The Role of International Trade Agreements in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abstract
International trade agreements have become pivotal instruments in shaping global economic governance, but their role extends beyond trade liberalization to advancing broader developmental priorities. This paper examines how trade agreements contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on their capacity to promote inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. It highlights the mechanisms through which trade frameworks address issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, labor rights, climate action, and sustainable resource management. The analysis explores both multilateral and regional trade agreements, emphasizing their integration of sustainable development provisions and the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental and social objectives. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and technology transfer clauses in ensuring that trade supports the SDGs. By synthesizing examples from contemporary trade treaties, the study underscores the importance of aligning global trade governance with the 2030 Agenda. The findings suggest that trade agreements, when strategically designed and implemented, can serve as powerful levers for sustainable development, but require stronger enforcement, inclusivity, and coherence across international frameworks to maximize their impact.
Keywords
International Trade Agreements, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Governance, Environmental Sustainability, Inclusive Economic Growth, Multilateralism.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola
"The Role of International Trade Agreements in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 9 2019 Page 315-325
IEEE:
Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola
"The Role of International Trade Agreements in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(9)
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