From Capacity Building to Professionalization: Strengthening the GPP workforce for effective policy implementation

WHEN:  28 April 2026     I    TIME:  14:00 - 15:30 (Bangkok Time)    I  Register HERE 

Background:

Public procurement represents a significant share of government expenditure worldwide and plays an important role in shaping production patterns, market development, and infrastructure pathways. As countries continue to advance Green Public Procurement (GPP) to support environmental protection, climate mitigation, and sustainable development, procurement systems are increasingly expected to deliver not only economic efficiency but also broader societal and environmental value. In practice, however, many procurement systems remain largely focused on compliance and cost considerations, which can make it challenging to fully integrate sustainability objectives. While considerable efforts have been made to strengthen capacity through GPP training, translating knowledge into consistent practice has proven complex. This highlights an opportunity to further strengthen procurement systems by moving towards the professionalisation of the workforce through competency frameworks, certification approaches, and structured career pathways, so that procurement can more effectively contribute to green and circular economy goals.

Webinar Session:

The EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component is convening the webinar, From Capacity Building to Professionalization: Strengthening the GPP workforce for effective policy implementation, to raise awareness and exchange information about the transformative potential of professionalization for strengthening of GPP workforce, provide practical strategies for effective policy implementation, address challenges, and strengthen networks for future collaborative efforts.

About the Sustainable/Green Public Procurement Stakeholder Platform Webinar Series

The webinar series, hosted by the EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component, is strategically designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools to leverage sustainable procurement for innovation and market transformation fostering a more resilient economy. The webinar will guide policymakers and procurement professionals in creating supportive frameworks and overcoming implementation challenges by showcasing successful examples and offering actionable insights. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable procurement's role in driving innovation, encompassing circular economy practices, reducing carbon emissions, and conserving biodiversity. Thereby, the series aims to increase awareness of best practices, facilitate knowledge exchanges, and strengthen networks among institutions towards sustainable/green public procurement.

Chair:

Zinaida Fadeeva, Team Leader at the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component

Zinaida Fadeeva is the Team Leader of the Policy Support Component of the SWITCH-Asia Programme. Zinaida has over 25 years leading international professional experience in policy for and practice of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and Education for Sustainable Development, amongst others working with the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Studies of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Her work has focused on diverse topics such as tourism, plastics, construction, small and medium enterprises, procurement and lifestyle. Zinaida has worked extensively with governments, private sector, international organisations and academia in East, South East, South and Central Asia.

Moderator:

Punjaporn Weschayanwiwat, Stakeholder Engagement Expert for the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component

Agenda: