Navigating the New Commodity Trading Age between economic security and sustainable development

Companies based in Geneva, Zug and Lugano coordinate a substantial share of the global trade in oil, metals and agricultural commodities, making the sector an important pillar of the Swiss economy. Decisions taken in Swiss-based trading, finance and governance structures shape environmental and social outcomes along global supply chains. Geopolitical shifts and heterogeneous local contexts are reshaping how resources are extracted and traded. This evolving landscape presents opportunities and challenges for Switzerland in managing a responsible and competitive global trading hub. Broadening the understanding of commodity trade and resource extraction from a sustainability perspective is therefore in the country’s strategic interest.

Across disciplines, researchers from Switzerland and around the world study the interactions of commodity trade with sustainable development and develop insights for more resilient and responsible trade policy.

Further information and registration