What is a Ministerial Conference?
The highest decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which usually meets every two years. The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.
The mandate
The Ministerial Conference is the topmost body of the WTO under the governance structure set up by the “Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO”
Article IV: Structure of the WTO
1. There shall be a Ministerial Conference composed of representatives of all the Members, which shall meet at least once every two years. The Ministerial Conference shall carry out the functions of the WTO and take actions necessary to this effect. The Ministerial Conference shall have the authority to take decisions on all matters under any of the Multilateral Trade Agreements, if so requested by a Member, in accordance with the specific requirements for decision-making in this Agreement and in the relevant Multilateral Trade Agreement.
Ministerial Declarations and Decisions