Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs

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, Amb. Matthew Wilson, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations Office at Geneva, says "we cannot discuss trade issues and trade barriers and trade challenges and trade opportunities without looking at environment and sustainability issues." #WTO #MC14 #WTOReform #trade #TESSMC14 #Barbados

📢Alongside @WTO #MC14, @TradeMinClimate will host its 3rd Ministerial meeting, bringing together over 60 Ministers from various regions, development levels, climate vulnerabilities & trade circumstances. Preparations are underway! 🗓27 March, 8h15-9h45 📍Yaoundé, Cameroon

In this busy week ahead of #WTOMC14, TESS ED Carolyn Deere Birkbeck will be speaking at #VillarsSummit Session 35 "Beyond Borders: #Trade, Spillovers, and the Next Phase of the #GreenTransition" on 20 March. The Summit brings together leaders from science, business, policy, finance, and philanthropy to accelerate science-based solutions for the planet. villarsinstitute.org/events/villars…

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 Christophe Bellmann, Head of Policy Analysis and Strategy at TESS, says "there is no credible pathway to a net zero economy and climate resilient development without addressing trade and trade policies." #TESSMC14 #Trade #WTO #SustainableDevelopment #WTOMC14

📢 Ahead of @wto #WTOMC14, SAIIA is convening an invitation-only high-level workshop with partners @remakingtrade, ODI Global, @tradenif, the International Relations Institute of Cameroon and @TESSForum. Bringing together policymakers, regional institutions and leading trade experts, the discussions will explore how Africa can shape #WTO reform to advance sustainability, equity and development priorities. Insights from the discussions will inform engagement on the Africa #tradeagenda in the #G20 and other global forums. ℹ️ Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4ru3ISo

Join us at the Trade and Sustainability Hub in Yaoundé for this exciting discussion on critical minerals, with a regional focus on Africa. Co-organized by TESS, UNCTAD, and UNECA, the session will explore cooperative approaches to trade in critical minerals that support sustainable development in Africa and global climate goals. Visit the Trade+Sustainability Hub website for more information and registration information: iisd.swoogo.com/trade-and-sust… #TradeHub2026 #criticalminerals #mining #trade #sustainabledevelopment #TESSMC14

TESS is delighted to be co-hosting this important conversation on the margins of #WTO #MC14. The high-level workshop will focus on Africa's role in shaping WTO reform for a sustainable and inclusive future. TESS Head of Policy Analysis and Strategy Christophe Bellmann will be moderating a panel on core WTO reform issues shaping the future of the multilateral trading system, with a focus on key African priorities and potential pathways for compromise. lnkd.in/eeVMuB_r #AfricanTrade #WTOReform

📢 New research from @pewtrusts says that #plasticpollution will more than double in 15 years without global action. TESS is committed to supporting a fair, effective, balanced, and ambitious #plasticstreaty. #UNEA #UNEA7 @Winnie_WYLau 📘 Read: Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025: pew.org/en/research-an…

NEW PUBLICATION: Ten years after the Paris Agreement, it’s clear: we can’t address the climate crisis without trade and trade policies aligned with Paris goals. At COP30, trade issues moved to the centre of climate negotiations. Our new TESS compilation brings together dozens of expert views on real policy pathways & practical solutions. 🎧 Hear a short summary from series editor @FabriceLehmann. 🔗 Full report: tessforum.org/latest/address… #ParisAgreement10 #ClimateAction #TradeAndClimate #ClimatePolicy #COP30 Featuring contributions from @AMB_A_Mohammed, @GhoshArunabha, @WWF, @OECD @IISD_ELP @IBarsauskaite @SimonEvenett and others.

🌐 How can international trade be leveraged not only as a driver of low-carbon transformation but also as an instrument for inclusive and just transitions? As global trade and climate policy become increasingly interconnected, the need for inclusive, transparent, and science-based frameworks and cooperation is more urgent than ever. 🌍 In this latest Synergies article, Arunabha Ghosh of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shares his views on how international trade can support climate action, resilience, and justice. He explores practical options for allying trade and climate through dialogue, standards, and equity and discusses coordinated approaches for trade to evolve from a source of contention into a driver of shared low-carbon prosperity. 💡 Read the article: tessforum.org/latest/trade-c… This article is derived from Arunabha Ghosh’s presentation at one of the TCSD Conference 2025 panels. 🔗 More information on the panel: tcsdconference.org/programme/sett… @GhoshArunabha @CarolynDeere @YuvanBeejadhur @thomasnhale @dsumba @CEEWIndia @UNFCCC @wto @OECD @OECD_ENV @IPCC_CH #TESSForum #Synergies #TradeAndClimate #ClimateAction #JustTransitions #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateCooperation #GlobalTrade #DevelopingCountries #ClimateJustice #InclusiveTrade

🌱 Alongside #COP30, TESS and the FACT Dialogue co-hosted an event on the role international cooperation on trade, sustainable agriculture, and deforestation has to play in fostering inclusive and sustainable agri-food supply chains. Noting the growing range of environmental policies and requirements in importing markets seeking to support sustainable agriculture, speakers highlighted both: ➡️ The adjustment pressures these can generate for  producers in developing countries. ➡️ The need for enhanced cooperation and positive incentives so that climate, sustainable agriculture, and development goals can advance in tandem. Key priorities identified by speakers included the importance of: ✨ Developing home-grown sustainability criteria and standards through multi-stakeholder approaches that reflect local conditions and support smallholder inclusion. 🌍 Advancing South–South cooperation and regional approaches to standards, equivalences, and conformity assessment. 🔄 Reducing (and repurposing) environmentally-harmful subsidies, and expanding positive incentives, including payments for ecosystem services, to promote sustainable production. 📘 Using trade agreements as vehicles to strengthen cooperation on sustainability requirements and standards, and support market access for sustainably produced commodities, and foster partnerships on sustainable supply chains that generate growing returns for smallholders in developing countries. These perspectives highlight the need for cooperation across levels – domestic, regional, and international – and for approaches that connect governments, producers, civil society, and the private sector in support of sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. Grateful for the FACT Dialogue that partnered with TESS on this event, and to all participating experts for their thoughtful contributions. 🔗 Learn more: tessforum.org/latest/fosteri… #COP30 #TradeAndClimate #SustainableAgriculture #AgriFoodSystems #Deforestation #SmallholderInclusion #SustainableDevelopment #TradeCooperation #FACTDialogue @climstrat @WorldResources @WRIBrasil @Cop30noBrasil

⚙️ Industrial decarbonization is essential for achieving global climate goals – yet many developing countries continue to face structural barriers to accessing and scaling the technologies required. During our #COP30 session with LeadIT, speakers reflected on how to strengthen cooperation in support of the participation of developing countries in low-carbon industrial value chains, including strategies for addressing the competitiveness and compliance challenges associated with a growing patchwork of trade measures with climate objectives. The discussion underlined the importance of: ✨ Advancing transparency and coherence across emerging climate standards and carbon accounting approaches. 🤝 Strengthening trade partnerships and investment models that can help reduce cost barriers and enable the adaptation and diffusion of decarbonization technologies. 🌱 Supporting collaboration that drives climate ambition while supporting equity and development objectives. Many thanks to LeadIT for partnering with TESS on this event, and to all participating experts for their great contributions. 🔗 Learn more: tessforum.org/latest/technol… #COP30 #TradeAndClimate #IndustrialDecarbonization #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateCooperation #JustTransition #DevelopingCountries #ClimateTech #IFCCT @SEIresearch @WIPO @_Stegra_ @AFPHAfrica @CarolynDeere @GF_Stokhlm

🌍In case you missed it, the co-leads of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate (Ecuador, the EU, Kenya, & New Zealand) issued a message for this #COP30, emphasising importance of: •⁠ ⁠cooperation at the intersection of trade, climate, and sustainable development & •⁠ ⁠⁠collective and inclusive action TESS is proud to serve as the Coalition’s Secretariat! As #COP30 draws toward a close, TESS looks forward to continuing our support for informed dialogue, cooperation and action on how trade and trade policies can contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, and climate-resilient development. 🌿 @TradeMinClimate @Cop30noBrasil

🌍 Trade and climate policy were long treated as distinct, often incompatible domains, yet international trade can serve as a powerful yet underused accelerator of global decarbonization. In this latest Synergies article, Jorge Arbache shares his views on how trade can help accelerate global climate mitigation. He explores how by exploiting green comparative advantage and the emerging phenomenon of powershoring – the relocation of energy-intensive industries to renewable-rich regions – countries can reduce emissions rapidly and at low cost, strengthen value chains, support employment, and deliver immediate, scalable climate benefits. He also discusses how the strategy can enable renewable rich developing countries to industrialize their comparative advantages, transforming abundant natural energy endowments into engines of technological upgrading, value creation, and inclusive development. ♻️ 💡 Read the article: tessforum.org/latest/trade-i… #TESSForum #Synergies #TradeAndClimate #SustainableDevelopment #DevelopingCountries #ClimateAction #ClimateResilientDevelopment #EnergyTransition #GlobalDecarbonization #SustainableTrade #ClimateGovernance @JorgeArbache @unb_oficial @CEBRIonline

🌍 As #COP30 thematic days come to a close, the discussions have highlighted the wide range of transformations taking place across sectors on the road to net zero – from agriculture, industry, and transport to oceans, forests, finance, and food systems. To support these reflections, TESS’s Publication Series on Net Zero Pathways and Implications for Developing Countries brings together briefing notes that explore current and anticipated transformations in production and trade, outline potential scenarios for key sectors, and examine implications for developing countries, climate-resilient development, and international trade cooperation. Across the series, contributions examine issues relevant to many of COP30’s thematic areas, including: 🌾 Agriculture, food systems, and fisheries 🏭 Industry, energy, and transport 🌱 Forests, oceans, and biodiversity 💰 Finance and carbon markets 👷 Workers, communities, and just transitions 💡 Science, technology, and innovation 🔗 Explore the full Net Zero Series: tessforum.org/latest/publica… #COP30 #NetZeroPathways #TradeAndClimate #DevelopingCountries #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateResilientDevelopment #InternationalTradeCooperation #JustTransition @Cop30noBrasil @genevatrade_gtp @GVAGrad @IISD_SDGs @IISD_ELP @snsf_ch @e3g @ubcSPPGA @UBCeoas @UBC @UPTuks @glmforum @ChathamHouse @CarolynDeere @PWooders @NadiraBayat @beth_wa @ellie_belton_ @DrRashidSumaila @JohannaLehne @DeyonSophie @patricks_CH

🌿 TESS is delighted to welcome Dominic Coppens as Senior Fellow on Trade, Climate & Sustainable Development. Dominic is a Professor of International Economic Law at Maastricht University and brings extensive experience in international trade and environmental law. He has advised a broad range of governments and stakeholders on WTO law, free trade agreements, and trade-related sustainability issues, and has represented WTO members across all stages of dispute settlement. Dominic joins TESS with an outstanding track record of scholarly research, thought-leadership, and advisory work on legal, policy and practical aspects of the nexus of trade and climate, circular economy, sustainable development, and the transition to a more sustainable global economy. Welcome on board!

🌱 Today’s #COP30 thematic focus on agriculture, food systems, food security, and fisheries offers a timely opportunity to build on insights on where international cooperation on trade fits in from our latest TESS Synergies series. Sneak preview: Here are four articles directly relevant to today’s discussions. Stay tuned: To support post-COP reflections on ways forward, TESS will publish the full Synergies compilation, bringing together over 30 expert contributions exploring how the trading system can contribute to addressing the climate crisis in ways that support sustainable development. 🌾 Climate and Agriculture: Looking Beyond Agricultural Subsidy Reform by Anthony Cox @AnthonyCoxParis 🔗tessforum.org/latest/climate… 🌍 Turning Tides: How the New Geopolitics Is Undermining Global Sustainability Goals by Valeria Piñeiro @v_pineiro, Joseph Glauber @JoeGlauber1, and Juan Pablo Gianatiempo @JuanPabloGiana1 🔗tessforum.org/latest/turning… 🍎 Using Market Mechanisms to Make the Global Food System More Sustainable and Resilient by Jason Clay @JasonWClay 🔗tessforum.org/latest/using-m… 🥦 Enhancing Coherence Between Agricultural, Trade, and Health Policy Objectives in the Climate Crisis Context by Anne Marie Thow and Dori Patay @DoriPatay 🔗tessforum.org/latest/enhanci… #SynergiesSeries #COP30 #TradeAndClimate #FoodSystems #Agriculture #Fisheries #SustainableTrade @Cop30noBrasil @EcologicDC @IFPRI @IFPRIResearch @CGIAR @WWF @wwf_uk @WWFInstitute @World_Wildlife @wto @OECD_ENV @OECD @UNEP @UNCTAD @UNFCCC @WorldResources @WRIBrasil @GENetwork @e3g @genevatrade_gtp @GVAGrad @Jackson8LA @angelaisfranc @Hepburn_JC @LucaChinotti

🌱 As #COP30 turns its focus today to food, agriculture, fisheries, and equity, TESS highlights two sectoral briefing notes from our series on Trade, Climate and Net Zero Pathways: Implications for Developing Countries and Climate-Resilient Development. Briefing notes particularly relevant to today’s theme: 🌾Agriculture – Trade, Climate, and Net Zero Pathways This briefing note by Christophe Bellmann looks at the future implications of the climate crisis for agriculture, trade, and sustainable development, reviewing how climate impacts affect production, prices, food insecurity, and the role of trade in strengthening resilience. ​​🔗Read the full briefing note: tessforum.org/latest/agricul… 🐟Fisheries – Trade, Climate, and Net Zero Pathways This briefing note by U. Rashid Sumaila explains how the fisheries sector is deeply interlinked with the climate crisis, outlines projected climate impacts on fish stocks and trade dynamics, and sets out opportunities and challenges for developing countries. ​​🔗Read the full briefing note: tessforum.org/latest/fisheri… #COP30 #TradeAndClimate #SustainableTrade #ClimateResilientDevelopment #NetZero #FoodSystems #Agriculture #Fisheries @UBCeoas @FisheryEconomic @ubcSPPGA @UPTuks @Cop30noBrasil @FAO @UNCTAD @UNEP @CGIAR @WorldResources