Most of the 17 SDGs outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are intricately linked to trade. To achieve these goals, WTO members must ensure sustainability in international trade. Some international trade rules provide the legal norms for sustainable development, forming trade-related sustainable development commitments (TSDCs) that encompass economic development, social rights, and environmental protection. These TSDCs are crucial for achieving the UN SDGs. Trade can significantly contribute to sustainable development by spurring economic growth, reducing poverty and hunger, and facilitating the exchange of goods, commodities, and technologies essential for sustainable development. Economic prosperity also enables countries to invest more resources in protecting the environment and upholding social rights. However, while international trade can drive economic prosperity, it may also harm social rights and the environment. TSDCs are vital in mitigating these negative externalities. What exactly are TSDCs? What are their implications for sustainable development? Which TSDCs are included in the WTO Agreements, and are they sufficient to ensure that WTO members implement trade-related SDGs? This Chapter explores these questions in detail.

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The Lack of Trade-Related Sustainable Development Commitments in WTO Law

  • Xinyan Zhao

摘要

Most of the 17 SDGs outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are intricately linked to trade. To achieve these goals, WTO members must ensure sustainability in international trade. Some international trade rules provide the legal norms for sustainable development, forming trade-related sustainable development commitments (TSDCs) that encompass economic development, social rights, and environmental protection. These TSDCs are crucial for achieving the UN SDGs. Trade can significantly contribute to sustainable development by spurring economic growth, reducing poverty and hunger, and facilitating the exchange of goods, commodities, and technologies essential for sustainable development. Economic prosperity also enables countries to invest more resources in protecting the environment and upholding social rights. However, while international trade can drive economic prosperity, it may also harm social rights and the environment. TSDCs are vital in mitigating these negative externalities. What exactly are TSDCs? What are their implications for sustainable development? Which TSDCs are included in the WTO Agreements, and are they sufficient to ensure that WTO members implement trade-related SDGs? This Chapter explores these questions in detail.