The key note speaker is State Secretary Marianne Hagen (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). She will be joined on a panel by representatives from the International Maritime Organization and the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association, as well as Kenya’s ambassador to the WTO. Chile’s ambassador to the WTO will be moderating the session.
During the working session, the following issues will be subject to discussion:
- How can the global community address the environment and climate change concerns in the blue economy, keeping in mind that approximately 90% of the transport of goods is carried out by ships
- What kind of measures must we take to create blue growth, employment and livelihood for present and future generations, while preserving a sound, sustainable ocean environment?
- How can the international community work to build a sustainable ocean economy? Which role does trade play?
The session is being organized in connection with a high level – event on trade and environment announced by the WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo and the Executive Director of UN Environment, Erik Solheim, early this year. The two directors have invited guests to join them in a “High Level Leadership Dialogue” on the 2nd of October from 15.30 to 17.00, on how to align trade and economic prosperity with environmental sustainability.
Other trade and environment related events on that same day:
- Finland and Costa Rica are inviting participants to join them in an interactive working session on the circular low-carbon economy and sustainable trade.
- France, Canada and the International Chamber of Commerce are organizing a working session on trade and climate change.
- “The Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform” are organizing a working session on the role of fossil fuel subsidy reform towards achieving the Agenda 2030’s sustainable objectives and its impact on trade.
All the mentioned Public Forum events will be open to all. For more information visit https://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/public_forum18_e/public_forum18_e.htm