WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala celebrates Lord Nick Stern at 80, highlights trade’s role in sustainability

Business, Education, International

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has joined global leaders in celebrating Lord Nick Stern, renowned economist and Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics (LSE), who recently marked his 80th birthday.

In a statement, Okonjo-Iweala described Lord Stern as one of the foremost intellectuals and practitioners who has worked tirelessly to demonstrate the compatibility of growth, jobs, and climate action through the New Climate Economy initiative.

She also participated in a high-level panel at LSE alongside Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

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Okonjo-Iweala noted that despite global disruptions, trade can be part of the solution to sustainability and environmental challenges. She extended her appreciation to Professor Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor of LSE, for moderating the session.

Reflecting on Earth Day, the WTO chief emphasised the role of communities worldwide in driving lasting change to make the planet more liveable. “We cannot achieve this without aligning trade to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala stressed that WTO members are working together to ensure that open and fair trade accelerates a green and just transition, particularly for vulnerable populations.

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