QUNO’s Sustainable and Just Economic Systems programme has been closely involved in discussions on trade and environment between members at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In this space, QUNO prioritises supporting members to work collaboratively on trade policies which support global environmental sustainability and ensure a sustainable and just future for all.

During Geneva Peace Week in November, the Sustainable & Just Economic Systems programme organized a side event on this topic and the role of the private sector in different aspects of conflict resolution and sustaining peace, which require the combined effort of many different groups, agencies and sectors. Currently, more than half of the 22 countries that are in the process of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) are considered fragile conflict-affected States. They face specific challenges in building their economic foundation and integrating into the global economy.

In October 2019, Sustainable & Just Economic Systems programme Representative Joachim Monkelbaan gave a presentation at the annual conference of the European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN). The title of this presentation was “Transformative changes for sustainable development: economic, social, ecological, and governance dimensions.” He started by stating that capitalism is increasingly being questioned. Corporate concentration is on the rise, especially in the digital economy.