Pre-Reading
To support robust discussion and aide participants' preparations for the Next Generation Trade event, the Institute for Human Rights and Business has prepared a series of briefings for each substantive session. We welcome feedback, reactions, and the sharing of further resources in response to these papers to [email protected].
FOSTERING INCLUSION
Trade offers important routes to social and economic empowerment but women, minorities, people living in poverty and other groups continue to face multiple obstacles including discriminatory laws, lack of access to finance and precarious employment. What are the most promising strategies to overcome such challenges so that trade promotes gender equality and fosters greater inclusion and prosperity for all?
CONFRONTING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Time is running out. Bold and urgent action on a global scale is needed now to confront the climate crisis. How can trade policies be used to foster more sustainable economies that dramatically reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate due concern for the rights of current and future generations impacted by climate change?
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF WORK
Global supply chains have helped lift over one billion people out of abject poverty but concerns over the labour rights of workers continue to be at the heart of disputes over international trade. With on-going precarious forms of employment and new technologies raising critical questions about the future of work itself, how can trade best foster decent work opportunities for people around the world?
DE-WEAPONISING TRADE
The backlash against globalisation and the multilateral trading system has fuelled outrage that threatens the architecture of international relations and the system of governance that came into being after World War II. What steps are needed to overcome ongoing trade wars and reform key global economic institutions to make them more effective and accountable to all?
RIGHTING DATA AND TECHNOLOGY
The expansion of digital trade and growth of new technologies in the global economy have the potential to support countries in achieving sustainable development objectives. But such innovations also pose risks, such as breaches of privacy and data security. How can a human rights perspective be embedded in new technologies and their regulation, so that abuses are mitigated or minimised, while enabling broad-based access?
The perception of ‘value’ needs to change if the World Bank’s mission is to succeed
Last week we attended the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. The annual IMF-World Bank meetings bring together finance ministers and central bankers from all regions as a platform for official...
26 April 2024 | Commentary
Commentary by Vasuki Shastry, Author, ESG/Strategic Communications Expert; International Advisory Council, IHRB Haley St. Dennis, Head of Just Transitions, IHRB