World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened recently for an informal meeting to discuss potential reforms for the organization, with a particular focus on its deliberative function and institutional matters.
The June 16 gathering marked the third informal meeting since the initiation of reform discussions during the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) last June. During MC12, WTO members unanimously agreed to pursue comprehensive reform, aiming to enhance all aspects of the organization. It was further agreed that the reform efforts would consider the interests of all members, encompassing developmental concerns, a WTO statement said.
“Process improvements matter for keeping this institution fit for purpose,” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told members in her opening remarks, the release said. “When WTO bodies work more efficiently, and facilitate full and informed participation by all members, it creates a more conducive atmosphere for effective substantive reform.”
The informal meeting provided “a further important opportunity for confidence and trust-building which can enable us to continue working on a good footing on these issues and overall on WTO reform,” Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana, the chairperson of the General Council, told the members, the release said.
“The deliberations… have demonstrated yet again members' commitment to work towards necessary reforms and ensuring that we choose proper functioning,” Molokomme added. “I hope that we will continue working in this pragmatic and cooperative spirit so that we can once again deliver meaningful WTO reforms for the benefit of our members and our respective stakeholders.”
Okonjo-Iweala said the WTO is committed to moving forward.
“Today's meeting has given impetus to WTO reform work and I hope will help clarify the roadmap towards MC13,” which is scheduled for February, Okonjo-Iweala said.
“Members today have provided practical ideas to move our work forward,” Okonjo-Iweala added. “Your inputs will help us ensure we have the necessary solutions-oriented conversations in the weeks and months ahead to lay the groundwork for ministers to make decisions… Making our meetings more meaningful is part of ensuring that the WTO remains fit for purpose.”