Session at IISD’s Trade and Sustainability Hub- The Role of the WTO in Addressing Trade-Related Climate Policy Tensions

Organizers: Hosted by SEATINI Uganda in collaboration with ATN, Eco News Africa and TATIC

Event Description:

This event is strategically scheduled during the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), taking place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates at the Trade + Sustainability Hub. During MC13, ministers from around the world will convene to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and take action on the future work of the WTO, chaired by H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

Trade + Sustainability Hub serves as a dedicated space for civil society and stakeholders in trade policy to engage in conversations, bringing their distinct perspectives, priorities, and approaches to the forefront. The overarching goal is to address the crucial question of restoring cooperation on trade policy in the context of the MC13 discussions.

Climate change intensifies existing vulnerabilities globally, disproportionately affecting vulnerable countries and communities. African economies, heavily reliant on raw material exports, encounter challenges in capturing the full value of these resources, hindering economic diversification and perpetuating vulnerability. Breaking free from this export commodity dependence requires strengthening value chains to process raw minerals into finished products within the continent.

Initiatives employing trade policy instruments to achieve climate policy goals have gained traction. Efforts under the AfCFTA to promote Regional Value Chains for low-carbon technologies are underway. Meanwhile, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act are unilateral initiatives that impact the environment positively but may conflict with Africa’s goals for a just energy transition. Defining the role of the WTO in harmonizing and ensuring coherent, mutually supportive trade and climate rules is of paramount importance, particularly in the MC13 context.

Date: 27 Feb 2024

Event Time: 14:00 – 15:00 GST

Venue: Livestreamed from Room B

Register here: https://iisd.swoogo.com/trade-and-sustainability-hub-2024/register