In recent developments, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has formally introduced the Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT). This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the complex intersection of trade policies and climate action.
The IFCCT serves as a politically endorsed platform where nations can deliberate on the increasingly contentious relationship between climate goals and trade regulations. It was officially launched on November 15, 2025, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The forum aims to bridge the gap between climate ambition and trade policy, providing a voice for developing nations in shaping new trade rules.
Co-chaired by Brazil alongside a developed country partner, the forum welcomes all parties to the UNFCCC. The IFCCT is designed to operate independently from both the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the UNFCCC, without negotiating binding outcomes, interpreting agreements, adjudicating disputes, or assessing specific national measures.
The forum will commence with an open-ended consultation process extending into 2026. This process will help define the topics to be discussed and establish the forum's jurisdiction. A key aspect of the IFCCT is fostering interoperability, aiming to unify rather than fragment climate negotiations.
By bringing together civil society organizations, business associations, and international initiatives, the forum seeks to create a collaborative environment for addressing global climate challenges.
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