(Reuters] – Reuters Next will host three days worth of presentations, interviews, panels, and discussions with more than 150 global leaders to discuss the greatest business, social, and environmental issues for next year.

These are notable quotes taken from the conference’s first day, Dec. 3 – 3.

To watch the Reuters Next conference please register here https://reutersevents.com/events/next

NGOZI OKONJO, HEAD OF The WORLD TRADE ORDINATION

“It (WTO reform), I believe, will prove very difficult due to the lack of trust from members.

“It is vital that we support multilateral commerce and we do not take it as a given.”

VALDIS DOMBROVSKIS EUROPEAN COMMISSION EXECUTIVE VISION-PRESIDENT

One can safely say this: “This year was truly a breakthrough for EU-U.S. Trade Relations.

There are obviously things I need to keep an eye on, but I can tell you that we have begun to engage constructively and I feel confident that we will be able to resolve any concerns or issues that may arise.

THOMAS SCHMALL VOLKSWAGEN BOARD MEMBETER

Volkswagen’s European plans for battery cells: We are talking about between 25 and 30 billion euros (cost in Euros). This includes the vertical chain, raw materials and factories.

The goal to become carbon neutral in 2050.

YAT SIU, CHAIRMAN and CO-FOUNDER ANIMOCA BRANDS

The metaverse’s growth can be described as a bit like China’s growth 30 years ago. However, it is more restricted.

Although it was not understood by everyone, you can see all the growth factors that make China successful: industry growth and population growth. It is equivalent in the metaverse.

LORENZO BERTELLI – PRADA MARKETING CHIEF and HEIR-DESIGNATE

We have studied second-hand fashion for over a year. Although I can’t divulge too much, second-hand is definitely there. It will be a great opportunity.

You can partner with players or do it in-house. Or both.

FALGUNI NAYAR FOUNDER AND CHIEF ECUTIVE OF INDIAN COSMETICS TO-FASHION RETAILER NYKAA

The (COVID-19 pandemic) caused a slowdown in store expansion for about a year. We have restored our store expansion this year.

“Many Indians (are) still to buy their first watch or first car. India seems to be in a much better place than the other advanced economies.

ANDRE DE RUYTER is the CEO of SOUTH AFRICAN STATE POWER UTILITY ESKOM

The shift away from coal: We hope to persuade others to set up factories in the area, build parts for renewable energy and create employment that creates demand. This will transform this current challenge from a vicious downward spiral into an upward one.

MEG TAYLOR, FORMER PRESIDENT SECRETARY GENERAL THE PACIFIC ILANDS FORUM

U.S.-China Pacific rivalry: “Everybody has a price tag.” This is starting to show now, with the bases. The U.S. will now establish bases in the entire region.

On the COP26 Climate Talks: “I only expected countries be more progressive, especially when it comes to what is at stake for the Pacific.”

ANOTE TAN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF KIRIBATI

“I doubt the international community fully understands the consequences of climate change. This is an existential danger.”