Welcome to our monthly update. Here you will find a succinct summary of TESS outputs and activities highlighting the ways in which TESS is bridging the gap from ideas to action on trade and sustainability.
Annual Report: How TESS Made a Difference in 2025
In a year of unprecedented trade turbulence and an extraordinary set of global sustainability crises, TESS maintained a steadfast commitment to catalyzing change. From supporting the launch of the Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT) at COP30 to supporting progress on a new treaty on plastic pollution and hosting our inaugural Conference on Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Development (TCSD), our 2025 Annual Report showcases how we turn ideas into action through collaboration. Explore our journey of fostering inclusive cooperation on trade and sustainability.
Synergies
Synergies is our online platform for commentary and perspectives from a diverse range of experts around the world curated by TESS. The views and opinions are those of the author(s).
Next Generation Trade Arrangements for Environment and Sustainable Development
This Synergies 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. Explore the entire series.
Imperfect Agreements Can Protect and Implement the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development: A New Way of Working at the WTO
By Gabrielle Marceau (University of Geneva)
In this Synergies contribution, Gabrielle Marceau argues that global crises demand a more agile WTO. By embracing "imperfect" agreements—from sectoral mini-deals to the MPIA—states can bypass consensus deadlocks to advance sustainable development. These flexible, iterative frameworks are not just stopgaps; they are vital stepping stones for modernizing trade governance and ensuring the rule of law remains functional.
Rethinking the Concept of International Disciplines on Fossil Fuel Subsidies
By Robert Howse (NYU School of Law) and Petrus van Bork (Independent Consultant)
In this article, the authors argue that failing voluntary initiatives necessitate a binding WTO agreement on fossil fuel subsidies. Using the ACCTS as a model, the piece suggests moving past definitional debates to focus on carbon pricing impacts. It advocates for a "peace clause" on green subsidies to support states in their transition to sustainable energy.
India’s Increased Focus on Sustainability Issues in Recent Free Trade Agreements
By Atul Kaushik (Research and Information System for Developing Countries)
In this article, Atul Kaushik explores "India’s FTA 2.0," highlighting a strategic shift in trade policy. The author notes that, while India remains cautious about environmental mandates at the WTO, the recent deals with the EFTA, UK, and EU now include sustainability chapters. The author reflects on the effort to balance international climate goals with domestic development through cooperation, rather than rigid dispute settlement.
A WTO-Compatible Climate Club That Solves Our Climate Problem
By Petros C. Mavroidis (Columbia Law School) and David G. Tarr (Tbilisi State University)
In this contribution, the authors argue that the Paris Agreement's "name and shame" approach fails to address the free-rider problem. They propose a WTO-compatible "climate club" using reciprocal net-zero commitments and trade penalties to incentivize participation.
Perspectives from Africa on Trade and Sustainability Priorities and Interests
This Synergies series aims to integrate and amplify perspectives from across the African continent in discussions on international trade and sustainability, with a view to positively contributing to agenda-setting and inclusive cooperation. Explore the entire series.
Industrial Policies in Central Africa: Reimagining International Cooperation for Sustainable Development
By Henri Kouam (Cameroon Economic Policy Institute)
This Synergies contribution explores how targeted industrial policies can drive green growth in Central Africa. Highlighting successes in Cameroon and Gabon, the piece suggests that the region should prioritize international cooperation and verifiable outcomes over blanket export bans on minerals. The author argues that accelerating AfCFTA implementation is essential to leverage its consumer market of 1.4 billion people and support sustainable industrialization.
Three Priorities to Advance Africa’s Sustainability Agenda in the Global Trading System
By Jean-Bertrand Azapmo (African Union Commission)
In this Synergies contribution, Jean-Bertrand Azapmo, recommends that Africa adopt a proactive, regionally coordinated strategy to advance its trade and sustainability agenda in the multilateral trading system. He identifies three urgent priorities for the continent: leading the implementation of fisheries subsidies rules, disciplining unilateral climate-related trade measures like CBAM, and modernizing investment flexibilities under the TRIMs Agreement to support green industrialization and leverage Africa’s mineral resources.
An Equitable Trade Climate Agenda: Rewiring Systemic Policy, Governance, and Knowledge Gaps for Equity
By Shimukunku Manchishi (African Future Policies Hub), Trishant Dev, Avantika Goswami, and Rudrath Avinashi (Centre for Science and Environment)
This Synergies article highlights the systemic policy, governance, and knowledge gaps currently reshaping global economic governance. The authors argue that without deliberate reform, the convergence of trade and climate rules risks marginalizing developing countries. They propose an equitable agenda centered on structural transformation and multilateral cooperation.
Recent International Developments on the Transition Away From Fossil Fuels: Trade-Related Dimensions and Opportunities
14 April 2026, Geneva
TESS hosted this roundtable, which convened Geneva-based delegates and leading experts to explore the role of trade cooperation in the transition away from fossil fuels. The conversation highlighted the need to connect the dots between a range of recent international processes and legal developments to maximize impact, from ongoing work at the WTO on fossil fuel subsidy reform and the recent Santa Marta Conference to the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Climate Change, among others, noting the need to address development dimensions and the complex implications of the global energy crisis.
Sustainability and Trade at the Crossroads of the World: Opportunities for MENA Amid a Changing Trade Landscape
15-17 April, Rabat, Morocco
TESS co-convened a dynamic three-day regional workshop, bringing together policymakers and experts to explore trade and sustainability priorities for Middle East and North African countries. Participants analyzed regional integration, green industrialization, and supply chains within the global trade landscape, with Yasmin Ismail from TESS leading a session on trade cooperation on Africa’s critical minerals. Other key sessions addressed food security, water, and financing, highlighting the need to watch this region as it navigates the climate-economy crossroads and evolving global trade governance.
Navigating Global Sustainability Standards in the Mining Sector
30 April 2026
TESS Executive Director Carolyn Deere Birkbeck participated in this side event to the UNECE Resource Management Week 2026. The event was organized within the framework of the Geneva Dialogues on Minerals and Metals and featured leading experts discussing global sustainability standards in the mining sector. Yasmin Ismail from TESS also participated in a session on critical minerals: “From Principles to Practice.”
Video Series: What are the Top Sustainability Priorities in need of Attention by the Global Trading System?
The global trading system is in the midst of a period of instability and uncertainty. To help ensure environment and sustainability goals do not become a casualty of this disruption, we’re asking global trade experts for their thoughts. This new video series asks: What are the top environment and sustainability priorities in need of attention by the global trading system?
