WTO members concluded Reform Week with discussions aimed at shaping reform proposals for consideration at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026. The sessions focused on three main topics: decision making, development and special and differential treatment, and ensuring a level playing field.
The discussions built upon consultations held since June 2025, using summary documents that outlined the challenges faced by members in these areas and possible approaches for ministers to consider at MC14. Meetings were organized among four groups representing the WTO membership, while remaining open for other members to observe.
Despite differing opinions on substantive matters, the Facilitator described the exchanges as "constructive and positive." Ambassador Ølberg stated: "The Reform Week underscored that we have made tangible progress in the substantive discussions since we began in June. We have moved from initial conversations about reaffirming the Preamble (of the Marrakech Agreement), and assessing what works and what does not, toward identifying specific areas of focus, defining concrete challenges, and considering possible approaches to address them."
Regarding decision-making processes, it was noted that all members support consensus-based decision making but share frustrations over obstacles in reaching agreements. These include difficulties participating effectively, reluctance to join consensus, prolonged negotiation stalemates, limited outcomes, unfulfilled mandates, and enforcement issues related to dispute settlement.
On development issues, members agreed that development should not be viewed solely through special and differential treatment. While no member opposed this principle outright, there were different perspectives on challenges identified so far and on proposed solutions for MC14.
Discussing a level playing field within trade rules, the Facilitator commented: "We should acknowledge the progress made in identifying potential areas for the level-playing-field discussions." He noted increased willingness among members to engage on these topics compared to initial hesitancy.
Members also recognized that focusing only on these three areas is insufficient to address all structural challenges facing the WTO. They highlighted a need for broader discussion about expectations from the organization.
The Facilitator announced plans to prepare a report summarizing key issues raised by members during Reform Week. He said: "Many view this report as a tool to facilitate your work when we reconvene in January, with the goal of achieving clear guidance from ministers on post-MC14 reform efforts. Related to this are the suggestions for a possible balanced Reform Plan, including proposed modalities for post-MC14 work."
Ambassador Ølberg intends to circulate his report ahead of the next General Council meeting scheduled for December 16-17 so that members can review it before discussions continue.