Ministerial fireside chat 4: Harnessing trade and technology for sustainable development

International trade remains an engine for development, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Digital technologies are creating new trading opportunities for countries with the infrastructure and capabilities to harness them. At the same time, tariffs and trade restrictions are on the rise and multilateral negotiations are stalling. Many developing countries with limited productive capacities and trade infrastructure continue to face difficulties in integrating into value chains. To fully realize the benefits of trade and technology, coordinated national and international efforts are essential to bridge digital divides and promote financial inclusion and financial health.

This session will explore how trade and technology can be better harnessed together to drive inclusive and sustainable development amid emerging challenges and opportunities.

Framing questions:

• How can international trade policies and multilateral cooperation be reinvigorated to ensure that trade remains an engine of sustainable development?
• How can global and national efforts mitigate the risks associated with rising trade restrictions and technological fragmentation?
• What role should multilateral institutions play in ensuring that trade and technology policies work together to drive inclusive growth?

Chair: ECOSOC President/Vice-President                                                                                                 

Moderator: Ms. Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London

• H.E. Ms. Fatoumata Bako Traore, Minister for the Budget, Burkina Faso
• H.E. Ismaël Nabé, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Guinea
• H.E. Mr. Steven Collet, Deputy Vice Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Netherlands

Civil society response from the floor (2 minutes)

Ministerial interactive discussion