EFSD Participates in Sustainable Procurement Forum and Meeting of MDB Heads of Procurement
From September 8 to 11, 2026, a delegation from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), led by Olga Sosnina, Director of the Department for Project Monitoring, Policy, and Standards, took part in the Sustainable Procurement Forum and the meeting of the Community of Heads of Procurement (HoP) of leading multilateral development banks (MDBs), held at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).
From September 8 to 11, 2026, a delegation from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), led by Olga Sosnina, Director of the Department for Project Monitoring, Policy, and Standards, took part in the Sustainable Procurement Forum and the meeting of the Community of Heads of Procurement (HoP) of leading multilateral development banks (MDBs), held at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).
The Sustainable Procurement Forum focused on the practical dimensions of advancing sustainable procurement and its role in achieving environmental and social objectives. Participants discussed current approaches and practical tools being developed by MDBs in this area.
The discussions highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability considerations at the early stages of project preparation — from assessing financing needs and engaging with the market to developing procurement strategies and plans. In this context, the focus of MDBs is increasingly shifting from promoting the rationale for sustainable procurement toward its practical implementation and the measurement of results and impact.
Capacity building was also highlighted as a key factor in successful implementation. Strengthening the skills and knowledge of contracting authorities, procurement professionals, decision makers and suppliers, together with access to appropriate technical support, remains essential.
At the HoP meeting, participants exchanged experience on the practical application of the Value for Money principles, which consider not only price, but also quality, risks, efficiency and the long-term value of procured goods, works and services. The meeting also addressed Early Market Engagement, which enables procurement teams to better understand market opportunities and constraints, refine technical requirements and procurement strategies, and identify potential risks at an early stage.