We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Axel Marx, Charline Depoorter, Miet Maertens, Janne Bemelmans, Eva Boonaert, Maja Tampe, Dominic Coppens, and Santiago Fernandez de Cordoba

International trade is a strong engine for poverty reduction, employment creation, innovation, and many other benefits. The important role of international trade for development is also recognized in the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. According to this Agenda, societies around the world need to achieve 17 goals and above 150 sustainability targets by 2030.

However, trade can also significantly contribute to sustainability challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, human rights abuses, and many other issues.

Read more

International trade is a strong engine for poverty reduction, employment creation, innovation, and many other benefits. The important role of international trade for development is also recognized in the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. According to this Agenda, societies around the world need to achieve 17 goals and above 150 sustainability targets by 2030.

However, trade can also significantly contribute to sustainability challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, human rights abuses, and many other issues.

Against this backdrop, several initiatives have been developed to make international trade more sustainable.

In this MOOC, you will learn more about what international trade is, how it has grown and evolved, and how it is structured around Global Value Chains. You will gain insight into what sustainable development is and how international trade affects it, but also how trade can contribute to achieving sustainability goals. You will acquire knowledge about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability.

In particular, this MOOC will focus on the role of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), the systems behind the labels that we encounter on products we buy daily, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or the Forest Stewardship Council. VSS have become important market-based tools to make international trade more sustainable. In this MOOC, you will learn more about what VSS are, how they emerged, and how they work. You will also learn to think about the effectiveness of VSS both in terms of their adoption and in terms of impact. You will gain insight into where and how VSS are adopted across different units of analysis, and what motivates or hinders different actors to adopt them. You will also understand how VSS aims to generate impact on different sustainability dimensions, and how research can be conducted to evaluate VSS impact. You will then learn about the current evidence that is available on VSS impact, and reflect on the main challenges in assessing VSS impact. You will also become aware of the interactions between VSS and public policy, and will critically reflect on their future as instruments for trade governance.

Learn more about sustainable trade through videos from academic experts, interactive exercises and discussions, online readings, webinars, and interviews with professionals in the field.

What you'll learn

  • Understand how international trade works and what global value chains are.
  • Acquire in-depth knowledge of what sustainable development is, why it is important, and what the challenges are to achieve it.
  • Become aware of how globalization, international trade and sustainable development are interrelated and appreciate the key importance of international trade to contribute to peace, security, development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Gain insight into the different ways in which trade governance can deal with sustainable development.
  • Obtain in-depth knowledge of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), also called eco-labels or certification schemes, as an important tool for global trade governance.
  • Grasp the emergence and evolution of VSS and gain insight into how VSS set and enforce sustainability standards.
  • Learn how VSS differ in their design and how this influences their credibility.
  • Become aware of where and to what extent VSS are used and how this varies across countries and time, and understand the motivations and barriers for the adoption of VSS.
  • Explore the pathways through which VSS aim to generate impact on different sustainability dimensions.
  • Acquaint yourself with the different research approaches and designs to study the impact of VSS, understand their respective strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to interpret research results.
  • Understand how VSS as private governance instruments are integrated into public policies.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how international trade works and what global value chains are.
  • Acquire in-depth knowledge of what sustainable development is, why it is important, and what the challenges are to achieve it.
  • Become aware of how globalization, international trade and sustainable development are interrelated and appreciate the key importance of international trade to contribute to peace, security, development and the un sustainable development goals.
  • Gain insight into the different ways in which trade governance can deal with sustainable development.
  • Obtain in-depth knowledge of voluntary sustainability standards (vss), also called eco-labels or certification schemes, as an important tool for global trade governance.
  • Grasp the emergence and evolution of vss and gain insight into how vss set and enforce sustainability standards.
  • Learn how vss differ in their design and how this influences their credibility.
  • Become aware of where and to what extent vss are used and how this varies across countries and time, and understand the motivations and barriers for the adoption of vss.
  • Explore the pathways through which vss aim to generate impact on different sustainability dimensions.
  • Acquaint yourself with the different research approaches and designs to study the impact of vss, understand their respective strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to interpret research results.
  • Understand how vss as private governance instruments are integrated into public policies.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Trade
Understand what international trade is, why it is important, how it has grown, how it has changed in nature, and what Global Value Chains are.
Read more
Module 2: Trade and Sustainable Development
Acquire knowledge of what sustainable development means, how sustainability issues relate to international trade, and what role international trade can play to achieve sustainable development.
Module 3: Trade Instruments for Sustainable Development
Gain insight into the different trade instruments that can be used to address sustainability issues, including preferential trade agreements, bilateral trade agreements and standards, and understand the role of the World Trade Organization in governing international trade for sustainability.
Module 4: Voluntary Sustainability Standards
Understand what voluntary sustainability standards are, how and why they emerged, what they aim to achieve, and how they set standards.
Module 5: How VSS work
Gain in-depth knowledge of how VSS work, in particular how they ensure conformity with their standards through audits and complaint systems, and critically reflect on their credibility as governance tools for sustainability.
Module 6: Effectiveness of VSS: Adoption
Understand how VSS effectiveness can be approached, and gain insight on their adoption as a first dimension of effectiveness. Delve into the extent to which VSS are adopted across different units of analysis, and understand the motives and barriers for VSS adoption.
Module 7: Effectiveness of VSS: Measuring Impacts
Explore the second dimension of VSS effectiveness: their impact on the ground. Learn about the pathways through which VSS aim to generate impact, how research on VSS impacts has been conducted, the different research designs that are used to assess VSS impacts, and delve into some examples of impact studies.
Module 8: Effectiveness of VSS: Sustainability Impacts
Learn more about the currently available evidence on VSS impact along the different sustainability dimensions, get acquainted with databases on VSS impact studies, and reflect on the main issues and challenges in assessing VSS impact.
Module 9: VSS in Public Policy
Gain insight into how VSS interact with other policy instruments with a focus on public regulations, trade policy, public procurement, due diligence and economic development measures, and reflect on the future of VSS as instruments for sustainable trade.
Module 10: Final exam
Test your newly acquired knowledge on sustainable trade in a final exam, comprising of a quiz and short essay.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines international trade and its effects, including its role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development
Taught by researchers and practitioners who are recognized in the field of sustainable trade
Offers knowledge of international trade and global value chains, as well as their impact on sustainable development
Develops understanding of voluntary sustainability standards, including their emergence, evolution, and impact on sustainability
Provides in-depth knowledge of the research methods used to assess the effectiveness of voluntary sustainability standards
Facilitates understanding of the interactions between voluntary sustainability standards and public policies

Save this course

Save Sustainable Trade to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Trade with these activities:
Organize Course Notes and Readings
Regularly review and organize your course notes, readings, and any other relevant materials to enhance your understanding and retention of the course content.
Browse courses on Note-Taking
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, slides, and readings
  • Summarize key points and concepts
  • Organize the materials into logical categories
  • Review and reinforce your understanding through active recall techniques
Revisit Trade Laws and Policies
Review and summarize trade-related policies governing international trade to refresh your foundational knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant trade laws and regulations
  • Summarize key provisions of each law or policy
  • Note any amendments or updates to the laws or policies
Review basic concepts of sustainable development
Strengthen your understanding of the foundational concepts of sustainable development before delving into its relation to trade.
Browse courses on Sustainable Development
Show steps
  • Revisit your notes or textbooks on sustainable development.
  • Read articles or blog posts to refresh your memory.
  • Consider watching documentaries or videos on the topic.
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Read 'The Economics of Trade and Development' by Axel Marx
Get a grounding on the economic principles that shape trade and development, including the role of trade in achieving sustainable development goals.
Show steps
  • Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basics of international trade and development.
  • Focus on Chapter 4 to dive into the role of trade in achieving sustainable development.
  • Make notes and highlight key concepts.
Attend a Webinar on Sustainable Trade
Register and attend webinars that discuss current trends and challenges in sustainable trade, expanding your knowledge and awareness of the field.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for relevant webinars
  • Attend the webinars and take notes
  • Summarize key takeaways and insights
Explore the World Bank's resource hub on VSS
Enhance your understanding of VSS by utilizing the comprehensive resources and case studies provided by the World Bank.
Show steps
  • Visit the World Bank's VSS resource hub.
  • Review the available materials, including reports, case studies, and tools.
  • Select a topic or case that interests you and delve deeper into the resources.
Identify Sustainability Standards
Practice identifying different voluntary sustainability standards and their key features to improve your understanding of their role in sustainable trade.
Show steps
  • List common voluntary sustainability standards, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Forest Stewardship Council
  • Research each standard's criteria and scope
  • Identify the sectors and products covered by each standard
Create a mind map of the different trade instruments
Develop a visual representation of the various trade instruments discussed in Module 3, including preferential trade agreements, bilateral trade agreements, and standards.
Show steps
  • Review the materials on trade instruments.
  • Brainstorm and identify the key trade instruments.
  • Use a mind mapping tool or draw on paper to create the mind map, connecting the instruments to their purpose and scope.
  • Add examples and details to support your map.
Discuss Trade Governance Mechanisms
Form study groups and engage in discussions with peers to explore different trade governance mechanisms and their implications for sustainable development.
Show steps
  • Organize study groups with other students
  • Select a topic for discussion, such as the role of the WTO
  • Research and prepare talking points
  • Facilitate and participate in the discussions
Engage in a group discussion on the challenges of implementing VSS
Exchange perspectives and gain insights from peers by discussing the complexities and challenges involved in implementing VSS.
Show steps
  • Form a study group or connect with classmates online.
  • Choose a specific aspect of VSS implementation to focus on.
  • Prepare talking points and research to support your views.
  • Engage in a respectful and open discussion, sharing ideas and perspectives.
Analyze real-world examples of voluntary sustainability standards
Apply your knowledge of VSS by examining specific examples and evaluating their adoption, implementation, and impact.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific industry or sector.
  • Identify relevant VSS and gather data on their adoption and implementation.
  • Assess the effectiveness of the VSS in improving sustainability.
  • Prepare a report summarizing your findings and insights.
Support a non-profit organization working on sustainable trade
Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of sustainable trade by volunteering your time and skills.
Show steps
  • Research and identify non-profit organizations focused on sustainable trade.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Choose a role that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Dedicate time to support the organization's mission and activities.
Develop a Case Study on VSS Impacts
Conduct research and write a case study that evaluates the impact of a voluntary sustainability standard on a specific industry or product.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Select a VSS and the industry or product to focus on
  • Gather data on the implementation and outcomes of the VSS
  • Analyze the data and assess the VSS's impact on sustainability
  • Write a case study report summarizing your findings
Support a Sustainable Trade Organization
Volunteer for organizations working towards sustainable trade to gain practical experience and contribute to the field.
Show steps
  • Identify organizations involved in sustainable trade advocacy
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Engage in activities such as research, outreach, or event planning
  • Network with professionals and learn about current initiatives
Contribute to an Open-Source Platform on Trade and Sustainability
Join open-source platforms focused on trade and sustainability to contribute code, documentation, or data, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.
Browse courses on Open Source Software
Show steps
  • Identify open-source platforms working on trade and sustainability
  • Choose an area to contribute to, such as data visualization or software development
  • Collaborate with the community, share knowledge, and contribute to the platform's growth
  • Track your contributions and document your experiences

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Trade will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts are responsible for analyzing and evaluating the sustainability performance of companies and organizations. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Sustainability Analyst.
Professor
Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research at universities and colleges. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a professor of international trade or sustainable development.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Supply Chain Manager working with international suppliers.
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries abroad and work to promote peace and cooperation. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a diplomat working on trade-related issues.
International Business Manager
International Business Managers are responsible for managing the international operations of their organizations. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as an International Business Manager.
CSR Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers are responsible for developing and implementing CSR initiatives within their organizations. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a CSR Manager.
Journalist
As a Journalist, you will be responsible for reporting on a variety of topics, including sustainable trade. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a journalist covering trade-related issues.
Researcher
Researchers are responsible for conducting research on a variety of topics, including sustainable trade. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable development and international trade. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Trade Policy Analyst
As a Trade Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating trade policies, as well as providing advice to governments and businesses on trade-related issues. The Sustainable Trade course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of international trade and sustainable development. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help companies and organizations to improve their environmental, social, and economic performance. The Sustainable Trade course will help you understand the role of international trade in promoting sustainable development. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers work to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The Sustainable Trade course will help you understand the role of international trade in promoting sustainable development and the legal frameworks that govern it. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst is a great career path for those who want to have a say in how policies are made. Those in this role often have a background in research, writing, and analysis. The Sustainable Trade course will help you build a foundation in sustainable development. you will also learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
International Development Officer
As an International Development Officer, you will be working to improve the lives of people in developing countries by providing them with access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean water. The Sustainable Trade course will help you understand the role of international trade in promoting sustainable development. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Corporate Sustainability Manager
In this role, you will be managing a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and reporting. The Sustainable Trade course will help you build a foundation in sustainable development and how international trade affects it. You will learn about the different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability, as well as the role of voluntary sustainability standards in making international trade more sustainable.
Program Director
In this role, you will be setting the strategic direction of projects and optimizing project efficiency. The Sustainable Trade course may be useful to you as it will help you more easily understand the changing landscape of international trade and sustainable development. You will learn about the role of trade in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and about different trade instruments that can be used to improve sustainability.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sustainable Trade.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It valuable resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable development.
This report provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges of trade for sustainable development. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of trade in promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and protecting the environment.
This report provides an overview of the role of public policy in promoting sustainable trade. It covers a wide range of topics, including the use of trade policies to promote environmental protection and social justice.
Provides a practical guide to sustainable trade. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to develop and implement sustainable trade policies.
This report provides a vision for the future of sustainable trade. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of technology in promoting sustainable trade.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between trade and the environment. It covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of trade on the environment and the role of trade in promoting environmental protection.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable development. It covers a wide range of topics, including the three pillars of sustainable development: economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable trade. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of sustainable trade, the different types of sustainable trade, and the challenges and opportunities of sustainable trade.
Provides a practical guide to sustainable trade for businesses. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to develop and implement sustainable trade policies.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Sustainable Trade.
Fashion's Future: The Sustainable Development Goals
Most relevant
Make an Impact: Sustainability for Professionals
Most relevant
Pathways to Property: What is Real Estate?
Most relevant
Sustainable Cities
Most relevant
Sustainable Development: The Post-Capitalist Order
Most relevant
Trading for Development in the Age of Global Value Chains...
Most relevant
Beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):...
Most relevant
Sustainable Corporate Financing: Application
Most relevant
Global Public Health
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser