WTO
Public Forum 2023: in action
- Title
- Public Forum 2023: in action
- Date posted
- 6 hours ago
- Description
- The WTO Public Forum 2023 wrapped up on 15 September after 4 days of activities, including 130 sessions, attracted a record number of participants to the World Trade Organization.
Catch a glimpse of some key moments of the event.
More info: https://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/public_forum23_e/public_forum23_e.htm
- Title
- Digital trade for development
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Digital technologies provide new opportunities for developing countries to engage in global markets and grow. Seizing these opportunities however raises challenges. Reliable and affordable digital infrastructure, along with a digitally skilled population are crucial for engaging in and benefiting from digital trade.
At the WTO Public Forum 2023, two women spotlight the development opportunities provided by digital technologies. One is outlining the big picture view, the other is already taking action on the ground.
One is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, the other is Nelly Cheboi, CEO and Founder of TechLit Africa.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Decarbonizing the global economy
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Accelerating the decarbonization of transportation and heavy industry is crucial for combatting climate change and meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement. Two high-level panels at the Public Forum explored the opportunities and challenges of decarbonizing the transport sector and the steel industry.
"Trade and trade policies are indispensable to underpin the technological and economic shift towards the low carbon future", WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in an address to the panelists.
Learn more at www.wto.org
- Title
- SDGs and trade: Making trade work for people and planet
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- The WTO is showcasing the role of trade in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an exhibition taking place in Geneva's Parc des Bastions.The exhibition was launched by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Keisal Peters and the Mayor of Geneva, Alfonso Gomez on 14 September.
- Title
- A message from Colombia's Francia Márquez
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- In a video message addressed to the WTO Public Forum, Vice-President of Colombia Francia Márquez calls for rethinking the global economic system in favour of climate action.
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from Iceland
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- The government of Iceland is contributing CHF 500,000 to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed country members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Martin Eyjólfsson, presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 13 September.
More info: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres23_e/pr932_e.htm
- Title
- The Digital Boost to Green Innovation
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Digital tools have the potential to unleash the power of the global economy, bringing people closer together and unlocking new opportunities for companies of all sizes. Digitalisation offers opportunities to overcome barriers to growth, enhance access to trade, and revolutionize the delivery of goods and services. However, it also introduces complexities, such as defining and measuring digital trade, determining openness in the digital era, and adapting existing trade rules to the changing environment. This panel will bring together leaders from international organisations, the private sector and civil society to discuss approaches to ensuring inclusive sharing of benefits and opportunities of digital technologies while serving the needs of the environment.
- Title
- Inclusive Strategies for Sustainable Trade
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Climate change affects every corner of the globe, and its impacts are disproportionately felt by vulnerable communities. Inclusive climate action recognizes the unique challenges faced by different regions, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. By actively involving and empowering these communities in decision-making processes, we can develop comprehensive strategies that address their specific needs, protect their rights, and promote environmental justice.
This panel seeks to explore how to better engage with diverse stakeholders. It is guided by the belief that acknowledging and embracing the diversity of perspectives, voices, and experiences is not only a moral imperative but a strategic approach to address the complex and intertwined issues we face today.
- Title
- Gordon Brown at the WTO Public Forum
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited the WTO on 13 September 2023 to deliver a lecture, as part of the Presidential Lecture Series during the WTO Public Forum.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Brown, who is also United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education.
More info:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/pls_12sep23_e.htm
- Title
- A message from Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- In a video message, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Indigenous Women and Peoples Association of Chad, addresses the Public Forum session on "Inclusive strategies for sustainable trade".
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Promoting a level playing field for steel decarbonization
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- Accelerating the decarbonization of heavy industry is crucial for combatting climate change and meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement. The steel sector is responsible for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but there are technologies available today that can help cut those emissions. A level playing field and the right policy environment is important for supporting investments in these technologies and enabling all industry participants to move together toward a low-greenhouse gas future. However, as regions explore different approaches to incentivize decarbonization, and avoid carbon leakage, fragmentation is a growing challenge. This session will discuss the main challenges and opportunities for ensuring a level playing field for steel decarbonization, and the contribution of the global trade system.
- Title
- Forging Trade for a Sustainable Future
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- This panel will explore how we can accelerate climate action with value chains, while promoting globally minded policies that support local and international initiatives. From nationally determined contributions to market-based solutions, this panel will tackle the big questions and uncover practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
- Title
- The Route to Transport Decarbonisation
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges to facilitate the movement and take-up of zero- and low-emissions technologies in transport, as well as the role that trade policy can play in the broader decarbonisation agenda.
- Title
- A message from Bertrand Piccard
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- In a video message, Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, addresses the Public Forum session on "The route to transport decarbonisation".
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- A message from the President of the Asian Development Bank
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- In a video message, Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), addresses the Public Forum session on "The digital boost to green innovation".
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- A message from the Taoiseach of Ireland
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- In a video message, Leo Varadkar, Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister), addresses the Public Forum session on "Forging trade for a sustainable future".
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Launch of the World Trade Report 2023
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- The WTO’s flagship publication will be launched on September 12. It offers deep insights into the latest developments in the world of international trade. This year's report focuses on re-globalizing for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future; critical themes at the heart of today's global trade landscape. The World Trade Report 2023 presents a comprehensive analysis that informs policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders alike. It offers a wealth of data-driven insights that will shape discussions and decisions on trade policy and strategy.
- Title
- Conversations on Trade, Global Economy and Climate Nexus
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- This 30-minute session is poised to be a forward-looking exchange among visionary leaders who are actively shaping the trajectory of global trade.
- Title
- World Trade Report 2023
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- The 2023 edition of the WTO’s World Trade Report presents new evidence of the benefits of broader, more inclusive economic integration as early indications of trade fragmentation threaten to unwind growth and development. The flagship publication, launched on 12 September, features findings on how re-globalization — or increased international cooperation and broader integration — can support security, inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Let's Talk Sustainable Development
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: New Zealand's acceptance
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- New Zealand deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 6 September, making it the first country from the Oceania region to do so. Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor met virtually with Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to mark the occasion. Ambassador Clare Kelly presented New Zealand's instrument of acceptance in person. DG Okonjo-Iweala furthermore commended New Zealand for its contribution of CHF 100,048 to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Public Forum 2023: it is time for action
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Climate change is one of the most critical issues of our time, and trade has a key role in deciding the future of the planet. At the WTO, we have always been committed to engaging with all stakeholders and facilitating dialogue. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Public Forum from 12 to 15 September.
Every voice must be heard. It is time for action!
- Title
- Message from the MC13 Chair
- Date posted
- 27 days ago
- Description
- In six months, the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), opens in Abu Dhabi, taking place from 26 to 29 February 2024.
On 24 July, at a General Council meeting, members of the WTO elected Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, as MC13 Chairperson.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/gc_24jul23_e.htm
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Hong Kong, China's acceptance
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Hong Kong, China deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 21 August. Ms Drew Lai, Acting Permanent Representative, presented Hong Kong, China’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Ukraine’s acceptance
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Ukraine formally deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 17 August. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, received Ukraine’s instrument during her visit to Kyiv from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko.
- Title
- Accepting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- For the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to enter into force, two-thirds of WTO Members must formally deposit an instrument of acceptance. To facilitate the process for Members, Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard and Depositary Assistant Madeleine Mitchell outline the requirements for depositing a valid instrument of acceptance.
For more information, please go to the dedicated webpage on how to accept the Protocol regarding the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies at https://www.wto.org/FishAcceptance, or email deposit.assist@wto.org.
- Title
- High-level visit from Ethiopia to the WTO
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Mr. Gebremeskel Challa and his delegation to the WTO on 28 July.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from Sweden
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The government of Sweden is contributing SEK 5 million (approximately CHF 500,000) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed country members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Ambassador Mikael Anzén presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 27 July.
$Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Getting ready for the 13th Ministerial Conference: Abu Dhabi 2024
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- On 24 July, at a General Council meeting, members of the WTO elected Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, as Chairperson for the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 26 to 29 February 2024.
- Title
- High-level visit from Fiji to the WTO
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications of Fiji, Manoa Kamikamica, and his delegation to the WTO on 21 July.
- Title
- President of Chile visits the WTO
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, on 19 July at the WTO. They discussed the role the multilateral trading system can play in addressing a number of global challenges, such as climate change, inequality and inclusiveness.
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Peru’s acceptance
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Peru deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 19 July, bolstering the ranks of leading marine fishing producers that have affirmed support for the historic agreement for ocean sustainability. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ana Cecilia Gervasi Díaz presented Peru’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Title
- DG meets Honduras’s Fredis Cerrato
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The fourth review of the trade policies and practices of Honduras took place on 12 and 14 July 2023. Fredis Cerrato, Minister of Economic Development led the delegation. He met Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 13 July.
Information about Honduras’ TPR:
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp543_e.htm
- Title
- High-level visit from Samoa at the WTO
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour of Samoa, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo, and his delegation to the WTO on 13 July.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Gabon's acceptance
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Gabon deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 12 July, making it the third African country to do so. Ambassador Mireille Sarah Nzenze presented Gabon's instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. More than one-third of the acceptances needed for the agreement to enter into force is now in hand.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Public Forum: time capsule
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- During this year's Public Forum, we are preparing a time capsule dedicated to sustainability that will be opened in 2050. We invite you to submit your ideas for a chance to have them featured in the contents of the capsule.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/public_forum23_e/pf23_time_capsule_e.htm
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Japan's acceptance
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Japan this week deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, joining other leading marine fish catch producers in affirming support for the Agreement. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki of Japan met on 4 July to mark the occasion, with the total number of acceptances now over a third of what is needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
- Title
- Fisheries Subsidies: China's Acceptance
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- China deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 27 June, affirming its support for the historic agreement for ocean sustainability as the world’s leading marine fishing producer. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received the instrument from Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Tianjin, China ahead of the World Economic Forum’s 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from France
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The government of France is contributing EUR 1 million (approximately CHF 969,957) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to help developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members implement the landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference in June 2022. The contribution was confirmed at a signing ceremony with Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and France’s Minister responsible for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Olivier Becht, at the WTO on 23 June.
- Title
- High level visit from Oman at the WTO
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham bin Tarik Al Said of Oman and his delegation to the WTO on 21 June.
They discussed areas of mutual concern such as digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises and the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference scheduled for February 2024.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Fisheries subsidies: EU acceptance
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The European Union deposited its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a major development towards the Agreement’s entry into force. The EU’s instrument of acceptance was presented to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Paris on the side lines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell of Sweden, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU; European Commission Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis; and European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius.Learn
more at wto.org
- Title
- Fisheries subsidies: Nigeria's acceptance
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Nigeria deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 12 June, making it the second African WTO member to do so. Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid presented Nigeria’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland. Acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are needed for the Agreement to come into effect.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from the Netherlands
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The government of the Netherlands is contributing EUR 1 million to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed country members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Ambassador Paul Bekkers presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 16 June.
- Title
- Visit of Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, to the WTO.
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, to the WTO on 16 June.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Belize's acceptance
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Belize deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 16 June, making it the first Central American WTO member and first WTO member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to do so. Ambassador Gianni Avila presented Belize's instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland. Acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are needed for the Agreement to come into effect.
- Title
- One year on: MC12 and the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- One year ago, ministers gathered in Geneva for the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference and delivered trade responses to the challenges of our time. After five days and nights of work, WTO members secured a package of outcomes addressing sustainability, public health, food security and more. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the first WTO agreement with environmental protection at its core, was part of the package agreed at MC12.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/mc12_e/mc12_e.htm
- Title
- Visit of Togo's Prime Minister to the WTO
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Prime Minister of Togo, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, to the WTO on 15 June. They discussed the ongoing work of the WTO, Togo’s economic diversification, and how trade can deliver for the African continent.
The Director-General thanked the Prime Minister, the first woman to hold the post in Togo, for the country's continued support of the multilateral trading system and for its engagement at the WTO.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Trade for Sustainability
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The WTO Trade and Environment Week 2023 focusses on the role of trade for sustainability and more specifically its contribution to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Speakers at a high-level panel on 13 June explored ideas of leveraging trade to address the sustainability challenges of our times and provide global responses. The panellists highlighted the need for a common vision and international cooperation to put in place trade practices that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and beneficial for all.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Australia’s donation
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The government of Australia is providing AUD 2 million (approximately CHF 1.2 million) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed country members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Australia’s authorities presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 7 June, at the informal WTO ministerial meeting held on the side lines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France.
More: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres23_e/pr927_e.htm
- Title
- Global Trade Data Portal
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- A new Global Trade Data Portal now available on the WTO website provides access to real-time data on trade, allowing users to monitor supply chain activities and providing advance warning of potential disruptions. This information can be helpful in determining appropriate policy action. The Portal was launched by the WTO on 31 May with the release, among other things, of new dashboards on seaborne trade in wheat and other grains and oil seeds aimed at improving market transparency at a time of food insecurity.
Learn more at wto.org
