They discussed the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, following their adoption by the UN General Assembly in September. They also looked ahead to the UN climate change conference — COP21 — in Paris, which will happen just a few days before the WTO's 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December. The need for enhanced coordination among international organizations was a key feature in the discussions, with the agency heads looking at concrete ways to ensure that different policy areas complement each other. 

DG Azevêdo stressed the importance of trade for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted that trade plays a key role in economic growth, development and job creation, promoting opportunities particularly in developing and least-developed countries. Against that backdrop, DG Azevêdo underscored trade's role in mitigating migratory pressures and fighting poverty.

Trade was instrumental in delivering the Millennium Development Goal to cut extreme poverty by half, and it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, WTO members are working to deliver positive development outcomes at the Nairobi Ministerial Conference, particularly for the least-developed countries.

The discussion also covered climate change. Trade policy can play an important role to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC will host a side event at COP21 in Paris on 9 December to discuss these issues. This event will bring together a range of different perspectives, including from the private sector, civil society and government.