Trade and Sustainability Hub 2026
We are bringing the Trade + Sustainability Hub back for a fourth edition, this time alongside the Fourteenth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In March 2026, the Hub will once again convene thought leaders from across governments, business, and civil society for a series of in-depth conversations on how trade policy can evolve to meet today’s global challenges and deliver meaningful progress on sustainable development.
The rules-based multilateral trading system has underpinned international economic cooperation for over 3 decades. But in an era defined by geostrategic competition, climate urgency, and widening inequality, the system is under intense scrutiny. Can it still deliver for development?
Alongside the Fourteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), IISD’s Trade + Sustainability (T+S) Hub 2026 will convene thought leaders from governments, international organizations, business, and civil society to tackle this question head-on. Set in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the Hub will be a space for open dialogue on how trade policy can evolve to meet today’s global challenges—and how to forge a more inclusive, sustainable system.
Delivering for development: What is possible and how do we get there?
As the global community grapples with development setbacks, geopolitical shifts, and climate pressures, the T+S Hub will explore how international trade policy can serve as a constructive force. Sessions will cover topics on the official WTO agenda, including key MC14 decisions, while also looking beyond to the fast-evolving trade landscape of coalitions, regional deals, and unilateral action.
Discussions will unfold across three key thematic streams:
1. Delivering for Agriculture | Agriculture is a cornerstone of development, food security, and economic resilience. But climate change, shifting market standards, and sustainability demands are reshaping the trade landscape.
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2. Delivering an Inclusive Low-Carbon Global Economy | The race to decarbonize is underway—but not all economies are starting from the same place. Governments worldwide are racing to secure a share of the low-carbon economy, facing trade-offs between the pace of decarbonization and domestic jobs and corporate success.
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3. Delivering Digitized Industrialization Where Small Business Thrives | From AI to digital services, the future of industrialization is digital—and fast-moving. While digitization has created opportunities for some small enterprises, SMEs overall lag behind in the update of digital tools, particularly those that require large amounts of capital or scale.
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What to expect at the Hub
The T+S Hub will take place from Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 28, 2026, in parallel with MC14, and will feature the following:
- plenary conversations with high-profile speakers,
- boardroom-style sessions curated by expert organizations in three parallel streams, and
- networking breaks and receptions to build relationships and spark collaboration.
When and where?
The T+S Hub will take place at the Hilton Yaoundé Hotel in Cameroon from March 26 to 28, 2026.
Please note that IISD is unable to sponsor or support visa applications for speakers or participants. Additionally, IISD cannot cover any costs related to travel, accommodation, or other expenses. These remain the sole responsibility of participants and speakers. NGO accreditation for MC14 can be completed through this link.
Registration to attend the Hub is now open! Sign up here.
The Hub is organized in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO)
