This event is co-organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as part of programme of the 4th Oceans Forum on Trade-related Aspects of SDG 14 .
The 4th Oceans Forum, running from 6 to 8 April 2022, is organised by UNCTAD in cooperation with FAO, UNEP, The Commonwealth, OACPS, CAF, and IOI and with the support of the Republics of Portugal and Kenya. It is an important event ahead of the UN Ocean Conference. The forum is an opportunity to find solutions for using trade as a tool to protect our ocean and its resources, accelerating the implementation of SDG 14’s trade-related targets.
Discussion themes for the event (Session 5, Day 3 of the 4th Oceans Forum):
- What are trade rules for single use plastics and their material substitutes?
- How can developing countries identify material substitutes which are competitive and deliver environmental gains?
- How could a United Nations treaty on plastics pollution provide an effective multilateral framework?
- How could trade policy and rules complement these efforts?
- How could technology transfer for waste management be facilitated to developing countries?
Agenda
Introduction of background note (addressing plastic litter and other wastes in the ocean):
- Mr. David Vivas Eugui, Legal Officer, Division on International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD
- Mr. Henrique Pacini, Economic Affairs Officer, Division on International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD
Keynote:
- H.E. Mr. Simon Manley, CMG, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva and Chair of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment
Panellists:
- H.E. Mr. José Valencia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the WTO in Geneva
- H.E. Mr. Dagfinn Sørli, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Norway to the WTO
- Dr. Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Head, Oceans and Natural Resources Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Ms. Brenda Koekkoek, Programme Manager, UNEP
- Ms. Diana Barrowclough, Senior Economist, Division on Globalization and Development Strategies, UNCTAD
- Ms. Kristin Hughes, Director, Global Plastics Action Partnership
