International trade can be a powerful lever to enable sustainable production and consumption. Small businesses forming part of international value chains provide for over 50% of employment - and are at the same time responsible for 50% of carbon emissions worldwide, whilst being hit hard by climate change. To achieve the goals of the Paris agreement, it is key to enable SMEs to both adapt to climate related risks, as well as to play a role in greening trade - by becoming greener themselves and by championing green solutions. For this, local capacity needs to be built of small businesses that trade and of smallholder farmers to meet evolving sustainability standards and to adapt to climate change effects. Business support organizations must be strengthened to provide adequate services. For this, a conducive policy environment is essential.

This session will explore the needs of small businesses in this context, with the potential to inform the ongoing trade and environment discussions at the World Trade Organization.