This year's Public Forum will consider how global trade can adapt to a trading landscape increasingly characterized by changes in technology, production methods, employment patterns, demand patterns, demographics and climate. The Forum's three sub-themes are: services – the next trade frontier; the next generation – what do Millennials and Gen Z want to see from global trade; and the next chapter of the WTO – strengthening the trading system. Further information is available here.

All sessions at the Public Forum are organised by the participants. These include civil society, academia, business, governments, parliamentarians and intergovernmental organizations. Participants interested in organizing working sessions or workshops will find further details in this information note.  The online application form can be accessed from the information note. It should be completed no later than 3 June 2019.

Background

The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest annual outreach event. It provides a unique platform for policy makers and representatives of government, business, workers, consumers, academics, civil society and others to come together and debate on a wide range of WTO issues and on some of the major trade and development topics of the day. Over 1,500 participants attend the Forum each year. See more information on previous Public Forums.