Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs

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

📢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

Now is the time for action on implementation of #Fish1 and to move with determination on #Fish2. #FisheriesSubsidies @IISD_ELP @AliceTipping @wto @pewtrusts @FriendsofOcean

New article! With #WTOMC14 fully underway, @CarolynDeere highlights the Ministerial "outcome package" of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD)—a Member-led initiative of 83 WTO Members (with @CanadaTrade and Costa Rica as co-convenors). The article highlights the role that #TESSD has played in renewing momentum across trade and environment discussions over the past five years at the WTO, across a range of processes and with the engagement a broad diversity of Members. Reflecting on the five year anniversary of TESSD, she reviews what has been achieved since its launch and the importance of continuing to build on and accelerate momentum, emphasising the importance of next steps towards practical solutions and tangible outcomes. 🔗 Read the full article: bit.ly/4bUYysV @theodore_nadia @ronald_saborio @NadineNickner @AnaLauraLizano @Paugam_Commerce @Hoe__Lim @CanadaGeneva @CanadaGeneve @MCRWTO

With #WTOMC14 now underway, the message from TESS and global stakeholders to trade ministers is clear: The #WTOReform agenda must integrate sustainability, inclusivity, and development priorities at the core of ongoing WTO reform discussions. 🔗 Read the call to action: bit.ly/3Pp066O

It was a delight to co-organize this workshop in Yaoundé on Africa’s role in shaping the #WTOreform agenda for a sustainable and inclusive future. Together with @remakingtrade, @iricuy2, @ODI_trade, Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum, and @SAIIA_info, this two day event was remarkable for catalysing engagement on ideas from a diverse group of African trade leaders, policymakers, and negotiators. Kicked off by a fireside chat with WTO Director-General, @NOIweala and Professor Dan Esty (@EstyGroup), the workshop  featured stimulating exchanges on key  issues at the intersection of trade policy, regional integration, the development priorities of African countries, as well as core areas of reform under discussion at #WTOMC14. Key topics discussed:  🛣️ Potential pathways for compromise to advance a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable WTO. 📈 How the WTO’s rules and approach to critical issues of our time - ranging from climate change, supply-chain disruptions, and the rapid rise of digital and services trade and AI - intersect with regional trade integration efforts. 🧭 How special and differential treatment (S&DT) can be made operational and fit for purpose in the 21st century. 🌍 How to ensure Africa’s voice is fully represented in shaping the future of global trade governance. 🗺️ Strategies for advancing Africa’s priorities and contributions to shaping the post-MC14 trade agenda through the and the post-Yaoundé agenda for WTO reform. @CarolynDeere; @nitano; @angiekolongo; @Dreseowie; @bisi_akins

TESS welcomes the delivery of the Ministerial Statement of the WTO Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP) at #WTOMC14. This milestone reflects the sustained engagement and shared commitment of 80+ Members and co-coordinators throughout the MC13–MC14 period. In a challenging global context, continued engagement on how trade cooperation can contribute to addressing plastic pollution is both timely and significant. The outcome documents provide useful guidance for the next phase of work, helping to sustain momentum and support more focused, practical action. This impressive collaboration among the six DPP co-coordinators (🇦🇺🇧🇧🇨🇳🇪🇨🇫🇯🇲🇦) is an example of how inclusive work among diverse countries can foster wider cooperation. We commend all those involved and look forward to continued collaboration on this important agenda. 🔗 Link to Ministerial statement (WT/MIN(26)/21): wto.org/english/tratop… #WTO #TESS #PlasticPollution #SustainableTrade #MC14 @Matthewbarbados @dfat @mcinetgov_ma @Ecuador_OMC @ChinaMissionWTO @fijigovernment @Paugam_Commerce