Taking Stock of 2021: A to-do list for the WTO in the circular economy transition

Momentum for trade and environmental sustainability has strengthened significantly over the past couple of years at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is evident in the structured discussions on trade and environmental sustainability (TESSD) launched in November 2020 as well as the three environment-related Ministerial Statements due to be launched in December 2021.

As the WTO considers when to hold the Twelfth Ministerial Conference, which was delayed by the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the progress achieved and look at the necessary next steps for trade and trade rules to better support the transition to a circular economy.

This virtual event examines various concrete actions and future workstreams that could be taken at the WTO to better support members and companies in their actions supporting carbon neutrality and the transition to a circular economy. The webinar focuses on the following questions:

1. What are the concrete trade-related actions needed to better enable and advance the transition to a circular economy?
2. What can the WTO do to support and enable the transition to a circular economy?
3. How could this work complement the work being done in other international organizations? 

Speakers

• Aik Hoe Lim, Director, Trade and Environment Division, WTO 
• Etienne Kechichian, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, World Bank
• Crispin Conroy, Representative Director, International Chamber of Commerce
• Karoliina Rasi, Senior Advisor, Confederation of Finnish Industries