The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently concluded an advanced course on trade and environment in Geneva. The program aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools to understand the role of trade in sustainable development. It featured interactive lectures, group exercises, debates, simulations, and attendance at WTO meetings.
Collaboration was a key component of the course, as participants worked with WTO experts on projects related to trade's role in fulfilling Paris Agreement commitments.
Luisa Arauz from Panama's Ministry of Environment remarked, “The interdisciplinary approach of the course ensured that professionals from diverse backgrounds exchanged valuable perspectives. The critical thinking exercises, combined with the opportunity to attend WTO meetings and exchange with WTO experts, were particularly enriching and showed the practical side of these complex interconnections.”
Luckymore Munguma from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade shared his experience: “Through this course, I gained valuable insights into the WTO's Committee on Trade and Environment. The interactive group work facilitated the sharing of ideas and experiences from diverse global perspectives. Moving forward, I plan to organize a stakeholder meeting to share my new knowledge and promote sustainable green energy practices in my country.”
The training program aimed to enhance collaboration among developing and least-developed WTO members and observers by bridging gaps between trade and environmental policies for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.