Welcome
The WTO celebrated
its 10th anniversary last year. The anniversary marked the
important role that the WTO has played in creating a level playing
field in international trade relations, continuing the mission of
GATT of 1947. In its 10 years, the WTO has acted as a forum in
which Members could discuss their trade relations, negotiate new
trade rules and settle their trade disputes.
This year I call upon
you to join hands with WTO Members in reflecting on the type of
WTO that we would like to see in the XXIst Century. Should WTO
look like the organization that we already know? If not, then what
changes can we usefully make? The WTO is designed to serve your
interests; it is to you that it must answer. I therefore urge you,
as members of civil society, to come share your ideas with us at
the WTO Public Forum 2006. The multilateral trading system is
yours, please help us in shaping it your way!
Pascal Lamy |