The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently held discussions on sustainable agriculture in global trade. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the significance of sustainable agriculture, stating, "Agriculture is not merely another sector. It is the backbone of many economies, a huge employer in many countries, the lifeblood of rural development and the foundation of food security and nutrition. No society can be stable economically, financially or socially if its people are unable to reliably access affordable and nutritious food."
Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel of Saudi Arabia, Chair of the General Council, highlighted the importance of this retreat amid current global challenges. He noted, "With the world's population expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food and resources is increasing exponentially. The intersection of trade and sustainable agriculture has never been more essential. It is key to achieving global food and livelihood security, promoting rural development, fostering economic growth and building environmental resilience."
During the two-day event, experts from various international and regional organizations shared their insights on sustainable agriculture's foundational elements. This exchange aimed to help WTO members engage with key issues while appreciating diverse local and regional contexts.
The retreat's takeaways and suggestions from the chair will be shared with members soon.