The World Trade Organization (WTO) hosted a student event that focused on the future of global trade, featuring debates and discussions on key issues facing the multilateral trading system.
Ismaila Dieng, Director of the Information and External Relations Division at the WTO, opened the event by urging students to take an active role in shaping discussions about trade and reform at the organization. "These remarks were followed by two panel discussions featuring representatives from the WTO membership and key stakeholders. The first discussion, 'What has the WTO ever done for us?', explored the role of the multilateral trading system and its impact on society, highlighting the importance of the WTO's multifaceted agreements and the role of the WTO as a platform for dialogue."
A second panel titled "Trade wars, tariffs and a bright future?" examined how to strengthen the organization's ability to respond to upcoming challenges. Both panels included interactive sessions where students asked questions directly to speakers.
Video messages from members of the WTO Young Trade Leaders program added perspectives on youth involvement in trade policy and called for making the organization more responsive.
The event concluded with a reception sponsored by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, providing opportunities for attendees to network with officials, speakers, and other students.