Green Economy & Trade | Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

About this Event

At the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (“Rio+20”) in June 2012, world leaders reaffirmed the role of international trade as an “engine for development and sustained economic growth”. At the same time, trade-driven growth has contributed to increased pressure on natural resources and pollution.

UNEP‘s new report identifies sustainable trade opportunities in six key economic sectors: Agriculture, Fisheries, Forests, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy and Tourism. It also addresses challenges that arise from a transition to greener economies, sets out enabling conditions for countries to harness their green trade potential and provides numerous case examples. The report is part of the Green Economy and Trade Opportunities Project (GE-TOP) financially supported by the EC and implemented by UNEP’s Trade, Policy and Planning Unit.

Speakers

At the occasion of the launch, the Geneva Environment Network hosted a High-Level Panel Discussion (online registration) with, among others, the participation of:

Achim STEINER, UNEP Executive Director
Pascal LAMY, WTO Director General
Ephraim KAMUNTU, Uganda Minister for Water and Environment
Maryiam SHAKEELA, Maldives Minsiter  for Environment and Energy
Guillermo VALLES, UNCTAD Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities Director
Amb. Luis Enrique CHAVEZ, Permanent Representative of Peru to the UN
Ricardo MELÉNDEZ-ORTIZ, ICTSD Chief Executive Officer

 Mark HALLE, Executive Director, IISD Europe (Moderator)

Documents and other details

• The report is available online for download.
• Invitation
• Presentation

Photo Gallery