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Next Generation Trade Arrangements for Environment and Sustainable Development

A Synergies series, curated by TESS.

This series aims to spur discussion on "where to next" for trade arrangements that support sustainability—from innovations in formal trade agreements to sectoral initiatives, soft law outcomes, informal coalitions, and South-South cooperation models.

It explores both what is working and new opportunities across an array of bilateral, regional, plurilateral, or multilateral approaches and settings.

Expert View

Where the Green Industrial Transition Lands as a Trade Design Question: The Rules Within the Rules

A trade architecture precise in design can make the globally efficient outcome the rational choice for each actor.

Carlijn Nouwen 15 May 2026
Expert View

The Role of Carbon Transparency and International Cooperation in Supply Chains for an Effective and Just Transition

The standardization of carbon accounting is consolidating as one of the pillars of global economic governance.

Emily Dionizio & Virginia Antonioli 11 May 2026
Expert View

Imperfect Agreements Can Protect and Implement the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development: A New Way of Working at the WTO

Trade and sustainable development need to operate within a more flexible framework.

Gabrielle Marceau 07 May 2026
Expert View

A WTO-Compatible Climate Club That Solves Our Climate Problem

This article proposes a climate club based on the science of effective cooperative agreements on common resources.

Petros C. Mavroidis & David G. Tarr 01 May 2026
Expert View

Rethinking the Concept of International Disciplines on Fossil Fuel Subsidies

There is a strong case for a binding international agreement on fossil fuel subsidies within the WTO framework.

Robert Howse & Petrus van Bork 10 April 2026
Expert View

India’s Increased Focus on Sustainability Issues in Recent Free Trade Agreements

India has seen a change in policy by bringing environment into its recent free trade agreements.

Atul Kaushik 02 April 2026
Expert View

Five Years On – Reflections and the Road Ahead for the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions at the WTO

TESSD has pioneered new forms of engagement within the WTO on trade and sustainability.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck 26 March 2026
Expert View

Voluntary Sustainability Standards and the Future of Trade Cooperation

Future trade cooperation should approach the integration and use of voluntary standards more systematically.

Florencia Sarmiento 19 March 2026
Expert View

Critical Minerals as an Observatory for Evolving Forms of Trade Cooperation

In the context of critical minerals diplomacy, what do new trade agreements promise and what challenges do they create?

Sunayana Sasmal 24 February 2026
Expert View

As Chaos Reigns, the “Rest of the World” Fitfully Prepares for the Future of Trade

Governments have opportunities to set up institutions and commitments better suited to the challenges of the future.

Deborah Elms 20 January 2026
Expert View

Deconflicting the Trade-Climate Nexus: We Need to Think Beyond Business As Usual

To align climate ambition with a rules-based trading system, we need to think beyond business as usual.

Trevor Sutton 07 April 2025
Expert View

Why Regional Initiatives Are Key to Addressing the Catastrophic Risks of Climate Change and Underdevelopment

On Africa as an example of regional initiatives in driving the global trade and climate agenda.

Kennedy Mbeva 17 March 2025
Expert View

Trade and Climate in the WTO: What Can We Learn From Preferential Trade Agreements?

Preferential trade agreements can be used as a policy tool to promote climate action with lessons for WTO discussions.

Jean-Frédéric Morin & Clara Brandi 17 September 2024