4th Trade for Peace Week Opens with High-Level Session on Private Sector’s Role in Stability
Geneva, 17 February 2025 – The 4th Trade for Peace Week kicked off today with a high-level session on the private sector’s role in promoting stability and resilience in conflict-affected regions.
The event, which brought together business leaders, government officials, and international organizations, explored how the private sector can contribute to economic recovery, job creation, and social cohesion in post-conflict settings.
“The private sector is essential to rebuilding economies and societies after conflict,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Businesses can provide employment, investment, and skills training, which are all crucial for sustainable peace.”
The session highlighted several successful examples of private sector engagement in conflict-affected regions. For example, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has worked with businesses in Sierra Leone to create jobs and training opportunities for ex-combatants. The World Bank has supported infrastructure projects in Afghanistan that have helped businesses to access markets and create jobs.
However, the session also recognized the challenges that the private sector faces in operating in conflict-affected regions. These challenges include security risks, political instability, and corruption.
“The private sector cannot do this alone,” said Okonjo-Iweala. “Governments and international organizations need to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate safely and responsibly.”
The session called for a number of measures to support private sector engagement in conflict-affected regions, including:
- Providing security and stability
- Improving governance and reducing corruption
- Investing in infrastructure and education
- Supporting access to finance for businesses
- Promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors
The 4th Trade for Peace Week will continue until 21 February with a series of events and discussions on the role of trade in promoting peace and prosperity.
4th Trade for Peace Week opens with high-level session on private sector’s role in stability
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