeast Asia Coalition
The AFi’s Southeast Asia Coalition supports companies and other stakeholders to mainstream responsible agricultural and forestry supply chains in this region, with a focus on Indonesia and Malaysia. It includes regional representatives of the AFi’s global Steering Group and Supporting Partner members.
Private Sector Advisory Group
The Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) is a consultative body that consists of representatives of companies, industry groups, and financial institutions focused on the agriculture or forestry sectors. The group advises the AFi on how to help the private sector address deforestation, ecosystem conversion, and human rights in supply chains. As an advisory group, the PSAG does not participate in AFi decision-making.
Private Sector Advisory Group members
- Anton van den Brink, European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC)
- Rob Coviello, Bunge
- Autumn Fox, Mars
- Peter Garbutt, McDonald’s
- Emily Kunen, PepsiCo
- Juliana Lopes, Amaggi
- Camille Maclet, BNP Paribas
- Lucie Smith, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
- Olivier Tichit, Musim Mas