Strengthening the Role of Voluntary Sustainability Standards in Trade Policy
With sustainability being recognized as a progressively more important trade goal, trade policy is increasingly referencing and utilizing voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) to achieve sustainability outcomes. With this increase comes the question of which VSSs are worthy of trust to deliver on sustainability goals and their use in trade policy.
The ISEAL Credibility Principles, among other guidelines and frameworks, outline core values for effective VSSs, lending to their global credibility. Because different VSSs are designed to achieve varying environmental results, establishing their credibility is critical to how (and whether) they can be used in trade policy.
This interactive lunch seminar explored how different stakeholders (standards-setting organizations, policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations are approaching the issue of VSSs’ credibility and how the World Trade Organization can advance the integration of VSSs into trade policies.
Upcoming events
Stakeholder Consultation of the East African Organic Products Standard
This online event will bring together key stakeholders to review new standards, discuss regulatory requirements, and identify updates for relevant policies.
COP 29 | Europe’s Dash for Gas in Africa puts Private Profits Before African Countries’ Interests
Europe’s demand for gas is contributing to a wave of liquid natural gas (LNG) projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Senegal. At this COP 29 press conference experts set out the risks of banking on LNG for development and call on European leaders to support a more sustainable model.
Through Her Lens: Women leading change in sustainable agriculture and market inclusion
Despite the critical role that women play in agricultural production, they still do not have equal access to global agricultural supply chains on terms that benefit them.
Building Bridges: The State of Nature-Based Investments
Join us for a panel at the Building Bridges conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the state-of-play of nature-based investments and the potential opportunities they present.