The roundtable brought together a group of delegates and experts from different regions and countries to share perspectives on trade, sustainable development and circularity in the textiles sector, focusing on the complex set of challenges and issues related to second-hand textiles.

Questions for discussion included:

• What are some of the key trade-related policy issues relevant to sustainability and circularity in the textiles sector, with a focus on second hand textiles trade in particular?
• Where are their pressing information and analytical gaps?
• How can international cooperation be enhanced to support inclusive, sustainable textiles value chains? And how best to address sustainability issues and concerns related to second hand textiles trade?

13:15 – 13:25 Introduction and welcome remarks

• Dr. Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS)
• Asad Naqvi, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

13:25 – 13:45 Setting the scene

Discussion starters will provide an overview of the state of play in textiles trade; recent evidence on the dynamics and impacts of used textiles trade; and priorities for fostering sustainability and circularity in ways that serve sustainable development goals.

• Bettina Heller, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

Click HERE for Bettina Heller's presentation.

• Branson Skinner, Or Foundation, Ghana

Click HERE for Branson Skiner's presentation.

• Maria Teresa Pisani, UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

Click HERE for Maria Teresa Pisani's presentation.

13:45 – 14:40 Open discussion among delegations and experts

Discussion starters (3 min. each)

Reflections from representatives of WTO delegations: Chile, Finland, and Pakistan.

Proposed questions for discussion:

• What are the key trade-related policy issues relevant to sustainability and circularity in the textiles sector, and to second hand textiles trade in particular?
• What are the key information and analytical gaps that need to be overcome to address those trade policy issues?
• How can international cooperation be enhanced to support inclusive, sustainable textiles value chains? And how best to address sustainability issues related to second hand textiles trade?

14:40 – 14:45 Wrap up and concluding remarks