At the end of 2024, discussions on trade and environmental sustainability have been highlighted by members of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD). Richard Tarasofsky from Canada, a co-convener with Costa Rica, emphasized the importance of achieving concrete outcomes at the upcoming Ministerial Conference (MC14), stating, "Here we are at the end of 2024 and MC14 isn't that far away. We're committed to having concrete outcomes and so as part of achieving that, this session will be important."
Tarasofsky noted efforts to delve deeper into development dimensions such as climate adaptation. The TESSD working groups made progress in their respective areas during recent meetings.
The Working Group on Trade-related Climate Measures (TrCMs) focused on climate change adaptation through TrCMs from developing country perspectives. Presentations were given by entities including the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the World Bank.
In discussions on Environmental Goods and Services, members explored water management technologies and climate change adaptation. Contributions came from organizations like UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre and CTCN, along with presentations from Australia, Finland, and the WTO Secretariat.
The Subsidies Working Group examined critical minerals with input from the International Energy Agency and others. Meanwhile, Circular Economy-Circularity discussions featured insights from Rwanda on circular economy principles in transport.
Across all groups, there was dialogue about potential outcomes for MC14. Topics included policy measure mapping, cooperation enhancement methods, guidelines for subsidy design, circular economy practices, and transparency recommendations.
Ana Lizano of Costa Rica remarked on participant feedback: "We have heard support as well as constructive feedback from the participants to the suggestions on the way forward presented by the facilitators of the four groups." She expressed commitment to incorporating diverse voices in future agendas.
Guided by their 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD aims to advance trade-environmental sustainability discussions within WTO frameworks. The initiative is supported by 77 members globally.