About

Fostering inclusive international cooperation on trade and trade policies to advance climate mitigation and adaptation, climate-resilient development, and fair transitions.

Dialogue

Technology Co-Development for a Just and Equitable Industry Transition: The Next Frontier

The roundtable will explore options on technology co-development for a just & equitable industry transition on climate.

23 April 2024
Publication - Policy Brief

Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform: Options for Inclusive Collective Action at the World Trade Organization

On how collective action in support of fossil fuel subsidy reform priorities could be taken forward at the WTO.

Peter Wooders 22 April 2024
Dialogue

Green Subsidies, Trade, and Sustainable Development: Priorities for Enhanced International Cooperation on Financing Sustainability

TESS hosts a roundtable to share perspectives on enhanced international cooperation on financing sustainability

22 April 2024
Expert View

Reshaping WTO Subsidy Rules for a Sustainable Future

A fundamental regearing of World Trade Organization subsidy rules offers the potential for transformative change.

Daniel C. Esty & Elena Cima 08 April 2024
Publication - Policy Brief

Trade and Environment at the World Trade Organization: State of Play and Entry Points

On where the trade, environment, and sustainable development interface can be addressed and discussed at the WTO.

TESS 05 April 2024
Expert View

Critical Minerals Initiatives for Green Supply Chains: How Multilateralism Can Help

Addressing the global issue of critical minerals supply chains properly requires multilateral action.

Henry Gao, Weihuan Zhou, & Victor Crochet 15 March 2024
Expert View

Sustainability at the WTO After MC13: Forging a Proactive Response

The vast majority of WTO members are ready to engage and build cooperation on sustainability and trade at the WTO.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck & Christophe Bellmann 14 March 2024
Expert View

There's a Great Future in Plastics – And Other Takeaways From the WTO MC13 Ministerial

Technical work and informed policy dialogue can facilitate the use of the trade system to achieve environmental goals.

Robert Howse 13 March 2024
Expert View

Trade in the Balance: Aligning the Trading System With Climate and Development Goals

The trade regime must provide incentives for low-carbon, socially inclusive, and climate-resilient growth trajectories.

Kevin Gallagher & Tim Hirschel-Burns 11 March 2024
Expert View

Climate and Trade Cooperation After the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference: Quo Vadis?

It remains imperative to support efforts that promote the reinvigoration of the WTO’s deliberative functions.

David Kleimann, Jodie Keane, & Michai Robertson 07 March 2024
Expert View

Greening Supply Chains: Sleepwalking Into a New Era of Trade Policy?

Trade negotiators are advised to become acquainted with the dynamics of the environmental and financial communities.

Marion Jansen 07 March 2024
Expert View

The Governance of Trade as if a Healthy Planet Really Mattered

For the redesign of a trade regime placed at the service of a healthy, balanced, and equitable planetary community.

Mark Halle 29 February 2024
News - News

Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate Hold Their Second Ministerial Meeting

The Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate held their second ministerial meeting in the margins of MC13.

25 February 2024
Expert View

Strong Ministerial Engagement is Needed to Strengthen International Cooperation on Sustainability and Trade

There are priority areas for action to consolidate the progress made and provide political impetus for further work.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck & Christophe Bellmann 24 February 2024
News - News

TESS at MC13

Join as at the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference and explore our activities and publications.

23 February 2024
Expert View

Voluntary Carbon Markets – Unfinished Business From COP28

The unfinished business of establishing a regulatory framework for carbon markets could provide a new frontier.

David Luke & Cecilia Wandiga 22 February 2024
Expert View

WTO Reform: A Catalyst for Transformative Change in the Caribbean Community

Caribbean Community countries can shape a trade policy framework that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Jan Yves Remy 22 February 2024
Expert View

Pathways Exist for the Appropriate Design and Implementation of Trade-Related Climate Measures

Existing WTO provisions and jurisprudence provide pathways for the appropriate design of trade-related climate measures.

Ujal Singh Bhatia 22 February 2024
Expert View

How to Avoid Potential Friction in Future Trade in Climate Technologies

There are avenues for cooperation within the WTO and beyond on future low-carbon technology trade.

Brad McDonald & Scott Vaughan 22 February 2024
Expert View

The WTO on Sustainable Trade: Far From Perfect, by No Means the Enemy of the Good

There are many practical steps to collaborate through the WTO to make trade for the green economy easier.

Kimberley Botwright 22 February 2024
Expert View

Transparency is Vital to Sustain State Support for the Clean Energy Transition

A free-for-all between governments able to afford subsidies to mitigate climate change has arisen.

Simon J. Evenett & Fernando Martin 22 February 2024
Dialogue

Enabling a Just Transition: Trade and Industrial Policy Options for Developing Countries on Climate Action and Principles for Cooperation

TESS, UNCTAD, UNEP, IRENA, & Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy invite you to this event in the margins of MC13.

14 February 2024
Dialogue

Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate: Stakeholder Reception in the Margins of MC13

The Coalition in collaboration with E3G & TESS host this stakeholder reception.

14 February 2024
Dialogue

Stakeholder Roundtable on Climate, Trade, and Sustainable Development

TESS hosts this roundtable discussion with experts on the climate, trade, & SD nexus in the margins of MC13.

13 February 2024
News - News

TESS Issues Statement at WTO Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions Plenary Meeting

The co-sponsors of the TESSD initiative continue work, with governments gearing up for the 13th Ministerial Conference.

08 February 2024
News - News

TESS Supports the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2024

The coalition was active during the week hosting a ministerial dialogue, expanding its membership, & releasing an op-ed.

18 January 2024
Expert View

Trade, Climate, and Finance: Breaking the Silos to Drive Ambitious, Inclusive Action

An op-ed by members of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate.

Sonsoles Garcia, Valdis Dombrovskis, Rebecca Miano, Alexandre Monteiro, Kerrie Symmonds, Yuliia Svyrydenko, Manoa Kamikamica, Alfredo Pascual, Espen Barth Eide, & Mohamed Saeed 18 January 2024
Publication - Policy Brief

Addressing the Climate Technology Gap Through Effective Technology Transfer

On pathways to enhance international cooperation on the transfer of climate-related technologies.

Vicente Paolo Yu 13 December 2023
Expert View

Addressing the Climate Technology Gap in Developing Countries Through Effective Technology Transfer

On enhanced international cooperation arrangements to foster effective technology transfer for climate action.

Vicente Paolo Yu 13 December 2023
Dialogue

Green Industrial Subsidies and Climate Action: Does the International Subsidy Rulebook Need an Environmental Exception?

Bruegel and TESS hosted an informal expert roundtable to share views on a potential green subsidy exception.

07 December 2023
Dialogue

Green Industrial Subsidies and Sustainable Development: Prospects for Enhanced International Cooperation

TESS-hosted informal roundtable on perspectives on green industrial subsidies and sustainable development.

07 December 2023
Expert View

Naïve but Necessary? Cooperation on Critical Mineral Supplies

On the need for cooperative frameworks and alliances and supply chain partnerships.

Bernice Lee 05 December 2023
Dialogue

A Trade Contribution to the Global Climate Agenda - Perspectives from the Global Climate Community on Priorities for Cooperation by Trade Ministers

COP28 event hosted by the co-leads of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate and TESS.

30 November 2023
News - News

TESS at COP28

Join us at our events at COP28.

29 November 2023
Expert View

For a Trading System that Supports an Ambitious Climate Agenda, Climate-Resilient Development, and Just Transitions

On the importance of inclusive international cooperation for an ambitious climate agenda.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Christophe Bellmann, & Fabrice Lehmann 28 November 2023
Expert View

Six Principles to Bolster Cooperation on Trade-Related Climate Measures

On principles for consideration in the design and implementation of trade-related climate measures and policies.

International Legal Expert Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures and Policies 28 November 2023
Dialogue

COP28: The Climate Impact of Plastic Production - The Road to a Global Plastics Treaty

Side event cosponsored by the Government of Rwanda and the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, with TESS and IEA.

24 November 2023
Expert View

Recent Innovations in Trade and Sustainability Cooperation

An overview of new trends in relation to policy action and cooperation on trade and sustainability.

Joost Pauwelyn 26 September 2023
Expert View

Advancing Inclusive Cooperation on Trade and Climate

A perspective on key priorities for consideration for international cooperation on the trade and sustainability agenda.

Hon. Keisal Peters 18 September 2023
Publication - Report

Principles of International Law Relevant for Consideration in the Design and Implementation of Trade-Related Climate Measures and Policies

Expert group report offering guidance on the design and implementation of trade-related climate measures and policies.

International Legal Expert Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures and Policies 13 September 2023
Dialogue

Principles of International Law Relevant for Consideration in the Design and Implementation of Trade-Related Climate Measures

TESS session on trade-related climate measures and policies at the WTO Public Forum

13 September 2023
Dialogue

Advancing Inclusive Cooperation on Trade & Climate

TESS hosted this reception on how trade & trade policies can contribute to sustainable development

12 September 2023
Expert View

The Case for a Global Triangle Forum at the WTO

On a Global Triangle Forum to foster dialogue and cooperation on trade, environment, and development at the WTO.

Pascal Lamy, Geneviève Pons, Colette van der Ven, & Claudia Azevedo 12 September 2023
Dialogue

The Role of Trade & Trade Policy in Advancing Action on the SDGs: How to Boost Coherence and Cooperation?

TESS hosts the Opening Plenary of Geneva Trade Week 2023

06 September 2023
Dialogue

Principles for Consideration in the Design and Implementation of Trade-Related Climate Measures and Policies

Side event of the WTO's Trade & Environment Week 2023 hosted by the Mission of Colombia in collaboration with TESS

12 June 2023
Dialogue

Informal Meeting of Developing Countries on Trade, Environment, and Sustainable Development

TESS hosted an informal meeting for an informal exchange among developing country delegates.

03 May 2023
Expert View

Trade Ministers’ Coalition Seeks to Put Climate Action at the Heart of Global Trade Policies

The key principles of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate and the importance of strong political leadership.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck 17 April 2023
Publication - Policy Paper

Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Latin America: A Framework for International Cooperation

Key issues at the intersection of trade, climate, and sustainable development from a Latin American perspective.

Lorena Palomo Parada 22 February 2023
Dialogue

Trade and Climate Action: Shifting the Paradigm for a Just Transition and Sustainable Development

Webinar on supporting sustainability in the international trading system.

02 February 2023
Publication - Policy Paper

Trade-Related Climate Priorities for CARICOM at the World Trade Organization

Key issues at the intersection of trade, climate, and sustainable development from a Caribbean perspective.

Jan Yves Remy 30 January 2023
News - News

Launch of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate

This coalition represents a diversity of countries from all regions and levels of development.

20 January 2023
Expert View

Where Next for the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate?

On the need for clear coalition objectives and aligning more closely with multilateral climate talks.

Jonny Peters & Ignacio Arroniz Velasco 19 January 2023
Publication - Policy Paper

A Southeast Asian Perspective on Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Key issues at the intersection of trade, climate, and sustainable development from a Southeast Asian perspective.

Alice Pham 12 January 2023
News - Newsletter

New Publication Series: Regional Perspectives on Trade, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development

Launch of a new publications series on trade and climate offering developing country perspectives on trade and climate.

08 November 2022
Publication - Policy Brief

Trade and Climate Change in the World Trade Organization

How trade policies can support climate and sustainable development goals in the content of cooperation at the WTO.

Christophe Bellmann 07 November 2022
Publication - Policy Paper

Trade and Climate-Resilient Development in Africa: Towards a Global Green New Deal

Key issues at the intersection of trade, climate, and sustainable development from an African perspective.

Faizel Ismail 07 November 2022
Dialogue

Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Regional Perspectives

Working session during the WTO Public Forum 2022 under the theme "delivering a trade agenda for a sustainable future."

30 September 2022
Dialogue

State of Play and Next Steps on Environment at the WTO: Opening Plenary of Geneva Trade Week 2022

Briefing on the state of play and next steps on environment at the World Trade Organization.

26 September 2022
Dialogue

Latin American Perspectives on Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Policy Priorities and Recommendations for Action

Regional consultation to discuss Latin American perspectives on trade & climate change mitigation & adaptation.

21 September 2022
Dialogue

African Perspectives on Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Policy Priorities and Recommendations for Action

Virtual regional consultation to discuss African perspectives on trade & climate change mitigation & adaptation.

15 September 2022
Dialogue

A Southeast Asia Perspective on Trade and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Policy Priorities and Recommendations for Action

Virtual regional consultation to discuss Southeast Asian perspectives on trade & climate change mitigation & adaptation.

24 August 2022
Dialogue

Greening Aid for Trade: Future Priorities and Pathways for a Just Transition to Sustainable Trade

Session on greening Aid for Trade during the 2022 Aid for Trade Global Review.

28 July 2022
Publication - Policy Paper

Promoting and Facilitating Trade in Environmental Goods and Services: Lessons From Regional Trade Agreements

A review of approaches in regional trade agreements to promote and facilitate trade in environmental goods and services.

Christophe Bellmann & Mahesh Sugathan 20 June 2022
Dialogue

Climate Change Loss and Damage: An Emergency Economic, Finance, and Trade Agenda for a Planet on Fire

Launch event of the recently published "Climate Vulnerable Economies Loss Report."

16 June 2022
News - News

Ecuador, EU, Kenya, and New Zealand Team Up to Forge Cooperation on Trade and Climate

The ministers co-hosted an informal breakfast on the nexus of trade, climate and sustainable development.

13 June 2022
Dialogue

State of Play and Future Directions on Trade and Environmental Sustainability at the WTO

TESS hosted an informal breakfast discussion preceding the TESSD working meetings.

19 May 2022
Dialogue

Fostering Access to and Transfer of Environmental Technologies: Trade-Related Policies and Incentives

Virtual roundtable discussion on fostering access to and transfer of environmental technologies.

28 April 2022
Publication - Policy Brief

Trade and Environment at the World Trade Organization: State of Play and Entry Points

Update on the trade and environment interface from a WTO governance perspective.

Christophe Bellmann, Carolyn Deere Birkbeck, Marianne Kettunen, & Mahesh Sugathan 11 April 2022
Publication - Briefing Note

Securing a Just and Inclusive Global Green Economy Through Trade Policy

On how to secure a just and inclusive global green economy through trade policy.

Nicolas Lockhart, Dominic Coppens, Katherine Connolly, & Stella Perantakou 29 March 2022
Dialogue

Informal Meeting of Developing Countries on Trade, Environment, and Sustainable Development

TESS hosts a series of informal discussions among delegates on trade, environment, and sustainable development.

22 March 2022
Dialogue

WTO Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform

TESS hosted an informal discussion to follow up on the WTO Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform.

24 February 2022
Dialogue

Aid for Trade, Environment, and Sustainable Development

TESS hosted Geneva-based experts to discuss aid for trade, environment, and sustainable development.

03 February 2022
Dialogue

Launch of Three Ministerial Statements on Trade, Environment, and Sustainable Development at the WTO

Joint launch event of three ministerial statements - TESSD, IDP, and FFSR.

15 December 2021
Dialogue

High-Level Dialogue on Sustainable Trade, Climate, and Nature: How Can Cooperation on Trade Support Climate Action and Sustainable Development

High-level dialogue on sustainable trade, climate, and nature during COP26.

06 November 2021
Expert View

Trade Ministers Must Pull Their Weight on Climate Action

The rationale behind a coalition of trade ministers on climate.

Carolyn Deere Birkbeck 08 October 2021
Dialogue

Building Resilient and Sustainable Regional and Global Value Chains through the AfCFTA

Session on how the African continent can harness the AfCFTA to advance the green transition.

01 October 2021
Dialogue

Trade and Environment at MC12: How Can Work at the WTO Support a Green and Fair Global Economy

Identifying concrete ways that governments and stakeholders can work together to promote multilateral cooperation.

30 September 2021