UNCTAD16 Parallel event: Changemakers for sustainable trade — advancing circular and biodiversity-based economies

Across developing countries, local producers, circular economy entrepreneurs and biodiversity-based businesses are at the forefront of building a sustainable trade future. 

Their practices show that trade and environmental stewardship can be mutually reinforcing, generating jobs, incomes and climate-resilient growth while protecting natural ecosystems. However, they often operate in fragmented markets, face high barriers to scaling up and are largely left out of global trade and policy discussions.

Discussions at this event will spotlight the important but often overlooked contributions of local changemakers in developing countries. 

The economic and environmental importance of biodiversity and circular business models will be explored, and the systemic challenges these actors face in accessing international markets, attracting investment and shaping policy frameworks will be addressed. 

On showcase will be how the BioTrade Initiative of UNCTAD and the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution programme, implemented in partnership with UNCTAD, have empowered changemakers and promoted sustainable trade.

Programme

Opening remarks: Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General/Director, Division on International Trade and Commodities

Keynote speaker: Mr. Pierre Marcolini, Chocolatier and Sustainable Entrepreneur, Founder and Creation Director of Maison Pierre Marcolini

High-level panel and interactive discussion

• H.E. Ursula Desilú León Chempen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Peru
• H.E. Zeneba Gninga Chaning, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Trade and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs/SMIs), Gabon
• H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Switzerland (TBC)
• Ms. Adrie El Mohamadi, Component Manager, ABS Compliant Biotrade in South(ern) Africa (ABioSA) and BioInnovation Africa, South Africa
• Ms. Emma Algotsson, Project Lead, Catchgreen, Sweden-South Africa
• Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, University of Aston & Freshppact Project Lead, Ghana

High-level panel and interactive discussion

Questions:

• Which sustainable trade models are vital for inclusive growth, climate resilience and biodiversity protection in developing countries?
• Which structural barriers prevent local actors from scaling up?
• How can trade frameworks at the national, regional and multilateral levels better support sustainability-driven enterprises and recognize their value?
• What lessons can be drawn from the experiences of the BioTrade Initiative of UNCTAD and the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution programme in Africa, Asia and Latin America, in promoting sustainable trade ecosystems?