Coalition Event at COP31: Trade Cooperation for a Clean Energy Future

At the upcoming 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate will convene a high-level event to explore how international trade cooperation can support the transition to a clean energy future.

The event will spotlight concrete opportunities for collective action to accelerate clean energy deployment, strengthen supply chains for clean technologies and support electrification, while ensuring that developing countries can fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the transition. The discussion will also seek to connect trade policy solutions with the broader climate priorities of COP31.

Reflecting one of the core priorities set out in the Coalition’s Launch Statement – building alliances and partnerships with relevant stakeholders – the event will bring together representatives of Coalition Ministers and senior leaders from international organizations, the business community and the climate policy sphere. It will also include a keynote speech by Mr. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, to frame the discussion from the perspective of the global climate agenda.

The event will be livestreamed and can be followed on YouTube. Key questions for discussion are:

• How can trade facilitate the development, diffusion and uptake of clean energy technologies, support investment and contribute to a decarbonized and climate-resilient global economy?

• How can political leadership, international cooperation, and practical initiatives support the transition to clean energy while promoting sustainable development, economic opportunities, and just transitions that leave no one behind?

AGENDA

Opening

• Ditte Juul-Jørgensen – Director-General for Trade and Economic Security, European Commission (Co-lead)

Keynote Speech

• Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition

High-level Panel

• Ambassador Will Nankervis, Ambassador for Climate Change, Australia

• Ambassador Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the World Trade Organization

• John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce

• Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization

Stakeholders Segment

• Sonia Dunlop, Chief Executive Officer, Global Solar Council

• Theo Mitchell, Director, Climate, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

• Luz Maria de la Mora, Director, Division on International Trade and Commodities, UN Trade and Development 

• Alice Tipping, Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, International Institute for Sustainable Development

• Andrew Prag, Managing Director, We Mean Business Coalition

• [Speaker], Pooled Fund for International Energy (TBC)