Date: September 10 – 13, 2024
Venue: World Trade Organization, WTO, Geneva
Click here to discover the program.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is gearing up to host its most significant outreach event of the year, the Public Forum, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 13, 2024, at its headquarters in Geneva. This annual gathering, known for its robust discussions and diverse participation, promises to be particularly impactful as it centers around the theme “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World.” The program, now officially released, outlines a series of sessions designed to address the urgent need to reshape global trade in ways that promote inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Understanding the Public Forum 2024 Theme
Since the WTO’s inception in 1995, the multilateral trading system has played a crucial role in fostering global economic growth. Over the past few decades, global trade has expanded significantly, lifting over 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty and creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses and individuals worldwide. This expansion has opened new markets, generated high-paying jobs, and allowed consumers access to a vast array of goods and services, illustrating the transformative power of trade.
However, while the benefits of globalization have been immense, they have not been equally distributed. Inequalities have risen, and many underserved communities, including women and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have not reaped proportional benefits. The rapid advancement of digital technologies has further widened the gap, leaving those without access to modern tools increasingly marginalized. At this critical juncture, the global economy stands at an inflection point, presenting an opportunity to reimagine globalization on more equitable lines.
The Sub-Themes
To comprehensively address these complex challenges, the 2024 Public Forum will delve into three critical sub-themes:
- Green Policies to Maximize the Benefits of Trade: As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability has become increasingly vital. This sub-theme will explore how trade policies can be aligned with environmental goals, ensuring that economic growth is achieved without compromising the health of our planet. Discussions will center on sustainable trade practices, the role of green technologies, and strategies for transitioning to a greener global economy.
- Services Trade to Build Progress and Enhance Welfare: The services sector, which includes industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and more, is a cornerstone of modern economies. This sub-theme will focus on how enhancing trade in services can drive economic progress, improve living standards, and create new job opportunities. Special attention will be given to the role of services trade in both developed and developing countries, exploring how it can serve as a catalyst for development and welfare improvement across the globe.
- Digitalization as a Catalyst for Inclusive Trade: The digital revolution has transformed the way we live, work, and trade. However, the benefits of digitalization have not been evenly spread, with many communities still lacking access to essential technologies. This sub-theme will investigate how digital tools can be leveraged to promote more inclusive trade, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and reduce barriers to market entry. Discussions will emphasize the importance of closing the digital divide to ensure that technological advancements are accessible to all.
Registration Details
To be a part of this pivotal event and contribute to shaping the future of global trade, interested participants are required to register by 11:59 pm (Geneva Time) on August 23, 2024. Given the high level of interest and the diverse range of attendees, timely registration is essential to ensure a well-organized and productive forum.
Click here to discover the program.
The Path Forward
As the WTO Public Forum 2024 approaches, it is evident that the global trading system is at a crossroads. The theme “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World” encapsulates the need for a new approach to globalization—one that emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience. By fostering open dialogue and collaborative action, the 2024 Public Forum aims to guide the global community toward a more equitable and sustainable trading system.
The discussions and outcomes of this year’s forum will be crucial in shaping the WTO’s future strategies and policies. As we convene in Geneva, the collective goal is to harness the power of trade to create a world that is not only prosperous but also fair and sustainable for all.
Join us from September 10 to 13, 2024, at the WTO headquarters in Geneva for this transformative event. Together, we can work towards achieving better trade for a better world.