Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have advanced their discussions on sustainability issues and potential outcomes for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). The meeting was opened by Ana Lizano of Costa Rica, a co-convener of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD), who stated: "We are eager to hear from you any additional comments, suggestions and modifications, in particular the policies or examples of your own economies."
During the session, Thailand was welcomed as a new co-sponsor of TESSD. Miss Pilanya Niyomthai, Thailand's Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO, explained that TESSD aligns with her country's domestic efforts towards a low-carbon society, green transition, environmentally friendly agriculture, and inclusive growth. She said this decision is consistent with Thailand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Co-sponsors supported the current draft documents as reflective of recent work but offered further input for improvement. Working group facilitators requested written comments from members by November 7.
Technical discussions were held on topics including the circular economy and environmental goods and services. In sessions focused on circular economy policy, members examined how international cooperation can support increased circularity in electronics manufacturing. Updates were shared by organizations such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development regarding its Global Circularity Protocol for Business and by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization about its programs targeting circularity in information technology and electronics.
Facilitators from Japan and Türkiye will incorporate these technical contributions into a revised draft outcome for their working group.
In another session on Environmental Goods and Services (EGS), representatives from UNCTAD discussed BioTrade initiatives while FAO described trade’s role in enabling sustainable food systems through bioeconomy transformation. The Brazilian company Natura shared its experiences in bioeconomy-related trade activities. Brazil also introduced a new report titled "Environmental Goods and Services for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in the Agriculture Sector: A Developing Country Perspective." Members considered how goods linked to biodiversity could contribute to broader goals around environmental sustainability.
The working group facilitated by representatives from the United Kingdom and Philippines presented updates to an Analytical Summary as well as Draft Key Insights on EGS.
Other groups addressed climate-related trade measures—facilitated by Switzerland—and subsidy design elements—facilitated by Israel and Korea—building upon previous compilations of member experiences.
At the conclusion of meetings, Nadine Nickner of Canada emphasized: "I'm reassured that TESSD continues to showcase the important role that trade can and must play in helping achieve environmental sustainability and overall sustainable development goals. It is essential that we continue to demonstrate that constructive and effective discussions are possible in this field."
According to background information provided after these meetings, TESSD is guided by its 2021 Ministerial Statement. The initiative aims to supplement existing WTO work at the intersection between trade policy and environmental sustainability. It currently includes 79 member co-sponsors representing diverse regions and levels of economic development.