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WTO's Chairs Programme bridges global gaps through research
By Globe Banner | Jun 25, 2024
The Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, engaged with participants on their trade-related projects encompassing research, curriculum development, and policy outreach. These initiatives are implemented in collaboration with the WTO Secretariat.
WTO hosts course on integrating gender into global trade policies
By Globe Banner | Jun 24, 2024
The multifaceted curriculum included technical lectures, interactive sessions, and collaborative exercises. Participants explored the nexus between trade and gender, using practical tools and learning methodologies to integrate gender considerations into trade policies effectively. Key sessions delved into WTO initiatives on trade and gender, emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming gender equality across trade agendas.
South Africa seeks panel reviews over EU citrus fruit import restrictions
By Globe Banner | Jun 24, 2024
South Africa has submitted two requests for panels in disputes concerning European Union regulations affecting the importation of citrus fruits. The measures, aimed at controlling the spread of the insect Thaumatotibia leucotreta (False Codling Moth) and the fungus P. citricarpa (citrus black spot), were discussed in consultations with the EU but did not result in a mutually agreed solution.
WTO highlights cooperation among universities at Global Review of Aid for Trade
By Globe Banner | Jun 24, 2024
Established in 2010, the WTO Chairs Programme aims to create a network of institutions that collaborate with the WTO and policymakers on trade-related research, curriculum development, and policy outreach. The programme currently includes 35 universities, with a call for applications from underrepresented regions open until June 30.
John H Jackson Moot Court Competition announces winners
By Globe Banner | Jun 22, 2024
The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition concluded with the announcement of winners on June 22, 2024. This year, 73 universities from around the world participated in the competition. After successfully competing in their regional rounds, the 24 best teams from 14 WTO members convened in Geneva.
Registration opens for US-Argentina tubular goods dispute hearing
By Globe Banner | Jun 21, 2024
Registration has opened for a public hearing in the US-Argentina dispute concerning tubular goods. The meeting with the parties is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM (Geneva time) on July 10, 2024, and may continue until 5:00 PM. It will resume on July 11, if necessary, after the third-party session.
Experts discuss synergy across IP laws, competition policies in healthcare
By Globe Banner | Jun 20, 2024
Experts Discuss Synergy Across IP, Competition, and Health at Trilateral Webinar
WTO moves forward with formal dispute settlement reform efforts
By Globe Banner | Jun 20, 2024
“Since we last met, work has commenced among experts, facilitated by the six co-convenors,” Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady informed a Heads of Delegation meeting. This was the second meeting since the formal dispute settlement reform process was launched earlier this year.
STDF annual report highlights key achievements amid global challenges
By Globe Banner | Jun 20, 2024
The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenges posed by global conflicts and climate change underscore the necessity of the STDF's work in promoting inclusive and sustainable development, the report underlines.
WTO advances plans to deepen exchanges on environmental measures
By Globe Banner | Jun 19, 2024
WTO members advance on plans to deepen exchanges on environmental measures
WTO conducts trade policy review for Canada
By Globe Banner | Jun 19, 2024
The following documents are available:
Applications open for 2024 Trade and Public Health Workshop
By Globe Banner | Jun 19, 2024
The 18th WTO Trade and Public Health Workshop is being organized in close collaboration with the Secretariats of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This workshop adopts a holistic approach to the interconnections between public health, trade, and intellectual property, based on the 2nd Edition of the WHO-WIPO-WTO Trilateral Study "Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation: Intersections between Public Health, Intellectual Property and Trade."
Prize for Gender Equality in Trade announced by Informal Working Group
By Globe Banner | Jun 18, 2024
WTO members and observer governments are invited to apply for the Prize for Gender Equality in Trade using the application form available online. Applicants must demonstrate how their initiative is providing solutions to empower women through trade. They must also describe how the policy, program, or project was formulated and implemented.
DDG Ellard welcomes participants to John H. Jackson Moot Court Finals
By Globe Banner | Jun 18, 2024
The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement system, involving exchanges of written submissions and adversarial hearings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students' Association (ELSA). The WTO has provided technical support for the competition since its inception in 2002.
WTO discusses progress towards integrating trade with environmental sustainability
By Globe Banner | Jun 18, 2024
In the first TESSD meeting after MC13 in April, the TESSD co-convenors, Canada and Costa Rica, welcomed Argentina as the 77th co-sponsor of TESSD. They also commended members on the four outcome documents and updated Work Plan presented at MC13. They encouraged members to further strengthen synergies among the four informal TESSD working groups—covering environmental goods and services, subsidies, circular economy, and trade-related climate measures—and aim to reach concrete results by MC14.
WTO hosts advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials
By Globe Banner | Jun 17, 2024
At the launch of the course on June 3, Chile's WTO Ambassador and patroness of the course, Sofía Boza Martínez, emphasized the importance of the training program in building participants' capacities to formulate, analyze, and implement multilateral trade policies. Highlighting the timeliness of the course given the effect that global crises are having on the multilateral trading system, she noted that participants have a unique opportunity to strengthen their skills through a hands-on approach and case-based learning.
WTO explores strategies against global illicit trade
By Globe Banner | Jun 17, 2024
Illicit trade harms societies and impedes economic growth and development. It undermines legitimate business activity, fosters corruption, and denies governments potential tax revenue needed to invest in society. This is why the WTO Secretariat, under the leadership of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been examining how WTO rules help members address some of the challenges posed by such trade.
Advanced SPS Course follow-up session concludes in Geneva
By Globe Banner | Jun 14, 2024
The follow-up session of the Advanced SPS Course concluded in Geneva on June 14, 2024. The event featured presentations where participants shared their action plan objectives, achievements, and lessons learned from implementation. Group discussions led by WTO SPS experts and coaches addressed mitigating implementation challenges, the role of the WTO SPS Committee, specific trade concerns, and SPS disputes. These activities allowed participants to reflect on strategies to maintain positive results and strengthen their understanding of the SPS Agreement and related transparency...
WIPO-WTO executive program concludes first edition focusing on intellectual property issues
By Globe Banner | Jun 14, 2024
Participants were welcomed by WIPO Deputy Director General Lisa Jorgenson and WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill. Both underscored the importance of capacity-building initiatives jointly supported by both organizations.
Montenegro accepts WTO fisheries subsidies agreement
By Globe Banner | Jun 14, 2024
Montenegro has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a significant step towards sustainable fishing practices. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala commented, “I am delighted that Montenegro has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Montenegro's embrace of this agreement signals its dedication to aligning its fishing practices with sustainability objectives. This decisive step emphasizes the importance of collective action in safeguarding our oceans for generations to come and shows Montenegro's commitment to the multilateral trading...