Trade for Peace Week 2025: Trade for Peace Publication

Hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the 4th edition of Trade for Peace Week will take place from 17-21 February 2025. Under the theme “Expanding Horizons: Integrating the Private Sector & Advancing the Trade for Peace Programme,” the event will bring together policymakers, economists, and peacebuilding experts to explore new strategies for strengthening the link between trade and peace.

Trade for Peace Publication

A key highlight of the week is the High-Level Book Launch on 20 February (11:30-13:00 CET, Room W/Zoom), featuring the release of the inaugural Trade for Peace publication. This landmark publication presents case studies, insights, and lessons from fragile and conflict-affected regions, showcasing how trade can serve as a tool for peace and stability. It also introduces the T4P research database and working paper series, providing a valuable resource hub for policymakers and researchers.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) will be represented by Serge Stroobants, Director for Europe and MENA, who will join an esteemed panel to discuss the role of trade in economic resilience and peacebuilding.

Speaker Line-up

• Opening Remarks: Xiangchen Zhang – Deputy Director-General, WTO
• Patrick Low – Former Chief Economist, WTO
• Alan W. Wolff – Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics
• Itonde Kakoma – President, Interpeace
• Franck Bousquet – Deputy Director, Institute for Capacity Development, IMF
• Barbara Ramos – Chief of Strategies and Policies for Trade and Investment, International Trade Centre
• Serge Stroobants – Director of Europe and MENA, Institute for Economics and Peace
• Moderator: Amanda Miashiro – Legal/Economic Affairs Officer, WTO

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The Trade for Peace Programme highlights the critical role of trade and economic integration in fostering peace and security. By bridging the trade, peace, and humanitarian communities, the initiative seeks to leverage the multilateral trading system to promote stability, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions.