Finland co-hosting higl-level session on Circular Economy at the WTO Public Forum

Finland and Costa Rica are hosting a high-level session, Low-Carbon Circular Economy - Identifying Sustainable Trade Options, at the WTO Public Forum on October 2, 2018. The session wil take place at 11.30am-1pm in Room D.

The open-inded, inclusive and interactive session will focus on discussing key issues and opportunities the Circular Economy and trade interface. Implementing Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement are global undertakings that warrant new innovative action and trade can be part of the solution. Circular Economy delivers benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pressure on the environment, improving the security of supply of raw materials, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovations, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

Finland will be represented by Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing Kimmo Tiilikainen and Costa Rica by Ambassador to the WTO Alvaro Cedeno Molinari. The session will be moderated by Research Director Bernice Lee from the Hoffmann Centre for Sustainable Resource Economy of the Chatham House. Other panelists include Director Mari Pantsar from Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Neste's Director of Public Affairs Ilkka Räsänen. The discussion will be boosted by invited distinguished front row commentators.

During his visit in Geneva, Minister Tiilikainen will have bilateral meetings. He will also speak at the high-level Leadership Dialogue at 3.30-5.00pm and deliver Opening Remarks at a session "The Role of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Towards achieving Agenda 2030's sustainable objectives and its impact on trade", organized by the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFFSR) at 2.00-3.30pm.