PHL calls for sustainable trade in response to climate change at WTO Conference

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In the margins of the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual called for reinforced sustainable trade and development strategies to combat climate change.

Secretary Pascual highlighted the necessity of a joint effort in fostering a global trade landscape that is both sustainable and inclusive. At the second ministerial meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate, he reiterated the Philippines’ dedication to supporting trade policies that aid climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly for developing and least-developed countries.

“We believe that the work of the Coalition complements the existing work at the WTO on trade and sustainable development,” Secretary Pascual stated. He advocated for continued dialogues and sessions focused on transferring goods and technologies that bolster climate resilience, emphasizing a fair transition that ensures “no one will be left behind.”

Secretary Pascual also lent his support to the Coalition’s Framework of Voluntary Actions, indicating that such collaborative dialogues are key to devising innovative solutions that address climate change.

The meeting served as a platform for member countries to share their collective actions and progress in addressing the global climate crisis. Ministers at the gathering recognized the interconnection between trade policies and climate issues, stressing the utilization of all trade policy instruments available to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

As a founding member of the Trade Ministers on Climate, which was established in 2023, the Philippines has been at the forefront of integrating climate considerations into trade discussions and policies.

The country’s involvement in such international coalitions underscores its proactive stance in the global fight against climate change, aligning with broader international efforts to ensure sustainable development and environmental conservation.