September 19, 2023, GENEVA, Switzerland: For the first time, as part of its thrust to make trade work for developing countries, CDB hosted a panel discussion at the recently held WTO Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme for this year’s Public Forum was “It Is Time For Action” and focused on green trade and the just transition. CDB’s panel “Climate Crisis Mitigation Through Green Trade for SIDS” explored ways to leverage green trade to reduce the impact of the climate crisis and its implications for the Caribbean and other small island developing states. 

During the panel which featured contributions from Ambassador Tavita Levy, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva and Ambassador Chad Blackman, Senior Advisor to the Director General of the ILO, CDB President made the case for an inclusive infrastructure that allows small countries greater connectivity in the areas of electricity and food storage. In echoing this sentiment, panellists converged on the need for appropriate financing mechanisms that unlocked the barriers to green trade, thereby ensuing long-term viability.  

Building on this ongoing partnership, CDB also participated in the ITC (International Trade Center) panel discussion themed “A Just and Inclusive Climate Transition for Small Business”. The President noted that at the heart of a just transition must be the inclusion and sustainability of small businesses engaged in climate related activities as it cannot be seen in a vacuum but must be placed in a larger paradigm of social justice and trade justice. He identified instruments such as funding, insurance and collateral as areas where small businesses need policies that underwrite and correct inequities.  

In the spirit of cultural engagement CDB partnered with the WTO to host its first social get-together at the Public Forum. Over 200 guests sampled rum products provided by WIRSPA (West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association), enjoyed Caribbean cuisine and were entertained by the Geneva based reggae band Rootz.