Aligning climate and trade strategies in the Least Developed Countries
Speakers
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Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) (pre-recorded remarks)
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Dr Frannie Léautier
CEO of SouthBridge Investment and ODI Board member
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H.E. Amb. Mr Ahmad Makaila
Chad's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, Coordinator of the WTO LDC Group
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H.E. Mr Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi
Chair of the LDC Group on Climate Change (pre-recorded remarks)
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Dr Jodie Keane
Senior Research Fellow, International Economic Development Group, ODI
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Laura Kelly
Director, Shaping Sustainable Markets, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
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Dr Beth Dunford
Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank (AfDB) (pre-recorded remarks)
Description
The next decade is crucial in addressing the climate crisis. We need to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 while also halving greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2010 levels. This will only be possible if we align climate and trade policy in a way that works for the countries that are most vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks, such as those defined by UN as Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Many of the topics on the table at COP26 have huge significance for trade, including carbon markets and climate finance. It is equally important that climate concerns are surfaced in trade forums, such as the 12th Ministerial Conference in December. The diplomatic effort and public appetite for bolder climate action offers an opportunity to put climate change firmly in the heart of LDC trade policy and negotiations going forward.
Building on the momentum, this closed discussion will bring together senior representatives from multilateral organisations, investment companies, national governments and research institutes for an interactive session aimed at LDC trade and climate officials. This high-level event is part of a wider programme, supported by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), that aims to equip LDCs with the evidence, networks and platforms to effectively align and secure their climate and trade strategies in international negotiations.