The International Sugar Organization (ISO) convened in London, United Kingdom, from November 27 to 28, 2025, for its 65th Council session, chaired by Mr. Edgar Herrera (Costa Rica).

Founded in 1968, the ISO is an intergovernmental organization responsible for administering the various International Sugar Agreements, the latest being the 1992 International Sugar Agreement. Its mission is to promote sugar trade and consumption, monitor global sugar market trends, and guide national policies in this sector.

Based in London, the ISO comprises 85 member states, representing 85% of global sugar production, 64% of consumption, 93% of exports, and 37% of world imports.

The Ivorian delegation, led by Ambassador Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Commodity Organizations, actively participated in the session, as it has since the country joined the ISO on March 23, 1993.

Having been elected Chairman of the Working Group on Sugar Industry Development in Africa in November 2022, and later Chairman of the Selection Committee for the ISO’s next Executive Director in July 2025, Ambassador Aly Touré has once again earned the confidence of the global sugar organization.

Upon the recommendation of Ambassador Jose Augusto Andrade (Brazil, the world’s leading producer), supported by H.E. Ivan Romero (Honduras, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the UK), H.E. Aly Touré was unanimously elected Vice-Chair of the Council for 2025-2026 and appointed a member of the Administrative Committee.

It is worth noting that this marks the second time the Ivorian diplomat has assumed a major role within the ISO, having previously served as Vice-Chair (2018-2019) and Chair of the Council (2019-2020).

Regarding the sustainability of the sugar sector, it is important to highlight that since 2021, the Ivorian government has implemented a new regulatory framework, accompanied by a five-year contract-plan between the State and sugar companies. This initiative aims to achieve sugar self-sufficiency, ensure competitive prices for second-processing industries and households, and support efforts to combat the high cost of living.

Côte d’Ivoire seeks to leverage the successful experiences of other member states in sustainability and strengthen its cooperation with the ISO, whose support is a decisive driver for the development of the national sugar sector.