The 2024 ADB-WTO Trade Forum, held from March 20-22, highlighted the growing importance of Sustainable/Green Public Procurement (S/GPP) as a critical lever in global climate efforts. Experts at the forum underscored how environmental products, works, and services have evolved from being perceived as trade barriers to being recognized as essential tools in mitigating climate change and driving sustainable development.
Discussions focused on the urgent need to integrate sustainability into global trade policies and agreements. Recent trade deals have begun including climate-focused chapters, reflecting a positive shift. However, the forum emphasized that the real challenge lies in translating these commitments into tangible actions. Panelists called for stronger implementation mechanisms and more decisive action to embed S/GPP into the trade ecosystem, thereby encouraging sustainable practices among trading partners and accelerating progress toward climate goals.
This shift marks a significant evolution in trade discussions, underscoring the increasing acknowledgment of sustainability as central to international commerce. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, sustainable trade practices, reinforced by S/GPP, will be key to fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious global economy.
