Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs @TESSForum

@wto @Geneve_int @TESSForum @genevatrade_gtp @South_Centre @IISD_news @CarolynDeere @GVAGrad @Colombia_OMC "#FossilFuels need to be approached not only as a climate issue, but also as a development one." Setting the scene, Carolyn Deere Birkbeck of @TESSForum highlights that transitioning away from fossil fuels is among the most urgent and challenging issues of today.

@wto @Geneve_int @TESSForum @genevatrade_gtp @South_Centre @IISD_news @CarolynDeere @GVAGrad @Colombia_OMC @NLinGeneva @PWooders The event underscored key messages from the 1st Conference on Transitioning Away from #FossilFuels to the trade community: 🔸 Across the Conference pillars, trade was transversal 🔸 Climate ambition & development must advance together 🔸 Transition must be gradual & planned

On the eve of #WorldEnvironmentDay, we have a new addition to our video series on environment and the multilateral trade system. 🌍 The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. We're asking global trade experts: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? 📽️ In this video, @JanetMacharia8, Chief Executive Officer of the Trade Negotiations Investment Forum (TNIF), says that African countries need to focus on sustainability issues at the continental level so they are then able to tackle them in a more coordinated way at the multilateral level. See the full collection of interviews on our YouTube page: youtube.com/watch?v=5NAs-j… #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #GreenValueChains #SustainableDevelopment #afcfta #africantrade

Recent years have seen an increase in novel instruments of trade policy beyond the WTO or binding free trade agreements. What role does sustainability play as governments increasingly conclude non-binding agreements? In this new Synergies article, Gregory Messenger, Professor of Trade Law and Policy, @BristolUniLaw, explores the UK's non-binding "Enhanced Trade Partnerships." While these instruments include a surprising number of references to sustainability, how meaningful are they—and how could they be improved to support sustainable trade? #Trade #SustainableDevelopment #EnhancedTradePartnership #NextGenerationTradeArrangements #FreeTradeAgreement @CarolynDeere

🌍 The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. We're asking global trade experts: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? In this video, @Dreseowie, Senior Advisor at @remakingtrade, says we must go back to the drawing board to, once again, focus on the sustainable development mandate of the Marrakesh Agreement. @nitano | @CarolynDeere | @EstyGroup | @angiekolongo | @YaleCELP #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #Subsidies #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateChange #africantrade

Explore out annual report to find out how TESS made a difference in 2025! In a year of unprecedented trade turbulence and an extraordinary set of global sustainability crises, TESS maintained a steadfast commitment to catalyzing change. Highlights include: 🏭 supporting the launch of the Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT) at COP30; 🎈 strengthening cooperation towards an ambitious and fair plastics treaty; and 🗓️hosting our inaugural Conference on Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Development (TCSD). Our 2025 Annual Report showcases how we turn ideas into action through collaboration. 🔗 Explore the full publication here: tessforum.org/latest/tess-an… #SustainableDevelopment #PlasticPollution #ClimateChange @CarolynDeere @livcaro_ @VinatiBhola @accaziz

In the margins of #WHA79, join experts at this #HealthDiplomacyHouse session in #GENeva, highlighting the need to communicate clearly, consistently & effectively about the health impacts of #PlasticPollution. 🗓️ 21 May, Résidence Rothschild ▶️ tiny.cc/GEN21May26

The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. We're asking global trade experts: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? In this video, @bertrandaz, Principal Adviser to the @_AfricanUnion Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, identifies five priority areas: fisheries subsidies,  climate-related trade policy measures, carbon pricing, green industrialization, and inclusiveness. #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #FisheriesSubsidies #GreenIndustrialization #ClimateChange #africantrade #SustainableDevelopment @CarolynDeere @tatchouopbelobe

@UNECE @UNEP @IGFMining @bafuCH @ungreeneconomy @UNCTAD @IISD_news @TESSForum @IRMA_mining @isostandards Carolyn Deere Birkbeck of @TESSForum highlights sustainability standards in mineral value chains are fundamentally trade issues, shaping global supply chains. They often act as de facto market conditions, making trade cooperation essential to ensure fairness & inclusiveness.

📢 The latest installment of our SYNERGIES series on African trade and sustainability priorities and interests explores possible priorities for African countries to focus on to advance their trade and sustainability agenda in the multilateral trading system. 🌍 In "Three Priorities to Advance Africa’s Sustainability Agenda in the Global Trading System," @bertrandaz says Africa's strategy should be based on a proactive and regional coordinated approach. 👉 Read the full article: tessforum.org/latest/three-p… #Trade #AfricanTrade #WTOReform #SustainableDevelopment #WTO #FisheriesSubsidies #WTOMC14 #AfCFTA @CarolynDeere | @_AfricanUnion | @tatchouopbelobe

This Earth Day, we have a new reminder of the fragility and beauty of the planet we call home. This month’s Artemis II mission brought us back this new image of our earth with the added magic of a thin green aurora glow above the planet’s surface—a stark reminder of what’s at stake. As astronaut @Astro_Jeremy said, "it reinforces for me that we still have some work to do." At TESS, that "work" is our daily mission to bolster cooperation on trade as a critical pathway for protecting our planet and advancing sustainable development. Nature underpins economic activity everywhere. Responsible stewardship reduces risk, builds resilience, and is vital for societies to thrive. #EarthDay #EarthDay2026 #trade #SustainableDevelopment

🌍 Yasmin Ismail from TESS was in Rabat, Morocco last week for a deep dive into the future of trade and sustainability across the MENA region. Co-convened with @remakingtrade, the @IMAL_in, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and the @EMEAorg, this two-day workshop brought together a diverse group of policymakers, regional institutions, and trade experts. At a time of global economic and environmental volatility, the MENA region sits at a critical crossroads. The event featured a variety of sessions focused on how trade policy can be a driver for green industrialization and resilience rather than a source of vulnerability. Notably, Yasmin participated in a session focused on “MENA, Sustainability and Global Trade Governance,” featuring a distinguished panel, including H.E. Dr. Omar Zniber, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Professor Radouane Raouf (Facilitator), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Dr. Said El Hachimi, PHD El Hachimi, Senior Advisor, Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, and @ChahirZaki, Chaired Professor of Economics, University of Orléans. The session explored: ♟️ Strategic Influence: Moving beyond compliance to actively embedding MENA’s unique interests within emerging global sustainable trade norms. 🔀 Multilateral & Plurilateral Trends: Navigating the implications of ongoing reforms and new initiatives at the intersection of trade and climate policy. 🗺️ Practical Roadmaps: Identifying the institutional arrangements and practical commitments required to advance a MENA Sustainable Trade Roadmap. 👉 Find out more: tessforum.org/events/sustain… #TradePolicy #SustainableDevelopment #WTOReform #GreenIndustrialization #GlobalTradeGovernance #MENATrade @rym_ayadi | @NoraAboushady | @AErziniVernoit | @Dreseowie | @SophieBordat | @MLagtari | @nitano | @jmonkelbaan

📽️ The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. We're asking global trade experts: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? In this video, Shimukunku Manchishi, Senior Policy Officer, Trade at @AFPHAfrica, says the WTO needs to address unilateral trade measures, Special and Differential Treatment, and support for trade in green goods and other technologies. #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #GreenGoods #AfricanTrade @CarolynDeere @angiekolongo @nitano @remakingtrade

📢 The latest installment of our Synergies series on next generation trade arrangements for environment and sustainable development explores the case for a binding international agreement on fossil fuel subsidies within the WTO framework. ⛽ In "Rethinking the Concept of International Disciplines on Fossil Fuel Subsidies," @howserob and Petrus van Bork say the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (#ACCTS) is a starting point for thinking about what might be possible. 🔗 Read the full article: tessforum.org/latest/rethink… #Trade #SustainableDevelopment #FFSR #WTOMC14 #WTO @CarolynDeere | @genemgrossman | @nyulaw

📽️ The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. This new video series asks global trade experts: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? In this video, @WilliamAsiko, Senior Vice President at @RockefellerFdn's Africa Regional Office, says African countries need to focus on what they can control at times when global cooperation challenges are present. #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #AfricaTrade @CarolynDeere | @angiekolongo | @nitano | @remakingtrade

📽️ What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system? @itsElenaNomis, Acting SF of the #AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council, says reform of the WTO's #disputesettlement mechanism needs to be prioritized. #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform

In the wake of #WTOMC14, many are highlighting the challenges facing the #WTO. TESS believes this is a time to truly think afresh about how the multilateral trading system can deliver on #SustainableDevelopment. 👉Read our full post-Ministerial statement: tessforum.org/latest/craftin…

🇨🇲 Amazing lunchtime discussion here in Yaoundé today on Africa’s trade and sustainability priorities—co-hosted by TESS and Trade Negotiations Investment Forum. What a great opportunity to hear from a range of African and international voices on pathways to advance trade cooperation that delivers for #AfricanTrade, sustainability, and development aspirations! #WTOMC14 #TESSMC14 @bertrandaz; @BebeyAbong; @ellie_belton_; @DHalleson ; @HenriKouam; @Kholofelo_M; @JanetMacharia8; @ndzana_olomo; @Dreseowie; @SongweVera; @accaziz

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📢Message from New Zealand alongside the 3rd Ministerial of @TradeMinClimate. Co-lead H.E. @toddmcclaymp, Minister of Trade🇳🇿 emphasizes: ▶️role of trade to accelerate the global transition to a climate-resilient future, & ▶️value of the Coalition to guide this collective work.

With #WTOMC14 on Day 3, the message from TESS & global stakeholders to Trade Ministers is clear: Sustainable development priorities must embedded at the core of the @wto reform agenda. See the multi-stakeholder statement⬇️bit.ly/3Pp066O

Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs @TESSForum

3 months ago

Just Released! Sustainable Development and the WTO Reform Agenda: A Call to Action for Ministers at MC14 In the lead up to the @wto’s 14th Ministerial Conference #WTOMC14, TESS is pleased to circulate this message to trade ministers on behalf of a diverse group of leading

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