The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) have joined forces to advance sustainability across global battery value chains.
Announced during Climate Week NYC 2025, this strategic partnership arrives amid surging battery demand, projected to quadruple by 2030 due to rising electric vehicle sales.
To meet this demand responsibly, the collaboration will accelerate the rollout of digital tools that promote transparency and improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance throughout the battery lifecycle – from raw material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.
Formalised through a memorandum of understanding, ITC’s membership in the GBA is part of an EU-funded initiative focused on enhancing traceability in strategic value chains. The partnership also coincides with the launch of the GBA Battery Benchmarks, the first global framework for assessing batteries against multi-stakeholder sustainability standards. These benchmarks will underpin certifications issued via the GBA’s flagship Battery Passport programme.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, International Trade Centre executive director, said, “If we’re serious about developing critical mineral value chains in a sustainable way, even the smallest of businesses in developing countries need to be able to access the right tools and information they need to participate in this multi-stakeholder transparency initiative.”
Inga Petersen, Global Battery Alliance executive director, added, “The collaboration will significantly lower the technical entry barrier to participation in the certification scheme and support the scaling of a sustainable battery value chain.”
Initial efforts will focus on building inclusive digital infrastructure, capacity development, and an insights platform to support global stakeholders.
