26 January 2018: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP or UN Environment) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have announced an initiative to promote trade that supports both economic and sustainable development.

The agencies will collaborate to create a platform that highlights the links between trade and inclusive sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative will showcase experiences and serve as a multi-stakeholder knowledge exchange, where users can learn and take advantage of emerging shifts towards more sustainable models of production and consumption.

“trade can serve as a powerful tool to improve human well-being in all its dimensions – economic, social and environmental,” said the WTO Director-General.

Speaking on the collaboration, UNEP Executive Director Solheim said, “While trade has brought prosperity to many, we must ensure that it also works for our natural resources, for our climate and for all people.” WTO Director-General Azevêdo noted, “This initiative is rooted in the very same notion that inspired the creation of the WTO more than 20 years ago: that trade can serve as a powerful tool to improve human well-being in all its dimensions – economic, social and environmental.”

In a joint press release, the agencies said that work on the project will begin later in 2018, at a high-level event in Geneva, Switzerland. [UNEP Press Release] [WTO Website]