"The well-being of people is dependent upon the
well-being of our planet, and trade can play an important role here," DG
Okonjo-Iweala said. "By connecting people and markets, trade helps lower
costs and disseminate new environmental technologies. Trade can make resource
use more efficient, reducing the strain on our ecosystems. New trade rules can
help our economies become greener, cleaner, more prosperous, and more
inclusive."
"I am extremely encouraged to see the increasing levels
of engagement by WTO members towards outcomes on environmental sustainability
and trade at our Ministerial Conference later this year," she said. MC12
will take place from 30 November to 3 December 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland.
"A key WTO priority is therefore to conclude an agreement this year to
protect our oceans by ending harmful fisheries subsidies. WTO members are also
discussing new initiatives to improve trade's contribution to environmental
sustainability, including the liberalization of trade in environmental goods and
services, fossil fuel subsidy reform, the transition to a circular economy,
plastics pollution and sustainable supply chains," she said, noting the
importance as well to collaborate on this year's UN Climate Change COP26.
"International cooperation is essential to achieving
our collective commitments to protect the environment, mitigate climate change
and prevent biodiversity loss and deforestation. As economies recover from
COVID-19, we have an opportunity to build back better and greener and bluer.
Nature is the source of our health and prosperity, and we must all act together
to restore, protect and strengthen our ecosystems," DG Okonjo-Iweala said.