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The ministerial conference is the organization’s highest-level
decision-making body. It meets “at least once every two years”, as
required by the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade
Organization — the WTO’s founding charter.
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Previous ministerial conferences
Singapore: 9–13 December 1996
Geneva: 18 and 20 May 1998
Seattle: 30 November–3 December 1999
Doha: 9–13 November 2001 |
The Cancún meeting’s special task is to “take
stock of progress in the [Doha Development Agenda] negotiations, provide
any necessary political guidance and take decisions as necessary.” This
is spelt out in the declaration (paragraph 45) that ministers issued at
the previous ministerial conference in Doha, Qatar in November 2001.
Ministers will also examine progress in other areas of the Doha work
programme, including “implementation” issues. And they are likely to
approve some new members.
Detailed explanations of the issues before the Cancún conference will be
available on the website closer to the start of the conference.
Provisional agenda back to top
Overview of Activities of the WTO Under
this item of the agenda, Ministers will have the opportunity to review
the operation and functioning of the multilateral trading system and to
make general statements related thereto. In accordance with the practice
at previous Ministerial Conferences, statements by Ministers are
expected to be limited to not more than five minutes. Facilities will be
available for circulating longer presentations in writing. Observer
governments wishing to address the Ministerial Conference will be
invited to speak after Members. Documentation available to delegations
for the overview of WTO activities will include reports from the General
Council and other WTO bodies on activities under their respective
mandates.
Items Proposed by Members for Inclusion in
the Agenda Poverty Reduction — Sectoral
Initiative in Favour of Cotton — Joint Proposal by Benin, Burkina Faso,
Chad and Mali Action by Ministers
Ministers are expected under this item of the agenda to take any action
which they may deem necessary for the work of the WTO. This is expected
to include a Ministerial text and decisions, including decisions on the
accession of new Members to the WTO Agreement.
Date and Venue of the Sixth Session
Election of Officers |
