Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade
IFCCT
A Cooperative Undertaking
Supporting dialogue and solution-building at the intersection of climate change and trade
Trade policy and climate change policy are increasingly interlinked. International trade is critical to the goals of the Paris Agreement through its role in enabling shifts in production patterns, driving technology development and transfer, unlocking investment in climate solutions and fostering prosperity as a critical driver of climate action.
Climate change, in turn, is reshaping the context for trade policy as the global economy transitions, creating opportunities and challenges for sustainable development that require enhanced international cooperation.
A focused effort is long-overdue to foster collaboration on policies, partnerships and reforms that deliver broad-based economic and social gain and drive progress toward the 1.5-degree target and climate resiliency.
At COP30, the Brazilian COP Presidency has launched the Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT). This webpage introduces the IFCCT vision and key aspects proposed for the Forum.
A consultation phase is currently underway on the Forum, including on modalities and thematic focus. The IFCCT is intended to run for an initial phase of 3 years from early 2026 to end 2028 and is open for all interested UNFCCC members to join.
As the consultation phase advances, a broad range of UNFCCC members are expressing interest in joining this innovative initiative for dialogue and solution-building on trade and climate.
The Forum's Approach
Inclusive and balanced
Co-chaired by Brazil and a developed country partner, and open to all Parties to the UNFCCC, the IFCCT will fill an existing gap by creating an interdisciplinary space for exploratory, non-prejudicial, and solution-oriented dialogue among government officials, underpinned by non-government expert advice. The IFCCT will aim to foster collaboration at different levels, deepen understanding of policy options, and build momentum around areas of convergence.
Independent and non-negotiating
The IFCCT will be institutionally independent of both the WTO and the UNFCCC and will respect their mandates. It will not seek to make rules. It will produce reference materials that countries could apply as they choose without obligation. Its purpose is not to duplicate negotiations or discussions underway in other forums, but to support them by generating ideas, finding common ground and building trust and mutual understanding between governments and the individual officials who represent them.
Non-binding and non-attributable
All proceedings will be non-binding, non-negotiated and non-attributable. Outputs will be publicly available on the IFCCT website.
Wholistic approach
A key feature of the Forum will be to bring together government officials from both the climate and trade domains in informal settings, taking a holistic approach that complements and supports cross-cutting work under the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) without having to navigate potential mandate and expertise gaps.
Evidence-based and solution-oriented
An Expert Panel of distinguished experts and academics, balanced between developing and developed country nationals, will support the Forum, in order to enhance the technical depth of discussions and promote constructive exchanges focused on substantive issues.
Working Principles
Operational principles for engagement of participants:
Governance and Support
- Forum Co-Presidents: Two individuals named by Brazil and a developed-country partner, will serve with institutional impartiality for a 3-year term. They will convene sessions, set thematic focus, and provide strategic direction.
- Expert Panel: A panel of distinguished independent experts (honorary) with two Co-Chairs will guide and oversee preparation of background and technical notes, and provide analytical inputs.
- Secretariat: The Forum will be supported by an independent secretariat.
Join the Forum
All UNFCCC Parties are invited to join the IFCCT. Governments may designate two national focal points (trade and climate) by contacting secretariat@ifcct.org
Contact
For more information: secretariat@ifcct.org