The event will feature the launch of a new compilation of sectoral briefing notes from TESS’s policy series on Trade, climate, and net zero pathways: Scenarios and implications for developing countries and climate resilient development. The authors of selected notes will present key insights from their research on their respective sectors—including energy, digital transformation, critical minerals, textiles and garments, and more—followed by reflections from a number of developing country trade delegates on priorities and options for trade cooperation.

Questions for discussion include:

• What are the key trade-related transformations expected across specific sectors under net zero transition pathways, and how might these affect developing countries competitiveness and integration in global value chains?
• What trade-related measures and industrial policies can developing countries leverage to support climate-resilient development amid shifting global demand?
• How can international cooperation at the nexus of trade and climate be harnessed or reformed to enable equitable participation of developing countries in the global net zero transition?

16:30–16:35 Welcome Remarks and Introduction to the Opening Panel

• Yasmin ISMAIL, Senior Policy Advisor, Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS) (moderator)

16:35–17:00 Presentation of Main Findings of Selected Sectoral Notes

• Ellie BELTON, Senior Policy Advisor on Trade & Climate, E3G: Energy Transition
• Peter WOODERS, Managing Director, Geneva Platform for Resilient Value: Critical Minerals
• Nadira BAYAT, Senior Sustainable Development Policy Specialist, Independent: Digital Transformation (Online)
• Patrick SCHRODER, Senior Research Fellow, Environment and Society Centre, Chatham House: Textiles and Garments

17:00–17:25 Reflections From a Diverse Group of Geneva-Based Delegates to the WTO

• Naeem TARIQ, Legal Affairs Officer, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the World Trade Organization
• Kekeletso MASHIGO, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of South Africa to the World Trade Organization
  
• Nur Cagri KARABAG, Commercial Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Türkiye to the World Trade Organization

17:25–17:55 Open Discussion

17:55–18:00 Concluding Remarks

As countries intensify efforts to meet climate targets under the Paris Agreement and strive for net-zero emissions by mid-century, the global economy is poised for substantial transformation. Trade and trade policy are central to this transition. The diffusion of low-carbon technologies and adaptation to climate change will reshape markets and value chains, ultimately presenting both opportunities and challenges for competitiveness and climate-resilient development.

As a contribution to designing forward-looking trade and climate strategies, TESS has initiated a policy research series titled Trade, climate and net zero pathways: Scenarios and implications for developing countries and climate-resilient development. The series enhances understanding of emerging trade and trade-policy trends and dynamics and their implications for various sectors. It supports developing countries in identifying and advancing their climate- and trade-related interests and priorities at both national and international levels. The series covers agriculture, carbon markets, critical minerals, the digital transformation, the energy transition, fisheries, heavy industry, shipping, and textiles, with each chapter authored by an expert in the respective field.

TESS will be launching a compilation of these sectoral notes as part of its broader effort to inform policy dialogue and cooperation on trade and climate strategies for climate-resilient development.