The World Trade Organization (WTO) will host its annual Trade and Environment Week in 2024, focusing on the inclusive shift to sustainability. This event aims to foster discussions around trade-related environmental issues among WTO members, business representatives, international organizations, academics, leading experts, and civil society.
The high-level event organized by the WTO Secretariat will feature several notable speakers. These include Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization; Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency; Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (via video message); Bruce Gosper, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank; Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transition Commission; Ambassador Erwin Bollinger of Switzerland, Chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE); and Bertrand Piccard, Founder of Solar Impulse Foundation. The discussion will be moderated by WTO Trade and Environment Division Director Aik Hoe Lim.
Side events hosted by WTO members will cover a range of topics such as plastics pollution, critical minerals, sustainable agriculture, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), voluntary sustainability standards, embedded carbon emissions calculation, environmental goods and services, renewable energy, nature-positive trade practices, and trade-related climate measures.
Additionally, a 'book talk' session is scheduled with author Chris Goodall discussing his latest book "Possible: Ways to Net Zero." An exhibition in the WTO atrium will run throughout the week featuring sustainable products and art projects that highlight environmental issues affecting global communities. This exhibition will showcase photography, sculptures, and installations emphasizing environmental concerns. Small businesses from both developed and developing economies will present innovative solutions aimed at reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
All high-level events, side events, book talks and exhibitions are open to the public. Further details about the full programme for Trade and Environment Week 2024 can be found on the WTO website.