A range of climate vulnerable developing WTO Members, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are particularly vulnerable to the direct and indirect effects of the climate crisis in ways that impact their economies and trade. These impacts guide their priorities for international trade cooperation.
Storms, sea surges, floods, prolonged heatwaves, droughts, and changes in temperature and precipitation impact a range of trade infrastructure and economic sectors central to sustainable development - from agricultural and tourism to fisheries. Recurring crises exacerbate the pernicious cycle of debt distress and undercut efforts to invest in economic diversification, expand supply side capacity and ensure competitiveness in the context of proliferating climate-related requirements in export markets. Meanwhile, long-promised climate financing- whether public or private - has failed to emerge at the scale and speed required to trigger structural economic transformation, foster resilience, and ensure access to clean energy in ways that support development and sustainability outcomes.
In this context, a core question is how can international trade cooperation support climate-resilient development and just transitions? A number of developing WTO members have highlighted issues for attention in recent statements and submissions at the WTO. This panel provides an opportunity to hear from a diverse group of climate vulnerable developing countries on priorities for international cooperation on trade and climate-resilient development.
Speakers
H.E. Mr. Ali Hussain, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the WTO
H.E. Mr. José Valencia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the WTO
H.E. Dr. Jean-Pierre Baptiste, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Chad to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head Trade Environment Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Dr. Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Executive Director, Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs
Moderator: Kay Sealy, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Barbados to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva
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