The retreat from collaborative, sustainable policymaking threatens to undo years of hard-won multilateral trade advances and could put us on a path of continued setbacks through unilateral policies and protectionist measures that many would consider retrograde.

Join our experts from IMD and the Hinrich Foundation to explore what is at stake in this evolving world order. Drawing on data and analysis from their joint publication, the 2025 Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index (STI), they will discuss how shifting national priorities impact the future of international trade and what can be done to advance sustainable trade.

Speakers:

Simon Evenett: Professor of Geopolitics and Strategy, IMD
Richard Baldwin: Professor of International Economics, IMD
Christos Cabolis: Chief economist, IMD World Competitiveness Center
Deborah Elms: Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation

Moderator:

Chuin Wei Yap: Program Director, International Trade Research, Hinrich Foundation

The STI Index evaluates the sustainable trade performance of 30 economies that are members or applicants of major trade alliances. Amidst rising levels of global trade uncertainty and protectionism, the Index reminds us how essential trade is to the advancement of all economies.

This year’s report identifies three foundational trade-offs that influence global trade, providing insights into how economies position themselves to respond to these tensions.

Efficiency vs. strategic autonomy
Profitability vs. social cohesion
Climate ambition vs. development sovereignty

For more insights, access the STI 2025 report.

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