Strengthening the global trade and investment system in the 21st century : synthesis report

Note on the E15 Initiative and this Synthesis Report: Jointly implemented by the the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and the World Economic Forum, the E15 Initiative was established to convene world-class experts and institutions to conduct a strategic review of trade and investment rules and arrangements as well as develop proposals for their evolution to 2025 and beyond. In collaboration with 16 knowledge partners institutions, the E15 Initiative brought together more than 375 leading international experts in over 80 interactive dialogues grouped into 18 themes between 2012-2015. Over 130 background papers and think pieces were commissioned and published during the process. This synthesis summarizes and interprets the significance of the expert group proposals in relation to eight critical imperatives faced by policymakers, business leaders and society at large. It draws directly from expert group think pieces and policy option papers. The latter are published in a second section of this volume, whereas the former are available online at www.e15initiative.org.