A joint report on “Accelerating progress on nature, climate change and sustainable development in a shifting international trading system” will be launched during this session. The session will spur forward-looking strategic dialogue on narratives and policy agendas that would move forward an international trading system that places nature and people at its heart. Recognising the systemic challenges and opportunities that sustainability issues present for the WTO, panelists will react to the paper and provide suggestions on pathways and entry points for strengthening trade cooperation in ways that address biodiversity loss, support the climate agenda and advance implementation of the SDGs.

Speakers:

• Efraim GOMEZ, Global Director – Global Policy Impact, World Wide Fudn for Nature (WWF)
• Carolyn DEERE BIRKBECK, Executive Director, Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs
• Shimukunku MANCHISI, Senior Policy Officer, AFrican Future Policies Hub
• Valerie PICARD, Head of Trade, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• H.E Matthew WILSON, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the UN, WTO and other UN Organizations in Geneva