World Trade Organization
Digital trade for development
- Title
- Digital trade for development
- Runtime
- 1:43
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Trade is increasingly digital. Digital technologies provide new opportunities for developing economies to engage in global markets and grow. Reliable and affordable digital infrastructure and the development of skills are crucial for economies to benefit from digital trade. High tariffs on imports of information and communication technology (ICT) goods may slow down the adoption of digital technologies. Since 1998, WTO members have committed to continue their practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from Liechtenstein
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Liechtenstein is contributing CHF 40,000 to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Ambassador Kurt Jäger presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 24 November.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Uzbekistan's WTO Accession Negotiations
- Runtime
- 2:10
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjayev and his delegation to the WTO. At the latest meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan on 16 November, WTO members commended the Uzbek Government for stepping up its efforts to advance its accession negotiations, evidenced by strengthened domestic institutions. Uzbekistan underlined that WTO membership is a strategic priority and reiterated its commitment to maintain the momentum in the talks.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from the EU
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The European Union is contributing EUR 1 million (about CHF 957,000) in a multi-year donation to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Ambassador João Aguiar Machado presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 23 November.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from Norway
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Norway is contributing NOK 9 million (approximately CHF 730,500) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Norway's WTO Ambassador Petter Ølberg presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 17 November.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Youth Trade Summit on Gender
- Runtime
- 4:25
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The Youth Trade Summit on Gender brought more than 50 young professionals from all over the world to the WTO on 13-14 November. The event aimed to highlight young people’s perspectives on women’s economic empowerment, allow for interactions and exchange of experiences, and foster future collaboration.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/women_14nov23_e.htm
Speakers in this video:
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General, World Trade Organization
Anoush der Boghossian
Head, WTO Trade and Gender Office
Xiana Méndez Bértolo
Secretary of State for Trade, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Spain
Xiangchen Zhang
Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization
Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu
Founder & Team Lead, Young African Policy Research Hub (YAPORH), Nigeria
Djaka ...
- Title
- Welcome to the Trade House pavilion at COP28
- Runtime
- 2:02
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The Trade House pavilion at this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is a dedicated space to spark discussions and solutions on how trade can help drive climate and sustainable development actions. The pavilion is hosted by four international agencies: the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Activities at the Trade House will focus on accelerating climate action through trade-led development, using coordinated and inclusive approaches to ensure a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: Donation from Spain
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Spain is contributing EUR 2 million (about CHF 1.9 million) to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed country members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Secretary of State for Trade Xiana Méndez presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 13 November.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Let's Talk Climate Change
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Global targets to limit the worst effects of climate change will require more ambitious actions across all areas of human activity. The WTO's Jessica Hermosa and Daniel Ramos explain how trade is part of the solution.
Trade is a booster for climate action. It facilitates the movement of environmental solutions across borders. Trade also creates the possibility to move goods from carbon-efficient producers to other places. Transporting food often causes significantly less emissions than producing it.
Enhanced cooperation among WTO members on trade-related climate measures can help limit the increases in global temperatures.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- The new Import Licensing Notification Portal
- Runtime
- 3:53
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The Import Licensing Committee launched today a new notification portal - a significant component of the digitalization process in the WTO Secretariat. Now members can submit their import licensing notifications online. Watch this video with their feedback on the new tool.
Speakers in this video:
Nat Tharnpanich, Minister Counsellor, Thailand
Marie-Pierre Nicora, Trade Policy Officer, European Union
Carlos Guevara, Counsellor, Ecuador
- Title
- Senior Officials Meeting at the WTO
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- A two-day meeting of senior trade officials concluded at the WTO on 24 October with encouraging signs that negotiators in Geneva will have the political backing to achieve outcomes at their upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) early next year.
- Title
- Agreement of Fisheries Subsidies: Fiji's acceptance
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Fiji deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 24 October. Ambassador Luke Daunivalu presented Fiji’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
- Title
- WTO fisheries subsidies: surge of acceptances
- Runtime
- 6:20
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Seven WTO members deposited their instruments of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 23 October, propelling the much-anticipated entry into force of the historic agreement for ocean sustainability closer to realization. High-level officials of Albania, Australia, Botswana, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, the Republic of Korea, and Saint Lucia presented their instruments of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in a ceremony as part of the two-day Senior Officials Meeting at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/fish_23oct23_e.htm
- Title
- Press conference: Senior Officials Meeting
- Runtime
- 26:02
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Title
- WTO deal on LDC graduation
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The General Council reached an important milestone on 23 October in the global efforts to support least-developed countries (LDCs) on the path to graduation from LDC status. The decision encourages WTO members that remove countries from their duty-free and quota-free preference programmes to provide a smooth and sustainable transition period after graduation.
The decision was taken as senior officials gathered at the WTO on 23 and 24 October to prepare for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled for February 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/ldevc_23oct23_e.htm
- Title
- WTO time capsule: preserving 2023 for 2050
- Runtime
- 1:25
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- During this year’s Public Forum, we sealed a time capsule that captures the state of sustainability discussions within the WTO. We recognise the importance and urgency of ongoing efforts and hope that when the time capsule is opened in 2050, humanity will have averted one of its greatest threats.
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: Macao, China's acceptance
- Runtime
- 1:41
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Macao, China deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 19 October. Lúcia Abrantes Dos Santos, Permanent Representative, presented Macao, China's instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
- Title
- Let's talk food security
- Runtime
- 3:03
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Food security is one of the top priorities for WTO members as they pursue agricultural negotiations. International trade plays an important role in enhancing food security for all people on this planet.
The WTO's Edwini Kessie and Jonathan Hepburn explain that by moving food from surplus areas to deficit areas, trade helps improve the availability of food. They emphasize that food must also be affordable. By creating jobs and raising incomes, trade can help improve people's access to food and nutrition.
Trade in agricultural goods has grown fourfold since 2000, increasing in all regions of the world, and it's been remarkably resilient to shocks, improving the stability of global markets for food. However, the number of people facing hunger around the world has been on the rise in recent years.
WTO members have taken some initial steps towards addressing the trade barriers and the subsidies which distort global markets and impede trade in food.
Special ...
- Title
- Global Trade Outlook update
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Excerpts from the press conference on 5 October 2023.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Global Trade Outlook. Update October 2023
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The volume of goods traded worldwide will grow slower than expected in 2023. WTO economists have scaled back the trade growth forecast amid a continued slump that has persisted since late-2022. The volume of world merchandise trade is now expected to grow by 0.8% this year, roughly half of the 1.7% forecast released in April. The WTO furthermore expects real world GDP to grow by 2.6% in 2023.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- High-level visit from Timor-Leste to the WTO
- Runtime
- 2:50
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste on 2 October at the WTO. They discussed the next steps needed to realize Timor-Leste's ambition to become a member of the WTO at the 13th Ministerial Conference, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi in late February 2024.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- High-level visit from Jordan to the WTO
- Runtime
- 1:54
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Inclusive Strategies for Sustainable Trade
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 3 years 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.
Relive a rich debate on how trade is essential to achieving climate change goals and how all peoples have a role to play.
Speakers in this video:
Margot Brown, Justice & Equity Environmental Defense Fund
Rangimarie Hunia, Te Ohu Kaimoana
Vladislav Kaim, Sustainability Advocate
Karin Svensson, Volvo Group
Moderated by Dana Beltaji from the Associated Press
- Title
- Behind the scenes of the 2023 WTO Public Forum
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The WTO Public Forum 2023 wrapped up on 15 September after 4 days of activities and 130 sessions.
Join us behind the scenes as the WTO prepared to open its doors and welcome over 2000 participants from around the globe.
- Title
- WTO Essay Award for Young Economists 2023
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The winner of the 2023 WTO Essay Award for Young Economists is Xiao Ma of Peking University HSBC Business School. His paper, “College Expansion, Trade, and Innovation: Evidence from China”, was ranked first by the Selection Panel. He was presented with his prize of CHF 5,000 at the annual meeting of the European Trade Study Group at the University of Surrey in Guildford (United Kingdom) on 14 September.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Ma to the WTO and congratulated him for winning the award.
More information:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news23_e/essay_14sep23_e.htm
- Title
- Public Forum 2023: in action
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 3:50
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 4:52
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:17:52
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:11:24
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 3:10
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:15:02
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:25:24
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:13:30
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 3:04
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 2:40
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:03:25
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:34:38
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 2:53
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 3 years ago
- Description
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a blueprint to a more equitable and sustainable future. Climate change, poverty, environmental degradation, the prosperity gap between rich and poor people and countries – these are big problems that are best addressed through international cooperation. Trade and the World Trade Organization have a role to play.
The WTO's Raúl Torres and Roberta Allport explain how sustainable trade policies can work for people and planet.
Special thanks to the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden for providing easy access.
Learn more at wto.org
- Title
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: New Zealand's acceptance
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 2:14
- Date posted
- 3 years 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
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 3 years 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.
