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TESS has mobilized a group of leading international experts for guidance on the trade dimensions of circular economy policies.

As interest in the shift to a circular economy grows, there is also growing attention to the trade and supply chain dimensions and the relevance of trade policies. To support a fair transition to a more resource-efficient, low carbon, and safe circular economy that supports sustainable development, inclusive international cooperation on the trade dimensions will be vital.

To contribute to this cooperation, TESS has mobilized a group of leading international experts from the trade, environment, and sustainable development communities to develop guidance on best practices and approaches on the trade dimensions of circular economy policies and measures, with the overarching goal of advancing sustainable development goals.

Expert Group on Trade, Circulary Economy, and Sustainable Development

At present, the design of circular economy policies and measures largely takes place at the national level. While the development of national policies have a key role to play in spurring a circular economy transition, there is also growing recognition of the range of opportunities and challenges arising across international supply chains and markets that require international cooperation and coordination.

Dialogue and shared understandings on best practices and approaches for the design of trade-related circular economy policies and measures are needed to help governments and stakeholders navigate a complex set of priorities, including the design of policies and measures that achieve environmental objectives, are non-discriminatory, minimize trade costs, are effective across interconnected markets, and support sustainable development outcomes and a fair transition.

As a contribution, TESS has convened a group of international experts on trade, circular economy, and sustainable development to provide guidance on best practices and approaches on the trade dimensions of circular economy policies and measures, with the overarching goal of advancing sustainable development goals—environmental, social, and economic. The group includes experts from academia, think tanks, and intergovernmental and stakeholder organizations representing a diversity of perspectives and regional expertise, participating in their personal capacities.

To support a fair transition to a more resource-efficient, low carbon, and safe circular economy that supports sustainable development, inclusive international cooperation on the trade dimensions will be vital.

The aim of the group is to prepare a report on best practices and approaches in 2024. The final report of the expert group will reflect a collective, cooperative effort among the group members to contribute their expertise and experience to provide guidance to policymakers and stakeholders. The report will be published with the aim of contributing to ongoing deliberations on these topics at the World Trade Organization in the context of the Committee on Trade and Environment and the TESSD and DPP initiatives, as well as in other international organizations and processes, including UN Trade and Development, the OECD, UNEP, the World Customs Organization, the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The group’s first meetings were held in September and October 2023 and a third meeting was held in January 2024. This process is complemented by consultations between TESS and key stakeholders and experts on key issues for consideration as well as with government delegations.

Dialogue and shared understandings on best practices and approaches for the design of trade-related circular economy policies and measures are needed to help governments and stakeholders navigate a complex set of priorities.

Participating Experts

(in their personal capacities)

Latifahaida ABDUL LATIF, ASEAN Secretariat

Adina Renee ADLER, Silverado Policy Accelerator

Hélionor DE ANZIZU, Centre for International Environmental Law

Apporva ARYA, Circular Innovation Lab

Jack BARRIE, Chatham House

Arpit BHUTANI, Circular Innovation Lab

Florence BINTA DIAO‐GUEYE, International Chamber of Commerce

Jocelyn BLÉRIOT, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Kimberley BOTWRIGHT, World Economic Forum

Vito BUONSANTE, International Pollutants Elimination Network

Catherine CHEVAUCHÉ, ISO/TC 323 Circular Economy Technical Committee

Dominic COPPENS, Maastricht University

Tim FORSLUND, SITRA

Bonmwa FWANGKWAL, African Circular Economy Alliance Secretariat

Gael GROOBY, World Customs Organization

Moustapha Kamal GUEYE, International Labour Organization

Margaret KAMAU, African Circular Economy Alliance Secretariat

Soumyajit KAR, World Economic Forum

Michikazu Kojima, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia

Rainer LANZ, World Trade Organization

Aik Hoe LIM, World Trade Organization

Elisa LUOTONEN, African Development Bank Group

Davinah MILENGE UWELLA, African Circular Economy Alliance Secretariat

Johan MULDER, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

Badri NARAYANAN GOPALAKRISHNAN, Niti Aayog

Henrique PACINI, United Nations Conference on Trade and Environment

Rolph PAYET, Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions

Maria Teresa PISAN, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Patrick SCHROEDER, Chatham House

Branson SKINNER, Or Foundations

Elisa TONDA, United Nations Environment Programme

Colette VAN DER VEN, Tulip Consulting

Shunta YAMAGUCHI, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development