By Ieva Barauskait, Senior Policy Advisor, IISD
The postponement in December 2021 of the Twelfth Ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), did not stop discussions about how international trade and trade policies can support climate goals and promote sustainable production.
The ministers representing 57 WTO member countries published a statement on 15 December 2021 StatementDuring a high level event that also served to launch ministerial statements Plastics pollution and environmentally sustainable tradeAnd on fossil fuel subsidies. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (WTOs Director-General) described the meeting of cosponsors in a historic context, pointing out how trade and the WTO are key to addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
Participants in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions, (TESSD), co-ordinated by Costa Rica and Canadaa meeting on 7 February 2022To discuss the workplan and to establish the structure and pace of discussions for this year. TESSD plans to hold three more formal meetings this calendar year. These meetings will bring together representatives of governments, academia, international organisations, and the business community.
Follow the roadmap laid out by the ministers Participants in TESSD have identified six areas of work for their group.Formal meetings. These areas of work are:
- Discussions on trade-related climate policies and measures
- Promoting and facilitating the trade of environmental goods and services
- A circular economy that is more resource-efficient
- Promoting sustainable supply chain and addressing the opportunities and challenges arising from the adoption of sustainability standards and other related measures, primarily for developing member countries
- Opportunities and challenges for sustainable trade capability building and technical assistance (Aid for Trade).
- Relevant subsidies have an impact on the environment and trade.
These areas will also be examined in depth by discussions in three groups that focus on trade-related climate measures and environmental goods and service, as well circular economy. Several TESSD members suggested the creation of a fourth group to examine the trade and environmental impacts of relevant subsidies.
In addition to the formal meetings and informal working groups, facilitators will facilitate active intersessional work. The 2022 activities will be concluded with a high-level stocktaking event.
Stephen De Boer, Canada’s co-convenor of TESSD, and Gloria Abraham Peralta, Costa Rica’s co-convenor, will review the workplan in light of the comments received. This will ensure that the group is open to all perspectives as they prepare to deepen their discussions.