Int’l Trade explored in 5th Georgetown to Geneva Lecture Series
DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 18, 2019
The smart classroom has not been restricted to just one specific age group. This was evidence, on Friday morning, when Foreign Service workers, University of Guyana students and special guests were able to join fellow diplomatic officers in Geneva, Switzerland, for the 5th Georgetown to Geneva Lecture Series.
The lecture is part of an ongoing education and sensitisation programme by the Foreign Service Institute for its officers.
Heading Friday’s lecture was Ambassador John Deep Ford, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Utilising a main computer connected to a projector, Ambassador Ford was able to bring clarity to the structure of the International Trade Centre, which is a multilateral agency.
“The World Trade Organization focuses primarily on trade rules, a second institution, UNCTD, the United Nations Centre for Trade and Development focuses very heavily on trade policies and I am pleased to say that the ITC focuses very much on fostering inclusive trade, and I would say trade that matters, trade that transformed, trade that strengthens livelihood systems,” Ambassador Ford stated.
Through its work, the ITC also contributes directly to 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 1 – no poverty; 2 – zero hunger), 4 – Quality Education; 5 – Gender Equality; 7 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; 8 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 9 -Reduced Inequalities; 10 – Responsible Consumption and Production; 14 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 15 -Partnerships for the Goals.
Another major aspect of the lecture was the presentation done on “She-Trades” by Ana Mori, SheTrades Programme Officer at the ITC.
This unique platform of She-Trades allows women-owned businesses, organisations, companies and ITC She-Trades partner institutions to connect with diverse businesses and build a strong network for further business deals, increase credibility, and open doors to new opportunities.
She-Trades also offers and source products and services.
The session was interactive, and according to Director of the Foreign Service Institute, Ambassador Ronald Austin, who chaired the session from Georgetown, the lectures are essential and very necessary for all foreign officers.
On the day’s topic of ‘International Trade’, it was an area that foreign officers needed to be aware of, according to the Ambassador.