Integrating Voluntary Sustainability Standards in Trade Agreements: Charting a path for sustainable trade
This webinar explored recent trends, challenges, and opportunities related to the integration of voluntary standards in trade policy, with a focus on free trade agreements (FTAs).
Before 2018, only 17 FTAs had ever referenced voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs). By 2023, that figure had more than doubled. What is driving this trend? Will it lead to more sustainable trade?
IISD and ISEAL hosted a webinar for different actors engaged in trade policy to learn about the ways that VSSs have been integrated into trade policy to advance sustainability. Focusing on the specific example of FTAs, IISD experts presented recent research and discussed with panelists on why more and more FTAs are referencing VSSs and how this integration has played out in practice.
Speakers:
- Mario Abreu, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Ferrero
- Steffany Bermúdez, Policy Advisor, IISD
- Manuel Chacón, Director of Commercial Relations, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Colombia
- Dominik Ledergerber, Advisor, Free Trade Agreements/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Division, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
- Seul Lee, Associate Economic Affairs Officer, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Lauro Locks, Counsellor, Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Cameron Plese, Head of Government Affairs (North America and Europe), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
- Florencia Sarmiento, Policy Advisor, IISD
- Alice Tipping, Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, IISD
- Joshua Wickerham, Manager, Outreach and Engagement, ISEAL
Upcoming events
Exploring Sustainable Markets and Trade Opportunities for COMESA Countries
This webinar series for COMESA member states, producers, and small and medium-sized enterprises aims to enhance their understanding of sustainability standards and regulatory developments.
IGF 22nd Annual General Meeting
The 22nd IGF AGM will be held under the theme of Trust in an Interdependent World: Advancing inclusion and resilience in mineral value chains
Policy Workshop: Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Beyond GDP in Ghana
Policymakers will explore core concepts, global approaches, and key components of "beyond GDP" and assess their relevance for Ghana.
Student Workshop: Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Beyond GDP in Ghana
Students will confront the limitations of GDP and explore alternative and complementary measures to GDP and their policy implications for Ghana.