Latest News
WTO dialogues address enhancing capacities and inventories for tackling plastic waste
By Globe Banner | Sep 18, 2024
On September 18, 2024, discussions at the Plastics Pollution Dialogue focused on two critical areas: capacity building and inventories of trade-related plastic measures (TrPMs). These discussions are essential for addressing plastics pollution while maintaining trade as a part of the solution.
WTO-FIFA partnership begins national consultations on cotton initiative in Benin
By Globe Banner | Sep 18, 2024
The “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, launched in February 2024 following the signing of the WTO-FIFA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2022, brings together public and private sector partners to support the C-4 plus countries in moving up the cotton value chain and ensuring greater benefits for these nations.
WTO members seek momentum for agriculture talks ahead of ministerial conference
By Globe Banner | Sep 18, 2024
Summarizing his informal consultations with members last week, the Chair of the negotiations, Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Türkiye, highlighted a recurring emphasis on the need to rebuild trust among members.
WTO advances Sixth Review of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement
By Globe Banner | Sep 17, 2024
At a recent meeting of the SPS Committee, WTO members discussed the revised background document, the draft report of the Sixth Review, and the draft recommendations proposed by the WTO Secretariat. These discussions were based on previous dialogues held during the review process. All pertinent documents are accessible on the webpage dedicated to the Review of the SPS Agreement.
WTO members discuss post-MC13 e-commerce work programme focusing on development
By Globe Banner | Sep 17, 2024
Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened to discuss the work programme on e-commerce following the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), with a particular focus on development. The meeting took place on September 17, 2024.
UAE donates USD 1 million to WTO Fish Fund
By Globe Banner | Sep 17, 2024
The United Arab Emirates has donated USD 1 million to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fish Fund, marking a significant contribution towards global sustainable fishing practices. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the donation, stating, "The generous contribution from the United Arab Emirates to the WTO Fish Fund is an important step towards supporting sustainable fishing practices globally. It will help fellow WTO members meet their obligations under the landmark Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and manage their fisheries sustainably. I am grateful for...
WTO supports ELSA's Moot Court competition with legal mooting masterclass
By Globe Banner | Sep 16, 2024
The competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism involving exchanges of written submissions and oral pleadings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students' Association (ELSA) with the technical support of the WTO.
DG Okonjo-Iweala discusses global trade resilience with shipping industry leaders
By Globe Banner | Sep 12, 2024
The Director-General emphasized the resilience of global trade despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate issues, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. She acknowledged the industry's efforts to mitigate and navigate unexpected changes.
WTO announces winner of 2024 essay award for young economists
By Globe Banner | Sep 12, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced Carlos Góes as the winner of the 2024 Essay Award for Young Economists. Góes's paper examines the mechanisms through which trade integration can lead to product innovation.
Key role of WTO rules discussed at Public Forum
By Globe Banner | Sep 12, 2024
Nigeria's WTO Ambassador, Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, stated that Africa could significantly benefit from the WTO agreements' special and differential treatment provisions to enhance its digital trade capabilities. He emphasized that tailored technical assistance and capacity-building programs could help African governments improve their skillsets and reduce the gap in digital connectivity and infrastructure with the rest of the world. Ambassador Abdulhamid noted that increased technology transfer would make Africa's digitalization efforts more effective.
Steel industry leaders emphasize policy support for achieving green goals
By Globe Banner | Sep 12, 2024
The executives expressed confidence that the steel industry is on the right path towards achieving their carbon reduction goals but underlined the importance of having supportive policies in place, including on trade and common emissions measurement methodologies.
Harvard professor Jason Furman urges continued embrace of global trade
By Globe Banner | Sep 11, 2024
Jason Furman, Professor of Economic Policy at Harvard University, emphasized that globalization over the past 25 years has significantly improved human welfare. Despite a global population increase of two billion, more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, leading to a 70% reduction in poverty worldwide. Key human development indicators like life expectancy, maternal mortality, and literacy have also seen remarkable gains. Mr. Furman attributed these improvements to economic globalization, including the movement of goods, services, capital, people,...
WTO launches WEIDE fund for women exporters with $5 million UAE donation
By Globe Banner | Sep 11, 2024
DG Okonjo-Iweala announced the launch of the pilot phase for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, marking a significant step towards gender equality in trade and economic opportunities. “It brings me great joy today to launch the pilot phase of applications for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund. The WEIDE Fund represents a pivotal step forward in our collective journey towards gender equality in trade and economic opportunities,” she stated.
International bodies call for more inclusion of persons with disabilities in global trade
By Globe Banner | Sep 11, 2024
With approximately 15% of the global population living with disabilities, and 80% of them in developing economies, there is a growing demand for international trade policies that address their specific challenges and opportunities.
China initiates WTO dispute over Canadian surtax measures
By Globe Banner | Sep 11, 2024
China has initiated a dispute complaint against Canadian surtax measures, claiming they appear to be inconsistent with the most favoured nation principle enshrined in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and Canada's GATT schedule of customs duty concessions and commitments.
WTO partners with World Bank on new Trade in Services for Development Initiative
By Globe Banner | Sep 11, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Bank launched the "Trade in Services for Development Initiative" at a Public Forum on September 11, 2024. The event featured prominent figures including WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Vice President of the World Bank, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill, Professor Richard Baldwin from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Sumanta Chaudhuri from the Confederation of Indian Industry.
WTO Public Forum 2024 highlights inclusive growth through enhanced global cooperation
By Globe Banner | Sep 10, 2024
The 2024 World Trade Report, titled “Trade and Inclusiveness: Making Trade Work for All,” was launched at the WTO Public Forum 2024. The report underscores the shared goal of WTO members to ensure that trade benefits more economies and people.
Ireland allocates EUR 720K for developing economies' participation in global trade
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
Ireland has allocated EUR 720,000 to assist developing economies in enhancing their participation in the global trading system. The program, co-funded by France and Ireland, allows government officials from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and small, vulnerable economies to undertake 10-month secondments at their respective missions in Geneva. This initiative involves engaging in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) activities in Geneva, representing their economies at WTO meetings, and attending workshops and training events organized by the WTO. This year, 18 officials...
WTO mourns Peruvian Ambassador Ana Cecilia Gervasi
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
DG Okonjo-Iweala expressed her heartfelt condolences: “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Ambassador Ana Cecilia Gervasi whose tireless work on my recent trip to Peru, 5-6 May 2024, made it such a success. Her hard work and dedication to the principles of multilateralism and fair trade have left an indelible mark on the WTO and its mission. Ambassador Gervasi's contribution to global trade policy will be remembered for years to come. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, colleagues, President Dina Boluarte, and the Government of Peru during this difficult time.”
DG Okonjo-Iweala meets young trade leaders ahead of public forum
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
The eight Young Trade Leaders, representing six continents, expressed their enthusiasm for being selected for the initiative. They emphasized their goal to promote a modern and inclusive agenda that addresses the needs of today's youth. The Director-General encouraged the Young Trade Leaders to be bold and creative, urging them to introduce fresh and innovative ideas to the World Trade Organization (WTO). She also highlighted the importance of understanding trade as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development.