More diverse voices, better trade: Today’s TradeExperettes panel at The Economist Events Global Trade Virtual Week

Thought-leaders from the TradeExperettes, a new organisation for women trade experts from around the world, feature in a panel discussion today on how to achieve greater diversity in the trade conversation, as part of The Economist Events Global Trade Virtual Week.

Panellists include former Botswana Trade Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and former EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, both members of the TradeExperettes Advisory Board, and the President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Dr. Adam Posen.  TradeExperettes founder, Swedish economist Hanna Norberg, will serve as moderator.  

“This discussion could not be more timely,” commented Norberg. “The world is facing unprecedented challenges: not just severe global health impacts from COVID-19, but also very fundamental questions about how we return to growth and achieve greater sustainability and equity. One thing is clear: new challenges require a new way of thinking.  We need a broader range of perspectives and strategies to navigate the current disruptions and complexities effectively,” said Norberg. 

Norberg explained that the panel would discuss how to add fresh ideas to the trade discourse, in particular through greater participation by women - just as the TradeExperettes itself seeks to do.  

“There is no monopoly on good ideas when it comes to trade. The panel will explore how we can bring a broader range of smart, energetic women experts to the table - and in doing so, help trade to achieve better outcomes.”

Norberg invited the audience to tune in on Tuesday 29 June at 12:55 in London, 07:55 in Washington and Santiago, 13:55 in Brussels and Pretoria, 19:55 in Singapore and 23:55 in Wellington.  She noted that the TradeExperettes was proud to be a supporting organisation for the conference, which would examine major trade issues including geopolitics, globalisation, supply chains, digital trade and sustainability.

“The panel helps mark the formal launch of the TradeExperettes, including our new membership structure. We warmly encourage and welcome new members from all backgrounds to join our global community,” said Norberg.  “We offer a friendly and supportive network, a chance to raise your profile, including through contributing to our blog and podcast, and opportunities to develop professional skills and knowledge,” she added.   

Norberg explained that later in the year, the TradeExperettes would be setting up a searchable database of women experts. “This is a very practical way to operationalise our founding principles of expertise, engagement and empowerment,” Norberg added.

Norberg said that the TradeExperettes were very grateful to have sponsors who shared the organisation’s commitment to women’s empowerment in international trade.  “We would not be in a position to move ahead into this dynamic new phase without the generous support of our sponsors, including the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, and Google.  We are very grateful to them,” she concluded. 

We invite you to explore the diversity of panels our fellow TradeExperettes will participate in for Global Trade Virtual Week, and join us in this exciting new phase of our organisation. You can also learn more about how you can support our efforts on our website.