Collaboration across 175 Member States

The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced in Abu Dhabi on Monday, gathering trade ministers and senior officials globally. Over four days, participants engage in discussions concerning international trade regulations, fostering collaboration across 175 Member States, private sector entities, NGOs, and civil society representatives, with a shared goal of advancing an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive trading paradigm.

 

Pivotal Forums within the WTO

Ministerial Conferences serve as pivotal forums within the WTO, enabling member states to tackle trade challenges, refine regulations, and set the agenda for global trade policy, building upon the progress achieved during MC12 held in Geneva in June 2022, particularly in fisheries subsidies, food security, and e-commerce.

 

A Diverse Range of Side Events

MC13 focuses on improving access to the global trading system, enhancing intellectual property rights, and bolstering WTO dispute resolution mechanisms, while also fostering collaboration with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society through a diverse range of side events such as the TradeTech Global Forum and sessions on trade facilitation.

 

Decision-making Forum

Established in 1995, the WTO oversees international trade rules, with its biennial Ministerial Conference serving as the paramount decision-making forum convening ministers and senior officials from all member states to review and update regulations shaping the global trading landscape.

 

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