Work instruction: Sustainable procurement

Abstract

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has developed a Sustainable Procurement Framework to integrate environmental, social, and economic sustainability into its procurement processes. Recognizing procurement’s influence on markets and global goals, the framework aligns with UN Financial Regulation 5.12, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other UN strategies. ECA’s framework applies to all procurement activities, prioritizing strategic and critical categories (e.g., construction, ICT, catering, transport) with high sustainability risks. It mandates sustainability criteria in solicitations, encourages supplier capacity-building, and prohibits harmful products (e.g., single-use plastics, fossil-fuel vehicles). The framework also promotes gender-responsive and disability-inclusive procurement, ensuring accessibility and diverse supplier participation.