How does the global (financialized) commodity trade impact on local lifeworlds along the copper value chain?

The growing influence of transnational market intermediaries, including financial actors, has profoundly changed the global commodities trade, "de-linking" markets in commodities from the material conditions of production and use and "re-linking" them to offshore marketplaces and trading hubs, such as Switzerland.

How do these processes affect local lives along the copper value chain, from the mining pits and the surrounding communities in Zambia, through towns and harbours on African transport corridors, through Swiss trading firms and banks, to sites of industrial production and recycling? What needs to be done in order to move towards more ethical trading and production systems conducive to the vision of sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda?

To discuss these themes, UNRISD is convening two events on behalf of an international research consortium in which it is a partner. The events present the results of the Valueworks research project carried out by the consortium and funded by the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS).

Public Roundtable: Life Along the Copper Value Chain: The Swiss Commodity Trading Hub and Its Impact in the Global South

How often do the head of corporate responsibility from a major Geneva-based commodities trading firm, a debt campaigner, a member of parliament for Geneva, and research experts come together to debate in public how the commodity trade impacts local lives at various nodes along the value chain?

This unique opportunity is open to you on Monday 10 December at 18.00-20.00 at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva . More information is available here. No registration is required for this event.

Research Symposium: Valueworks: Effects of Financialization along the Copper Value Chain

If you are a subject expert in extractive industries, the global commodities trade, governance in these areas, human rights and business, ethical and responsible business, transparency, CSR or value chains, then this Symposium is for you.

It features 12 presentations of results of the Valueworks research project with analysis across three main areas:

• Global Commodity Trade and Financialization: Along the Copper Value Chain

• From Switzerland to Zambia: Development Impacts and Local Lifeworlds

• The Politics and Governance of Extractive Industries and Global Supply Chains: Towards Sustainable Development?

It concludes with a discussion of priorities for policy, action and further research.

The Research Symposium is taking place on Tuesday 11 December at 09.00-16.30 the Palais des Nations, Geneva. More information and registration is here.