Our first TESS Annual Conference on Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Development will bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss, identify, and forge pathways for effective, inclusive international action and cooperation on trade, climate, and sustainable development.

The inaugural edition of the TCSD Conference will focus on three cross-cutting themes: climate action, resilience, and justice.

The conference will bring together in person a regionally diverse range of senior experts from research centres, think tanks, and academia, as well as stakeholder organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and government.

The conference will combine a number of public, live-cast panels with a series of thematic roundtables, workshops, debates, and brainstorming sessions, designed to deepen dialogue and generate practical outcomes. View the draft agenda.

TESS is reaching out to knowledge partners for a range of sessions and to support expert participation from developing countries.

Participation in the conference is by invitation only, with a limit in general of one person per organization to ensure diversity of participation. While the event is designed to be an in-person gathering, there will be some opportunities for online participation, such as in public panels and certain roundtables.

Thursday 23 October 2025

09:00–10:30 I Panel 1

Setting the Scene – Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways for Enhanced Cooperation on Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Development (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This panel will review recent developments at the nexus of trade, climate change and sustainable development, and highlight the most pressing trade-related opportunities and challenges relevant to advancing climate ambition and climate-resilient development. Reflecting on the current geopolitical context, we invite speakers to identify opportunities and pathways for trade cooperation to make a rapid and significant difference in responding to the climate crisis, and the concrete outcomes that could be envisaged.

Speakers:

• Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Executive Director, Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS)
• Hon. Mr. Justice David Unterhalter, Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa
• Ambassador Amina Mohamed, Chairperson, Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum, former Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Kenya
• Arunabha Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) (Online)
• Yuvan A. Beejadhur, Senior Adviser to the Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Thomas Hale, Professor of Global Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford (online)
• Daudi Sumba, Chief Conservation Officer, WWF International (TBC)
• Sonia Medina, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer & Executive Director, Climate Program, Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) (TBC)

11:00–12:30 I Thematic Session 1A

Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Agriculture: Effective International Cooperation and Positive Incentives (Conference Room 543, Geneva Centre for Security Policy)

This  session will explore key trends on the trade, climate and sustainable agricultural interface, and review the role of trade policies and positive trade incentives in fostering sustainable agriculture production and consumption in the context of the urgent need for climate mitigation, adaptation and climate-resilient agriculture. It will identify opportunities for enhanced trade cooperation on sustainable agriculture, food systems and nature in support of the global climate agenda and sustainable development goals, recognising the central importance of food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

Thought starters:

• Valeria Piñeiro, Acting Head, Latin America & Caribbean Region, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
• Ujal Singh Bhatia , Former WTO Appellate Body Member, Former Ambassador of India to the WTO
• David Laborde, Director of Agrifood Economics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• LeeAnn Jackson, Former Head of Agricultural Trade and Markets Division, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Angela Francis, Director of Policy Solutions, WWF-UK (Online)
• Anthony Cox, Senior Policy Advisor, Ecologic Institute

11:00–12:30 I Thematic Session 1B

Trade, Industrial Policies, and the Drive for Net-Zero and Climate-Resilient Development: What Priorities and Prospects for Cooperation? (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will explore the key challenges and opportunities associated with the growing use of green industrial policies by a wide range of countries to scale up technological innovation, promote competitiveness in key sectors for the green transition, foster industrialization or address national security concerns. As tensions rise around the use of these measures, speakers will review the extent to which current trade disciplines strike the right balance between the need to address pressing environmental challenges, industrial development imperatives and the potential negative economic externalities for third countries. They will also be asked to identify priorities and prospects for enhanced international cooperation on the design and implementation of such measures? 

Thought starters:

• Alice Tipping, Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, International Institute for Sustainable Development
• Nagesh Kumar, Director, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID)
• Bruce Byiers, Associate Director, Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development Cluster, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)
• Clara Brandi, Head of Programme “Transformation of Economic and Social Systems”, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) 

12:30–14:30 I Lunchtime Dive

 The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate and Implications for Trade Cooperation (Restaurant Terrasse de La Paix, 8th Floor)

This lunchtime conversation will explore the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion on states’ obligations to tackle climate change and identify some of the key implications for trade cooperation.

Keynote speaker: 

• H.E. Mr. Sumbue Antas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva 

Reflections

• Hon. Mr. Justice David Unterhalter, Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa
• Nicolas Lockhart, Partner, Sidley Austin
• Gabrielle Marceau, Honorary Professor of International Public Law and International Organisation, University of Geneva
• Elena Cima, Senior Lecturer, International Environmental Law, University of Geneva 

Moderator

• Dominic Coppens, Professor of International Economic Law, Maastricht University 

14:30–16:00 I Thematic Session 2A

Building Resilience to the Impacts of the Climate Crisis: How Can Trade Cooperation Support Adaptation, Effective Responses to Climate Impacts, and Climate-Resilient Development? (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will explore the role of trade cooperation in building resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis. It will include a review of supporting efforts in developing countries to adapt to climate change, enhance their preparedness to respond to the impacts of slow onset climate change and recurring natural disasters, and support climate-resilient development, with a particular focus on key sectors and priorities in terms of economic diversification and transformation. It will highlight the role of trade-related cooperation, financing, and technology development, diffusion and uptake.

Thought starters:

• Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
• Sven Sylvain Callebaut, Senior Trade Policy Consultant, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Jodie Keane, Senior Research Fellow, ODI Global
• Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director & V20 Finance Advisor, Climate Vulnerable Forum (TBC)
• Anne Hammill, Associate Vice-President, Resilience, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) (TBC)
   

14:30–16:00 I Thematic Session 2B

Decarbonization of Heavy Industry: What Priorities for Trade and Technology Cooperation? (Conference Room 543, Geneva Centre for Security Policy)

This session will discuss the role of trade and trade-related measures in accelerating the decarbonization of heavy industries such as steel, cement or aluminium. It will review options for technology co-development and other mechanisms to facilitate the diffusion, access, adaptation and scaling up of key technologies with a particular focus on developing countries. Finally, it will explore opportunities for innovative partnerships and cooperative arrangements.

Thought starters:

• Per Andersson, Head of Secretariat, Leadership Group for Industry Transition (Leadit)
• Atul Kaushik, Fellow at the Global Development Centre, Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South (COGGS)
• Trevor Sutton, Senior Research Associate, Columbia Center on Global Energy Policy
• Nimrod Zalk, Chief Research Officer: Climate and Development, University of Cape Town (online)
• Colette van der Ven, Founder and Director, Tulip Consulting

16:30–18:00 I Panel 2

Getting a Grip on Political Realities and Prospects for Cooperation: National and Regional Perspectives, and Developments (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will explore trade dimensions of accelerating the decarbonization of heavy industries, such as steel, cement, and aluminium, and the relevance of trade and trade-related measures. It will review options for technology co-development and other mechanisms to facilitate the diffusion, access, adaptation and scaling up of key technologies with a particular focus on developing countries. Finally, it will explore opportunities for innovative trade and investment partnerships and cooperative arrangements.

Speakers:

• Henry Gao, Professor of Law, Singapore Management University
• Ujal Singh Bhatia , Former WTO Appellate Body Member, Former Ambassador of India to the WTO
• Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor, Yale Law School, Yale University (Online)
• Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
• Umberto Celli Junior, Ribeirão Preto Law Faculty, University of São Paulo
• Richard Baron, Director of the Trade Programme, European Climate Foundation (ECF)
• Tsotetsi Makong, Director Coordination and Programmes, AfCFTA Secretariat
• Jan Yves Remy, Director, Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services, University of the West Indies (TBC)

18:00-20:00 I Reception
 

Friday 24 October 2025

09:00–10:30 I Panel 3

Climate, Trade, and Sustainable Development at COP30 and in the UNFCCC process: Pathways for Cooperation and Integrated Approaches (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will provide an update on recent developments and trade-related initiatives on climate on the road to COP30. It will review the state of play and potential pathways for enhanced cooperation on trade and trade-related issues in the UNFCCC context and for connecting the dots between trade, climate and sustainable development priorities and processes. Speakers will bring a diverse set of expertise and experiences on the UNFCCC process to share views on where and what kinds of trade related cooperation is most needed. 

Speakers:

• Erika Watanabe Patriota, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the WTO

Reflections:

• Chantal Line Carpentier, Head, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Vicente Yu, Independent Consultant
• Andrei Marcu, Executive Director, Roundtable on Climate Change & Sustainable Transition
• Christina Voigt, Chair, IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (online)
• Jacqueline Peel, Professor of Law, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne (TBC)

11:00–12:30 I Thematic Session 3A

Trade-Related Measures With Climate Objectives: Pathways for Fostering Cooperation (C1 conference room, meeting centre)

In light of the growing number of trade-related measures with climate objectives being implemented or considered by a growing range of countries, this session will review possible approaches to enhancing transparency, coherence, interoperability and equivalences of such measures while addressing equity and development concerns. The session will explore specific collaborative outcomes ranging from transparency requirements to international guidance on the design and implementation of these measures or aspects of them, such as on GHG emissions and carbon accounting methodologies, and climate standards.

Thought starters:

• Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Executive Director, Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS)
• Aaron Cosbey, Senior Associate, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
• Aik Hoe Lim, Director, Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Sandra Hanni, Global Policy Lead for Trade and Climate, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (online)
• Kurt Van Dender, Acting Head of the Tax Policy and Statistics Division, Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTPA), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Emma Aisbett,  Associate Professor, School of Law, Australian National University (online)

11:00–12:30 I Thematic Session 3B

Trade, Critical Minerals, and Net Zero: Navigating the Complexity of Security, Development, Sustainability, and Circular Economy Priorities (Conference room 543, Geneva Centre for Security Policy)

This session will discuss the importance of critical minerals for meeting global climate goals and review current and projected trends in supply, demand, and trade. The discussion will explore explore the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with critical minerals supply chains, including the opportunities and priorities for resource rich developing countries in relation to economic diversification and value addition. Finally, the session will explore opportunities and pathways for enhanced trade cooperation on critical minerals in support of net zero goals, while recognizing the complexity of navigating security, development, sustainability and circular economy priorities. 

Thought starters:

• Clovis Freire, Chief, Commodities Research and Analysis Section, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Hari Tulsidas, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
• Poorva Karkare, Policy Officer, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) (online)
• Marit Y. Kitaw, Economic Affairs Officer, Minerals Sector Lead, Climate Change, Food Security, Natural Resources Division (CFND), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Online)
• Johann Mulder, Chief, Sustainable Trade Unit, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
• Anis Nassar, Lead, Circular Economy Innovation and Business Engagement, World Economic Forum (WEF) (TBC)

12:30–14:30 I Lunchtime Dive

Towards Sustainable Investment and Technology Models, Partnerships and Agreements in Support of Climate Action

This lunchtime dive aims to spur conversation on how  policies, rules and approaches on sustainable investment and technology intersect with the drive for more sustainable trade, and in particular for trade cooperation that supports climate mitigation, adaptation and climate-resilient development. It will review key recent developments, lessons learned and opportunities for international cooperative frameworks to foster sustainable investment and technology models, partnerships and agreements.

Conversation starters: 

• Dr. James J. Nedumpara, Professor and Head of the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Thomas Cottier, Professor Emeritus of European and International Economic Law, University of Bern

14:30–16:00 I Thematic Session 4A

Exploring Priorities at the Trade, Climate, Debt, and Finance Nexus: How To Foster Integrated Approaches and What Implications for Trade Cooperation? (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will explore issues and priorities at the nexus of trade, debt, and finance in support of climate action and climate-resilient development. It will discuss options to connect the dots between these different dimensions and foster cooperative and integrated approaches across international processes and policy agendas.

Thought starters:

• Stephen Karingi, Director, Regional Integration and Trade, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) (Online)
• Brendan Vickers, Policy Director, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), United Kingdom
• Carlijn Nouwen, Co-Founder, Climate Action Platform for Africa (Online)
• Imelda Bacudo, Affiliated Researcher, Stockholm Environment Institute Asia (SEI)
• Diana Barrowclough, Senior Economist, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 

14:30–16:00 I Thematic Session 4B

From Fossil Fuels to Net-Zero Energy: Where to for Trade Cooperation That Drives Clean Energy Access and Transitions, and Climate-resilient Development? (Conference Room 543, Geneva Centre for Security Policy)

This session will explore prospects and pathways for a trade contribution to rapid, fair and equitable energy transitions from fossil fuels to clean energy. It will address how trade and trade-related policies can support such a transition and what types of cooperation on trade are needed, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by developing countries in the context of pressing socio-economic imperatives and the pursuit of climate resilient development. 

Thought starters:

• Kimberley Botwright, Deputy Head, Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics, Head, Responsible Trade & Governance, World Economic Forum (WEF)
• Faten Aggad, Deputy Chief of Staff, African Union (TBC)
• Ellie Belton, Senior Policy Advisor, Third Generation Environmentalism (E3G)
• Kennedy Mbeva, Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, at the University of Cambridge (Online)

16:30-18:00 I Panel 4

Fostering Trade Cooperation on the Climate Crisis Amidst Trade Uncertainty and Challenges of Multilateralism (C1 Conference Room, Meeting Centre)

This session will explore priorities and prospects for trade cooperation on the climate crisis and sustainable development amidst trade uncertainty and challenges of multilateralism. It will provide an opportunity to hear perspectives from a diverse group of Geneva-based WTO ambassadors on opportunities in the multilateral context, including at the WTO, as well as through bilateral, plurilateral and regional approaches. The session will conclude with a recap of some key take-aways from the conference, focusing on pathways forward.

• H.E. Mr. James Baxter, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Australia to the WTO (TBC)
• H.E. Mr. Matthew Wilson, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Coordinator of the WTO Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group
• H.E. Mr. Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the WTO
• H.E. Mr. João Aguiar Machado, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the European Union to the WTO
• H.E. Ms. Yongjie Li, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the WTO
• H.E. Mr. Erwin Bollinger, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO (TBC)