About this session
This session will explore prospects and pathways for a trade contribution to rapid and equitable shift from fossil fuels to clean energy systems.
It will address how trade and trade-related policies can support clean energy access and transitions, and what types of cooperation on trade, investment, and technology are needed to scale up at speed, including in fuel reliant sectors critical to trade such as transportation. The session will include a particular focus on how to address challenges and maximize opportunities for developing countries in the context of pressing socio-economic imperatives and the pursuit of climate-resilient development. Alongside, it will consider the implications for trade cooperation of the wider security, sustainability, development, and competitiveness considerations shaping trade-related approaches to the energy transition.
The dialogue will take place in a “brainstorming mode” and will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions on key topics for attention, including on how international cooperation on trade can:
(i) Support rapid and equitable development, diffusion, affordability, accessibility and uptake of clean and renewable energy technologies, services, and infrastructure.
(ii) Strengthen trade and investment policies and partnerships that can drive the shift away from fossil fuelled energy systems and trade towards clean energy and responsible, equitable, and sustainable clean energy value chains.
(iii) Foster economic diversification in countries dependent on fossil fuel exports or energy-intensive industries, including by enhancing economic opportunities linked to energy transitions, clean energy markets, and value chains that generate equitable returns for developing countries and support sustainable development.
(iv) Support fossil fuel subsidy reform, including through enhanced transparency and cooperation on policy strategies that can address development considerations and transition risks.
(v) Enhance coherence between trade, industrial, technology, innovation, finance, and climate policies to accelerate the clean energy transition and climate-resilient development, recognizing the relevance of competitiveness and security considerations.
