ITC’s Joint Advisory Group meeting was held in Geneva on 10–11 December 2008, focusing on how trade can help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Discussions looked at the role of trade in reducing poverty, empowering women and supporting the environment, as well as ways of bringing some of the world’s most disadvantaged people into the export value chain.

The World Bank Group will speed funds to the world’s poorest countries to help them cope with falling revenues, investment and trade in the wake of the global financial crisis. An initial $2 billion will be available to the hardest-hit countries to finance expenditures needed to maintain economic stability and sustain growth, address volatility and protect the poor.

Delegates from over 160 countries met in Doha, Qatar from 29 November to 2 December 2008, for the follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development. The conference reviewed progress achieved under the 2002 Monterrey Consensus, which addresses such issues as domestic resource mobilization, official development assistance, trade, foreign direct investment and debt relief in developing countries.

Six trade ministers of African countries dependent on cotton exports have called for fair play in the international trade of cotton and for rich countries to close the gap between pledges and delivery of aid to the African cotton sector while outstanding trade issues are worked out.

The Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (EIF) brings together six international agencies to help least developed countries integrate trade capacity building in national development strategies.

By involving women in national economic policy, Canada is forging a model for empowering women and building the strength of domestic and global marketplaces.

Women are stepping forward as never before. They are becoming leaders, financial managers, business strategists, risk-takers and entrepreneurs.

In communities around the world, strong and dedicated women are breaking gender stereotypes to earn  the income they need to support their families.

By incorporating gender equality into trade policy, Cambodia is empowering women and boosting national economic performance.

French poet and writer Louis Aragon once said, “Woman is the future of man”, expressing his vision of a society that allows women to be more in charge of its destiny. It sounds so inspirational, but can it be realized?

When disaster strikes, it’s usually up to women to rebuild the necessities of daily life. For many, setting up business in conflict zones is a trading reality. Women with international experience are reaching out with innovative business models to build new skills, seek new orders and create hope for women displaced by war.

By using innovative new materials, African women are competing in the popular ethical fashion market around the world.

Global corporations are learning that buying from businesses owned by women is vital for economic growth. Initiatives like WEConnect International are providing the essential link.

A partnership between ITC and an Indian bank has shown how lenders can safely use competency as collateral against small business loans.

By producing and exporting shea butter to The Body Shop, an enterprising collective in northern Ghana is improving conditions for women and their communities. An ITC initiative in Mali shows similar potential through government strategy.

Around the world, women play a major role in the production of coffee. A handful of international associations are working to ensure their access to equal ownership and employment conditions.

In Tunisia, the ACCESS! Programme for African Businesswomen in International Trade is paving the way for women artisans to export their products.

By supplying products and services to international aid agencies, small African enterprises are improving the prosperity of their businesses and communities.

Uganda is changing its policies and planning to bring women closer to the heart of export strategy.

While women own about 40% of private businesses in Uganda and some 30% of women in business are exporting, women’s role in socio-economic development is still seen to be peripheral.

Governments have committed to eradicating all forms of descrimination against women. Enlightened trade policies take the gender dimensioninto account.

In the current financial crisis, governments need to provide opportunities for women living in poverty by including them in policy dialogue.

Bringing women together to share skills, contacts and positive attitudes could help us all to navigate through these uncertain economic times.

The Arab International Women’s Forum is enhancing the leadership capacity of Arab women by promoting their role in the economy and public life.

By connecting women around the world, the Organization of Women in International Trade is fostering powerful networks that help them to grow as leaders in business.

In many nations, the fight against poverty is both an ethical issue and a security imperative. Women leaders are convening in Liberia to commit to action to empower women at all levels to become effective leaders as it contributes to peace and international security - the precondition for development and poverty reduction.

A selection of professional business women’s organizations, associations and events

Global Summit of Women

The United Nations has a wide range of information resources related to women in the global economy.

They look at women’s business and trade issues on topics as diverse as labour rights, intellectual property, agriculture and more. Here is a sample of what is available.