The 4th Trade for Peace Week commenced with a high-level session focusing on the role of the private sector in fostering stability through trade. The session, titled “Building Resilience through Trade: Private Sector Engagement for Sustainable Peace,” underscored the importance of economic recovery and long-term stability in post-conflict areas.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala opened the event with a video message emphasizing trade's potential to advance peace amidst global uncertainty. She stated, “Promoting peace and prosperity through trade was a founding goal of the multilateral trading system 80 years ago. For trade to deliver tangible dividends for peace in conflict-affected regions, we need partnerships that bridge trade, peace and development. That is what the Trade for Peace Programme is about."
Somalia took center stage during the session by reaffirming its commitment to using trade as a tool for stability, coinciding with its first Working Party meeting on WTO accession. Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, highlighted this strategic move toward sustainable peace: “Somalia’s WTO accession is more than an economic milestone — it is a strategic move towards sustainable peace. By fostering an inclusive and rules-based trade system, we are not only integrating into the global economy but also creating opportunities that reduce conflict drivers.”
The session was moderated by Itonde Kakoma, President of Interpeace, and included representatives from international organizations, policymakers, and private sector leaders. Notable speakers were Idris Abdul Rahman Al Khanjari, Ambassador of Oman to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Vepa Hajiyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC); Andrew Wilson, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); and Frank Clary, Vice-President of Sustainability at Agility. They discussed innovative strategies for linking trade with peacebuilding efforts.
Throughout T4P Week, interactive sessions will engage key stakeholders in exploring how trade can contribute to peace. A significant event will be the High-Level Book Launch titled “Pathways to Sustainable Trade and Peace” on February 20th. This launch will present research findings on utilizing trade as a means for economic resilience and peacebuilding.
Additionally, the Trade for Peace Research and Knowledge Database will be introduced during this week-long event. This platform compiles research studies related to trade and peace linkages and serves as a resource for governments and researchers involved in policymaking.
With over ten dedicated sessions planned throughout T4P Week involving policy experts, business leaders, and peace practitioners alike—participants have ample opportunity to engage with discussions shaping future intersections between these two fields.
For further details see: WTO Trade for Peace.