LSE Can global value chains go green? Trade, investment and the net-zero development challenge

This public LSE event explores whether global trade and investment can support economic development while also advancing sustainability. It asks whether there is a real trade-off between deeper international integration and environmental goals, or whether a different approach to globalisation can help countries grow in a greener and more inclusive way.

Drawing on ideas from Green Global Value Chains for Sustainable Development, the discussion looks beyond energy to the wider reorganisation of production, technology, skills, finance and markets across borders. It considers how foreign direct investment and global value chains can spread clean technologies, create opportunities for upgrading and connect firms and regions to green growth, while also recognising the risks of emissions shifting, dependency and low-value specialisation.

The event brings together leading academics and international policy figures to debate what kind of internationalisation can support sustainable development. It is designed for anyone interested in economics, development, sustainability and globalisation, and can be attended either on campus or online.