Launch of global organisation for women trade experts helping to build good global trade outcomes
Expertise, engagement and empowerment are the founding principles of the TradeExperettes, a community of women trade experts from around the world that will be launched at The Economist’s Global Trade Virtual Week on 29 June, 2021.
TradeExperettes founder and president, Swedish economist Hanna Norberg, had the following to say about the organisation’s official launch:
We aim to shine a light on women trade experts at all stages of their careers and from all backgrounds.
We advocate for women in trade policy, research and practice. Our network enables members to connect, boost their profiles, and stay abreast of cutting-edge issues. We offer professional development and mentorship for women early in their careers. And we provide a platform for members to contribute to discussions on the issues of the day.
Ultimately, through championing women, we want to help trade to realise its full potential in contributing to good global outcomes. After COVID-19, we can’t go back to business as usual. Greater diversity will help build a strong foundation for the future - that’s what the TradeExperettes is all about.
Launch marks a new era for the TradeExperettes – and trade
While the TradeExperettes network started in 2018, the launch marks a new era for the organisation. “We now have a new formalised membership structure and executive leadership, along with an Advisory Board,” Norberg explained. “The Advisory Board is made up of global thought-leaders from the policy, legal, academic and business worlds, including former Ministers and Chief Negotiators.”
Advisory Board members include: Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization and former Minister of Trade for Costa Rica; Bogolo Kenewendo, Managing Director of Kenewendo Advisory, and former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana; Cecilia Malmström, non-resident Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), and former EU Trade Commissioner; Debra Steger, Professor Emerita at the University of Ottawa, and former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat; and Darci Vetter, Vice Chair, Agriculture, Food and Trade at Edelman, and former Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the US Trade Representative (USTR).
Norberg also acknowledged that the TradeExperettes would not have been able to move forward without the support of sponsors who share the organisation’s commitment to women’s empowerment in international trade.
“Community is fundamental to who we are. We could not have come this far without many people volunteering their time, energy and ideas,” Norberg explained. “And we could not sustain this dynamic new phase without the generous contributions of our sponsors. We are extremely grateful for their support.”
The Economist’s “Global Trade Virtual Week” – signature panel event
Norberg noted that the TradeExperettes is a supporting organisation for The Economist’s Global Trade Virtual Week. “We welcome the chance to help foster diversity in the trade community - which of course also allows us to showcase some of the amazing talent in our ranks throughout the conference,” Norberg said.
“I am delighted to be moderating a special TradeExperettes launch panel on 29 June, which focuses on how we can make the trade dialogue more inclusive, with Advisory Board members Cecilia Malmström and Bogolo Kenewendo, and key TradeExperettes ally Adam Posen from the Peterson Institute for International Economics,” Norberg added. “This is a fantastic way to take our mission to the world.”
Norberg explained that the launch was a chance to broaden the membership, reach and impact of the TradeExperettes. “We welcome new members from all backgrounds - a broader and more diverse group will have even greater influence in the global conversation,” said Norberg.
“Later in the year, we will be setting up a searchable database of women trade experts – there will be no more excuses for trade ‘manels’!”, Norberg commented. “We have lots of other ideas about how to help women not only to take their seat at the table in trade discussions, but also to find ways to add a leaf. We are really excited about what the future holds,” concluded Norberg.
The TradeExperettes invites you to tune in to our launch panel at The Economist’s Global Trade Virtual Week on 29 June at 12:55 BST and join our global community by registering as a member of the TradeExperettes starting on 29 June, 2021. The TradeExperettes are committed to inclusivity and invite individuals of all gender identities/expressions to join our community.