The United Arab Emirates, hosts of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation, have activated the new EcoMark Global Framework Initiative in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Presidency of the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28), which was hosted by the UAE at the close of last year.
Announced at MC13 by Abdelsalam Mohamed Al Ali, Plenipotentiary Minister, UAE Representative to the World Trade Organisation, the EcoMark Global Framework Initiative aims to establish globally structured, cost-effective, and universally recognized standards for sustainable products. The initiative works by facilitating the establishment of trusted accreditation bodies in each country who will be empowered to assess and certify companies on their green credentials and, in parallel, providing a toolkit for companies to meet the required criteria. By doing so, EcoMark is making global green accreditation accessible and affordable for MSMEs.
The COP Presidency and ICC will actively support the promotion of the EcoMark framework to global SMEs, encouraging greater adoption as a means of enhancing MSMEs' involvement in green trade. Their role will extend to providing advice on standards development and potential strategies for engaging SMEs. Additionally, these supporters will explore the integration of EcoMark with existing and future initiatives aimed at making trade greener and more inclusive for MSMEs.
The EcoMark Global Framework initiative fills a critical emerging gap in the global trade architecture. The evolving landscape of green trade presents new opportunities, with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. However, MSMEs struggle to showcase their green credentials due to high costs and complex processes, keeping them on the outskirts of global green trade.
The new Framework Initiative will support governments in creating accreditation bodies, while also providing direct capacity building and training for MSMEs toward attaining and demonstrating green credentials. This will empower them to reach new markets, find customers, and receive proper credit for their sustainable production practices.
Abdelsalam Mohamed Al Ali said:
“The UAE saw a need for an inclusive and accessible green trade framework tailored for MSMEs to help them capitalize on the increasing demand for sustainable products and adapt to the evolving trade paradigm. The EcoMark framework represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.”
The initiative’s activation took place on the margins of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. The WTO is comprised of 166 Members and is the only multilateral organization overseeing the rules of trade between nations, dedicated to enabling member states to use trade as a means to raise living standards, create jobs, and improve people’s lives across the world. The Ministerial Conference, its topmost decision-making body, meets biannually.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
