“Building on 25 Years of the WTO”

The Forum will examine the important role the multilateral trading system has played over the past quarter of a century and will look ahead to how the WTO might be strengthened to address existing and future challenges to trade and the global economy, not least unexpected crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants will discuss the role governments, businesses and consumers can play in promoting sustainable trade. In addition to the main theme, the 2020 Public Forum will have three sub-themes relevant to today's trading environment:

• WTO: Past, Present and Future
• Innovation in the Digital Age
• Collective Action for Sustainable Trade.

While the trading system has advanced in many ways since 1995, the reality is that the world economy and the trading landscape have changed dramatically over this time and will doubtless change even more in the coming years.

How should the WTO adapt to a world where digital technologies are transforming the way goods, services and information are produced, exchanged and consumed? How can the WTO help governments better respond to the uncertainty and economic disruption arising from COVID-19 or future crises? Should WTO rules be changed to better reflect growing consumer demands that trade rules encompass health, environmental and social standards? How should the WTO be strengthened and how can we ensure that the organization continues to foster prosperity in the years to come?

As the knowledge-based economy makes many governments keen to use policy to stimulate innovation and make companies globally competitive in cutting-edge sectors, rules are needed to foster healthy strategic competition – and to prevent it from morphing into damaging trade conflict. What reforms should governments put in place at home and at the WTO to best achieve their policy goals?

Looking to the next quarter of a century, how can we ensure that the multilateral trading system reflects the needs and expectations of society as a whole? How should WTO dispute settlement be reformed? How can we ensure that the trading system is fully inclusive – providing a level playing field for entrepreneurs in the developing world, for women, young people and small businesses?

Addressing these questions requires a collective effort, from businesses, consumers and policymakers alike.

The Forum will welcome representatives of governments, the private sector, civil society, academics, consumers and students to discuss ways to keep the WTO relevant and to ensure that trade is sustainable and reflects societies’ hopes for the future.