Dear FCBC members,

Sustainable Trade Policy Roundtable, British Embassy Helsinki, 24th November 2020

To mark the run up to the UK hosting COP26 next year, the British Embassy in Helsinki is pleased to invite you to a roundtable to discuss the role that trade policy can play in sustainability. This is a crucial time in environmental and trade policy for both the UK and Finland.

Finland aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 and the UK is operating an independent trade policy for the first time in decades. Through sharing best practice, expertise and experiences, we aim to explore how trade policy can be a key factor in reaching our economic and sustainability ambitions.

This roundtable brings together a number of experts from government, business, academia and think tanks and will feature various presentations and discussions, with the opportunity for al

l attendees to ask questions and make contributions.

Please RSVP by 19th November 2020.
More information jenni.isola ( a ) chamber.fi

For those attending virtually, a Microsoft Teams link will be sent shortly before the event. You are encouraged to attend all of the sessions, although you are also welcome to attend a select few. If you have any questions, please contact alex.wright ( a ) fcdo.gov.uk.

Schedule (EEST)

8.30-9.00 – Arrival at the British Embassy, with refreshments served.
9.00-9.30 – Welcome & scene setting, roundtable introductions and remarks from Tom Dodd, British Ambassador to Finland.
9.30–10.00 – Session 1- What the Green Sector wants from FTAs: An opportunity to learn more about how we can encourage industry to move towards sustainable action.

  • Presented by Marko Janhunen, Director of Public Affairs at UPM Kymmene Corp and Vice Chair of the International Trade Committee at the Finland Chamber of Commerce.
10.00-10.30 – Session 2 – Sharing best practice: How trade policy can advance Finland’s Circular Economy.

  • Presented by Mari Carlson, Commercial Secretary for Trade and Environment at the MFA.
10.30-11.00 – Session 3 – Learning from third countries: Lessons from Canada on sustainable trade and green chapters in FTAs.

  • Presented by Jason Tolland, Canadian Ambassador to Finland.
11.00-11.30 – Refreshment break
11.30-12.00 – Session 4 – How the British Government is supporting sustainable trade policy.

  • Presented by Sukhi Toor and James Taylor, Environment, Clean Growth and Climate Change Policy Team at the UK Department for International Trade.
12.00-12.45 – Session 5 – How free trade can advance sustainability:

  • The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS). Presented by Ronald Steenblik, International Institute for Sustainable Development and Susanne Dröege, German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Contributions from Andrew Jenks, New Zealand Ambassador to Scandinavia and the Nordics.
  • Greening FTAs and beyond: What would a climate supportive trade policy look like? Presented by Nick Molho, Executive Director at the Aldersgate Group.
12.45-13.00 – Roundtable closing remarks.
13.00-14.00 – Lunch

Please note that in line with COVID19 guidance, we will ensure that social distancing is observed. Hand sanitiser will be available and our residence staff will wear masks. You may wear a mask if you wish but they are not provided. We kindly request that if you feel unwell leading up to the event that you do not attend. We also ask that if you fall ill with Covid-19 within two weeks following the event, that you would inform us so we can take the necessary steps. Your personal information shall remain confidential.  

Photographs will be taken during this event and you can live tweet the event using the hashtag #SustainableTrade tagging @ukinfinland. 

If attending in person, please ensure that you bring with you a photo ID to present to security at reception.

 

 

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