Aid for Trade Workshops

5 February 2019 - 10.00-13.00, ROOM W

Sustainable Development and the Green Economy

Economic diversification is a central theme for the 2018-2019 Aid-for-Trade Work Programme. Economic diversification is also integral to green growth, climate change adaptation, and sustainable industrial development for developing countries, particularly the least developed countries. Energy generation is a critical concern for both green growth and sustainable industrial development. Investments in renewable energy are flowing, but appropriate and effective legal regimes are required for renewable energy, notably when traded across borders.

As part of the Aid-for-Trade Initiative, the workshop will discuss the interface between Aid for Trade, the sustainable development agenda, and the green economy. Emphasis will be placed on resilient trade-related infrastructure, access to energy, and power generation. The workshop will provide an opportunity to explore emerging trends, discuss policy perspectives, and exchange experiences at the national and regional level.

Setting the Scene

• "Economic diversification as an engine for promoting sustainable development and the green economy" Aik Hoe Lim, Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
  Presentation

Policy Perspectives

• "Aligning sustainable development and green growth policies with climate change mitigation", Ms. Kusum Lata, Program Officer, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
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• "Enabling policies to promote renewable and sustainable energy for the future," Mr. Francisco Boshell, Analyst, RE Technology, Standards and Markets, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
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• "Accelerating Green Growth as the Driver for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development and Achieving Global Priorities", Mr. Orestes Anastasia, Deputy Head, Office of Thought Leadership, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
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Practice Perspectives

• "Implementing inclusive and sustainable industrial development at the regional and country level", Mr. Frank Van Rompaey, Head, UNIDO Office in Geneva, United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO)
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• "Global perspectives on the impact of climate change and its relevance to the Sustainable Development Agenda", Regina Asariotis, Chief, Policy and Legislation Section, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
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• "Promoting green value chains – trade in environmental goods and EBRD investment strategies to support the green economy transition", Olivia Riera, Principal Economist, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
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Audio

5 February 2019 15.00-18.00, room W

Connectivity and Digital Skills Development

Building on the outcomes of the Aid for Trade Global Review in 2017, the workshop will highlight the importance of connectivity and digital skills for engaging in electronic commerce. Digitalisation heralds new opportunities for developing countries' participation in international trade. However, inequalities in terms of access, adoption, and skills to operate online limit their participation.

The 2017 Global Review examined how to further support developing countries, and particularly the least developed countries, to participate in electronic commerce. This workshop provides an opportunity to update Members on activities, explore trends, discuss policy perspectives, and exchange experiences at the national and regional level.

Setting the Scene

• "Improving connectivity and digital skills as a catalyst for global development", Torbjörn Fredriksson, Chief ICT Policy Section, Division of Technology and Logistics, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
  Presentation

Policy Perspectives

• "The Latin American and Caribbean experience in fostering regional connectivity and digital capacities", Jaime Granados, Division Chief for Integration and Trade, Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) (by video conference)
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• "Leveraging capacity building initiatives to promote connectivity and digital skills", Susan Teltscher, Head of the Human Capacity Building Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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• "Designing policy response to bridge the digital divide and adapt to the future world of work", Pierre Sauvé, Senior Trade Specialist, World Bank
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Policy and Practice Perspectives

• "Digital industrial policy: national and regional perspectives", Dr. Rashmi Banga, Senior Economic Affairs Officer & Officer-in-charge, Unit on Economic Cooperation & Integration Among Developing Countries, GDS, UNCTAD
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• "The role of connectivity in accelerating digital inclusion for women in Nigeria", Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Special Assistant Technical to Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nigeria (by video conference)
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• "Supporting digital connectivity and skills development in Asia", Jinjoo Hyun, Officer in charge, Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD)
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Audio