This session aimed to explore the intersection of biodiversity, trade, and agriculture, focusing on how international cooperation can support the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and broader sustainable development goals. The session was hosted by three of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world—Australia, Ecuador, and Colombia.

This session was proposed as a platform to identify practical and collaborative avenues for WTO Members to strengthen the role of trade in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF) goals. The discussion focused on pressing and complex issues already on the WTO's agenda, such as fisheries, and emerging topics like Digital Sequence Information (DSI), sustainable agriculture, and standards

Speakers

• Marcus Henry, Assistant Secretary, Green Economy Branch, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Chantal Line Carpentier, Head, Trade, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Branch, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Viviana Muñoz Tellez, Coordinator, Health, Intellectual Property and Biodiversity Programme, South Centre
• Yasmin Ismail, Senior Policy Advisor, The Forum on Trade, Environment & SDGs (TESS)

Moderator

• Daniela Garcia, Deputy Permanent Representative, Mission of Ecuador to the WTO