Trade for Peace Network has been launched at a meeting attended by ambassadors from WTO members and observers, heads of international organisations and experts involved in the WTO Trade for Peace initiative.
The network will allow policymakers and experts to exchange ideas and identify concrete areas of collaboration, with the aim of leading to effective action in fragile and conflict-affected (FCA) states.
The Trade for Peace Network aims at providing a platform for regular exchange between policymakers and experts from the trade, peace and humanitarian communities so that they can explore the nexus between the multilateral trading system, peace and security.
It will also explore areas of collaboration between members of the network to support FCA states in achieving stability and prosperity through WTO accession.
Moreover, it will establish an agenda and roadmap for the Trade for Peace initiative. This could include partnership engagement, public dialogue and outreach, collaborative research, and training and capacity building.
In a video message addressed to participants in the inaugural meeting, WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala said: “At its core, the WTO accession process is about institution building on the pillars of non-discrimination, transparency and the rule of law.
The economic reforms acceding countries implement contribute to stabilizing trade flows and disincentivizing conflict. Three and a half years ago, a number of conflict-affected and fragile countries came together to work on helping fragile countries accede to the WTO. They need your support.”
The DG continued: “The launch of the Trade for Peace Network is timely. As the economic fallout from the pandemic has helped to highlight, while all countries are interdependent some are much more fragile than others. The Trade for Peace Programme recalls the ethos of the Marrakesh Agreement that the WTO is about people.
We must focus on delivering for people in fragile and conflict affected countries. We must reverse and prevent the further breakdown of stability. Members of the new Trade for Peace Network have an important part to play. Your expertise and collaboration are required to enrich the research, enhance coordinated efforts and achieve real, tangible, and effective change.”