International Trade

1. We call on G20 countries to strengthen the multilateral, rules-based trading system within the framework of the WTO. We recommend:
A) The improvement of the monitoring and notification system;
B) The establishment of a permanent multilateral investment dispute settlement mechanism;
C) The reform of public procurement rules, industrial subsidies and IP rights. Additionally, trade reforms should particularly account for equitable access of MSMEs to global markets, which also promote youth engagement.

2. We call on G20 countries to adopt Integrated Reporting as a mandatory, enforceable mechanism to align corporate behavior that supports transparent and sustainable business, with specific respect to fair value chain activity and the eradication of all forms of modern slavery. Moreover, establish a mandatory “Sustainable Development Clause” in trade agreements, encompassing minimum standards on human rights, labour, environment, and disclosure. This can be achieved through strengthening and expanding aid for trade programs, equitable technical assistance and sectoral policy dialogue.

3. We call on the G20 countries to ensure the free flow of data, enabled by a concerted international effort to adopt a coherent framework that protects personal data and consumer rights. Further, we encourage engagement in the on-going e-commerce negotiations among a group of WTO members in order to achieve interoperability of data and consumer protection rules. This shall be achieved through establishing international standards and regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and adopting mutual adequacy decisions on digital services and technologies.