CTCN/UN Environment Webinar. Trade in Environmentally Sound Technologies: Implications for Developing Countries

The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement provide impetus for development,innovation and trade of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), which can serve to address pollution and climate change while creating new economic opportunities, jobs and social benefits.

ESTs, such as renewable energy, waste and water management technologies, can play an important role in supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience building, as well as in facilitating the transition towards more circular and greener economies. This was highlighted at the UN High-level Political Forum and the fourth United Nations Environment Assembly earlier this year.

International trade is a critical enabler for the dissemination of ESTs and opens new opportunities for countries worldwide.  A recent study by the Environment and Trade Hub of UN Environment highlights the triple-win opportunities from enhanced trade, development and deployment of ESTs. As part of a joint project, the study aims to enhance understanding of the implications, capacity needs and enabling conditions for trade liberalization of ESTs, with focus on developing countries.

Taking place in the lead up to 2019 Climate Summit hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, this webinar aims to contribute to the discussion and action on climate and sustainable development, while exploring synergies between climate, technology and trade.

During the webinar the speakers will:

• Highlight key findings from the Trade in ESTs study
• Discuss opportunities and challenges for developing countries to harness trade in ESTs
• Zoom in on key issues relevant to trade in ESTs including data gaps,, trade and investment agreements, and trade in services.
• Explore actions needed to fully unlock the potential of EST trade in developing countries

About the organiser

Launched in 2015, UN Environment’s Environment and Trade Hub serves as the overarching delivery mechanism for UN Environment’s work on trade. The Hub offers capacity building and related policy advice on sustainable trade and investment that are tailored to local needs and circumstances. 

The Trade in ESTs project was supported by the European Commission and produced in conjunction with number of regional and international partners, including Technical University of Denmark, University of Malaya, African Centre for Technology Studies, University of Oxford, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and leading experts in the field of trade, technology, and innovation