2024 - Conference primer - Trade and Economics - Research Guides at United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

UNECE

The Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation Week | 8 - 12 July 2024
The Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation Week, is taking place in-person at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland from 8 to 12 July 2024.

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It features the 42nd UN/CEFACT Forum on 8-10 July 2024 and the 30th UN/CEFACT Plenary on 11-12 July 2024.
Furthermore, the secretariat will organize a policy discussion contributing to the strategic priorities of UNECE focusing on the green and digital transformations and climate action.
30th Session - UN/CEFACT Plenary (in person) | 11 - 12 July 2024, Geneva (UNECE)
Access all agenda item on line here.
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT)
Download the agenda of the 30th Session - UN/CEFACT Plenary
42nd UN/CEFACT Forum | 8 - 10 July 2024 (UNECE) (hibryd meeting)
Provisional programme and link to documents per agenda item available here.
Download the agenda of the 42nd Forum Session
Register for online participation in the UN/CEFACT 42nd Forum - 8 to 10 July 2024 here
Register for in person participation in the UN/CEFACT 42nd Forum- 8 to 10 July 2024 here

UNCTAD

Upcoming Events

UNCTAD's 60th anniversary: Global Leaders Forum - 12 to 14 June 2024
The theme, “Charting a new development course in a changing world”, is a call to action to reimagine development in the age of polyglobalization.
Programme
Register here
UNCTAD's 60th anniversary
Over 4,000 delegates from 119 countries met from 23 March to 16 June 1964 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, for the first United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD I).
Calendar of events

Publications

Digital Economy Report 2024
Shaping an environmentally sustainable and inclusive digital future
Published by UNCTAD 10 July 2024
World Investment Report 2024: Investment facilitation and digital government
"Investment is not just about capital flows. It is about human potential, environmental stewardship and the enduring pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world."
Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General.
Published 20 June 2024
Preliminary assessment of the economic impact of the destruction in Gaza and prospects for economic recovery
Report published 31 January 2024
Report on UNCTAD assistance to the Palestinian people
As the economy continued to operate well below potential, other persistent challenges intensified, including inflation, poverty, shrinking fiscal space, a decline in foreign aid and the build-up of public and private debt.
Published 25 October 2023

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With heightened political tensions and a long-stalled peace process, 2022 was one of the worst years for Palestinians in recent history.
UNCTAD podcasts

Past events

Commission on Science and Technology for Development, twenty-seventh session | 15-19 April 2024
Theme 1: Data for Development.
Theme 2: Global cooperation in science, technology and innovation for development.
Available here: agenda, documents, timetable, contributions, key issues
Trade and Development Board, 75th executive session | 12-14 February 2024
The Trade and Development Board oversees the activities of UNCTAD. It meets in Geneva up to three times a year in executive sessions to deal with urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters.
UNCTAD rebrands to 'UN Trade and Development'
UNCTAD rebrands as "UN Trade and Development" and convenes a Global Leaders Forum with the UN Secretary-General, heads of state, leading economists and Nobel laureates in June 2024.
UNCTAD News, 9 April 2024

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UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasized the organization’s transformative approach and commitment to supporting developing countries in an increasingly polarized world.

World Economic Forum

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 (15-19 January 2024), Davos, Switzerland
The Theme: Start restoring trust at three fundamental levels: into the future, within societies and among nations.
Therefore, the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will convene under the theme Rebuilding Trust to provide the crucial space to step back and focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
Overview, programme and more
Explore WEF54 Themes
The Global Risks Report 2024 (19th Edition) published 10 January 2024

International Trade Centre

ITC - Trade Impact for Good - Main website
The International Trade Centre (ITC) works towards global prosperity by connecting small businesses in developing countries to international markets.

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We see trade as a tool to achieve the United Nations Global Goals of ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring all people enjoy peace and prosperity by making trade more sustainable, inclusive and digital.
ITC's tools provide data to small businesses to remain competitive
ITC aprovides a wide suite of market analysis tools and related market data and information sources Check out ITC ‘s extensive list of
ITC: the latest news on small business trade around the world
Check out the latest news articles on the International Trade Centre’s work on small business trade around the world
e-library
ITC’s online library provides stakeholders with links and references to trade related publications from ITC and external

World Bank - International Monetary Fund

World Bank - main website
World Bank News
World Bank Events
International Monetary Fun - Main website
IMF News
IMF Publications
Latest news from Devex about the World Bank
Banga vows to improve World Bank before asking for a capital increase

UN, NGOs and Media reporting

WTO members back chief Okonjo-Iweala in proposal for second term bid
More than a third of states at the world trade body have supported a proposal by the African group calling for the director general to run for a second term and to start the process early, as the prospect of a second Trump presidency looms.
Geneva Solutions, 24 July 2024
Western countries reprimand China for abusing its economic clout
The United States accused China of using “predatory” industrial policies that undermined the global trading system, at a review of its trade practices by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday.
Geneva Solutions, 18 July 2024
Countries seek to clinch fishing trade deal while India resists
WTO member states are attempting to finalise a two-part deal on fisheries subsidies before a key meeting next week. But not all nations are on board.
Geneva Solutions, 17 July 2024
New facilitator details next steps for dispute settlement reform talks after consultations
Following consultations with WTO members, the new facilitator of the dispute settlement reform process, Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, on 14 May reported to heads of delegations (HoDs) how work will proceed in the coming months to meet the commitment to have a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system by the end of the year.
WTO News, 14 May 2024

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Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard expressed optimism over the formalized process and Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady’s leadership.
Workshop on WTO Government Procurement Agreement concludes in Geneva
The 2024 Advanced Global Workshop on the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 2012 concluded in Geneva on 3 May for over 30 government officials from developing economies.
WTO News, 3 May 2024

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The purpose of this five-day activity was to enhance participants’ expertise regarding trade and government procurement and to improve understanding of the benefits of the Agreement.

#UNCTAD60: Charting a new course for development at the Global Leaders Forum
The Weekly Tradecast looks at why we need to chart a new course for development – with insights from our Global Leaders Forum.
UNCTAD Podcast, 27 June 2024
UN trade office celebrates 60 years at inflection point
Newly rebranded as UN Trade and Development, the agency founded to defend developing countries’ commercial interests in 1964 kicked off anniversary celebrations Wednesday amid questions over its path forward.
Geneva Solutions, 14 June 2024
Guterres hails 60 years of UN trade and development action
The right to development is inextricably linked with trade which the world’s poorest countries - now “mired in debt” through no fault of their own - have every right to pursue on much fairer terms, UN chief António Guterres insisted on Wednesday.
UN News, 12 June 2024
Global Leaders Forum: Charting a new development course in a changing world
The 60th anniversary of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will center on the Global Leaders Forum themed “Charting a new development course in a changing world” (12-14 June, Palais de Nations, Geneva).
UNCTAD News, 4 June 2024

Forum mondial de l’ONU sur les chaines d'approvisionnement appelle à la résilience dans un contexte de perturbations du commerce mondial
Le premier Forum mondial des chaînes d'approvisionnement des Nations Unies, organisé par la CNUCED et le gouvernement de la Barbade, s'est tenu du 21 au 24 mai 2024. L'événement a rassemblé plus de 1 000 participants du monde entier pour débattre des perturbations croissantes sur les chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nouvelles CNUCED, 28 mai 2024

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ONU commerce et développement (CNUCED) appelle à la résilience et à la durabilité des chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales face aux tensions géopolitiques et au changement climatique.
Le forum souligne l’urgence de décarboner le transport maritime mondial.
Les solutions numériques et les investissements stratégiques dans les PEID sont essentiels pour renforcer la résilience des chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Building Bridges Announces Appointment of Daren Hitschke as CEO
Building Bridges is more than an event, it is a powerful movement of committed people and organizations that aim to accelerate the transition to sustainable financial system.
Building Bridges News, 15 May 2024
Members discuss progress on WTO-FIFA cotton initiative, trade trends, World Cotton Day
At the WTO's Cotton Day on 7 May, the Cotton-4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d'Ivoire), and other cotton-producing developing economies reviewed the progress made in implementing the WTO-FIFA Memorandum of Understanding on Cotton, notably the launch of the “Partenariat pour le Coton” in the margins of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in February. Participants also discussed the latest market trends in cotton trade, negotiations on cotton and plans for World Cotton Day 2024.
WTO News, 7 May 2024
Customs software upgrade set to bolster trade for developing countries
Rolling out version 4.4, ASYCUDAWorld seeks to bring a major boost to customs operations around the world. ASYCUDA, which provides an integrated and automated system for customs data, is the largest technical cooperation programme run by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
UNCTAD News, 29 April 2024

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New features of the ASYCUDAWorld software are up and running, helping enhance risk management, customs data gathering and compatibility with external systems, while further reducing paper use.
Tough road ahead for WTO's new trade facilitator
The WTO appointed a new trade facilitator to lead talks on reforming the international coalition's ruptured dispute settlement system.
Politico, 29 April 2024
Global crises fracturing foreign investment, impacting developing economies
Launched by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 23 April, the report entitled “Global economic fracturing and shifting investment patterns” examines the complex landscape of global foreign direct investment (FDI).
UNCTAD News, 23 April 2024

Read / download the INF/ECOM/87 here
26 July 2024
Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce - 26 July 2024
WTO, 26 July 2024 | INF/ECOM/87
The following communication, dated 26 July 2024 is being circulated at the request of Australia, Japan and Singapore as Co-Convenors on behalf of the participants* of the Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce.
Fishing treaty fails at WTO, prompting US, Chinese concern
Countries and environmental groups voiced concern and disappointment on Tuesday after a draft treaty to cut fishing subsidies failed to pass, with China calling for major changes in how countries negotiate at the World Trade Organization.
Reuters, 24 July 2024
Brazil ambassador: ‘Countries are prioritising food sovereignty, and not liberalisation’
The global trade map has been redrawn over the last three decades since the last farm trade agreement, with countries less receptive to a new agreement on agriculture, says Brazil's representative to the WTO.
Geneva Solutions, 24 July 2024
WTO chief warns against global trade breakdown
'We hope we don't see a return to 1930s protectionism'. Global trade “is not having the best of times at the moment”.
BBC, 8 July 2024
China-Based Inventors Filing Most GenAI Patents, WIPO Data Shows
China-based inventors are filing the highest number of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) patents, far outpacing inventors in the US, Republic of Korea, Japan and India that comprise the rest of the top five locations, a new WIPO report shows.
WIPO News, 3 July 2024
Dysfunction and division darken the WTO’s 30-year dream of free trade
As the organisation’s anniversary nears, borders around the world are closing again.
The Guardian, 7 April 2024
After lackluster MC13, WTO chief vows more talks
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala vowed to use texts and agreements reached over the weekend to pave the way for future negotiations focused on fisheries subsidies and agriculture.
Behind WTO lines, China seeks to shape global trade rules
At rocky trade negotiations in Abu Dhabi this week, discreet yet heavyweight China seeks to shape global trade rules to align with its interests.
Geneva Solutions, 28 February 2024
WTO in ‘damage control’ mode as Abu Dhabi agenda unravels
The failure of WTO member countries to produce anything meaningful at the group’s 13th Ministerial Conference could further erode the Geneva-based organization’s ability to create new global trade rules.
Politico, 25 February 2024
Ministers mark finalization of Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement in Abu Dhabi
Ministers representing 123 WTO members issued on 25 February a Joint Ministerial Declaration marking the finalization of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement following six years of intense work and negotiations.
WTO News, 25 February 2024

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Ministers also issued a submission asking for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), taking place in Abu Dhabi on 26-29 February, to incorporate the IFD Agreement into Annex 4 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO. Participants represent three-quarters of the WTO membership, including close to 90 developing economies and 26 least-developed economies.
World Trade Organization's push for reform plagued by obstacles
Days before talks that could decide its future role in setting the rules for global commerce in an era of rising protectionism, the World Trade Organization is snagged on what to do with its "non-meetings".
Reuters, 21 February 2024
Don’t just blame the US; India is blocking WTO reform too
As Narendra Modi bids for a third term, the nation of 1.4 billion is taking multiple files hostage at the global trade body.
Politico, 16 February 2024
Precarious passage: Red Sea disruptions compound pressure on supply chains and shipping
This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact on shipping, supply chains and trade from insecurity in the Red Sea with Jan Hoffmann, head of UNCTAD's trade logistics branch.
15 February 2024
Big trade deals likely elusive at WTO meet in Abu Dhabi
The world's trade ministers could put the final touches to a historic fisheries deal when they meet in Abu Dhabi later this month, but other landmark agreements will likely prove more elusive.
France 24, 13 February 2024
Race to the bottom: can countries strike a second deal to reel in fisheries subsidies?
Countries are inches away from striking a second deal to clamp down on incentives driving overfishing, but conservationists warn of gaping holes in the mesh.
Geneva Solutions, 13 February 2024
Global Trade Disruptions | UNCTAD Press Release
UNCTAD raises alarms on escalating disruptions to global trade due to the geopolitical tensions and climate change affecting the world’s key trade routes.
26 January 2024
WTO chief economist breaks down big challenges ahead of trade talks
After a much-hailed ministerial meeting in 2022, the world trade body is gearing up for crucial negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Its chief economist talks to Geneva Solutions about the need for reform and dispels alarmist calls to scrap the whole organisation altogether.
Geneva Solutions, 5 January 2024

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s the countdown begins for the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi next month, the halls of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva are abuzz with activity.
The WTO's 164 member states are making a final, frenetic push to reach consensus on key issues at their highest decision-making meeting, convened every two years. These include the reforms of the dispute settlement system, the landmark fisheries subsidies agreement and reforms regarding agricultural subsidies, a divisive topic among member nations.
IISD Trade and Sustainability Review, Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2024
- This edition highlights seven critical topics of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization's upcoming Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13).
- The authors delve into e-commerce, environment, development, fisheries subsidies, WTO reform, investment facilitation, and food security to prepare us all for the upcoming negotiations.
IISD, 1 January 2024

UN Trade and Development calls for sustainable and equitable strategies to mitigate digital economy’s growing environmental impact
UNCTAD launched "The Digital Economy Report 2024", shedding light on the significant environmental impact of the global digital sector and the disproportionate burden developing countries bear.
10 July 2024

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This detailed report highlights that while digitalization drives global economic growth and offers unique opportunities for developing countries, its environmental repercussions are becoming increasingly severe.
Digital Economy Report: Why the future of humanity depends on how we manage technology
UNCTAD Tradecast looks at the Digital Economy Report from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with Torbjorn Fredriksson.
10 July 2024
Digital Economy Report 2024
Shaping an environmentally sustainable and inclusive digital future
Published by UNCTAD 10 July 2024

World Investment Report 2024: Weaker global flows show much work ahead for a more inclusive future
The Weekly Tradecast looks at the World Investment Report 2024 and the latest trends with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Richard Bolwijn.
UNCTAD Podcast, 26 June 2024
Global foreign investment declines for second year as geopolitical tensions rise, UN trade body reports
Foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by two per cent to $1.3 trillion in 2023 amid global economic slowdown and rising geopolitical tensions, according to a report released on Thursday by the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD.
UN News, 20 June 2024

Why the world needs a UN global tax convention
The global tax system needed reform, and the UN answered the call on Friday with a blueprint for a new universal tax accord that represents an historic step towards changing the financial landscape.
UN News, 16 August 2024
Global economic growth improves but ‘downsides’ lurk
The global economic picture has improved since January, but vulnerabilities remain, the mid-year update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects report published on Thursday has revealed.
UN News, 15 May 2024
Global Economy Set for Weakest Half-Decade Performance in 30 Years
Reforms to boost investment and strengthen fiscal policy could help turn the tide.
World Bank News, 9 January 2023
Red Sea emergency hits consumers worldwide
Houthi rebel attacks on ships using the Red Sea trade route off the coast of Yemen, are bad for global business and consumers everywhere but have also exposed a chronic shortage of vessels in the supply chain.That’s according to Jan Hoffman, chief of the trade logistics branch at the UN trade and development body UNCTAD.
UNCTAD News, 4 January 2024
Flagship economic report highlights why global cooperation is key
The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects report for 2024 projects a slowdown in global growth from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 2.4 per cent in 2024.
UN News, 4 January 2023

Is climate change an emergency at the WTO?
A World Trade Organization panel could, in the coming months, determine whether climate change amounts to an emergency that justifies countries taking trade actions, a potential overhaul of global norms.
Politico, 3 June 2024
Critical minerals boom: Global energy shift brings opportunities and risks for developing countries
Demand for critical energy transition minerals like lithium, cobalt and copper could increase almost fourfold by 2030. Many developing countries have a wealth of these minerals but lack the processing capabilities needed to add value.
UNCTAD News, 26 April 2024
Climate change confined to mere annex in draft WTO deal
The World Trade Organization's chief is on a mission to put climate change at the heart of its work as part of an effort she is leading to get the watchdog to square up to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Reuters, 28 February 2024
Fisherman's blues: Why the fisheries industry needs to get much greener
This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can fight climate change by cutting the carbon emissions of our fisheries with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
UNCTAD Podcast, 14 March 2024
UNEP Report Exposes Disparity Between NbS, Nature-negative Finance Flows
The report urges greater emphasis to create incentives to realign finance away from nature-negative activities towards creating nature-positive outcomes.
IISD News, 14 December 2023
As Climate Crises Loom, WTO Head Urges Developing Countries To Prepare To Use TRIPS Flexibilities
In anticipation of coming climate crises, developing countries should put in place “effective mechanisms in their domestic laws” that allow them to use the TRIPS flexibilities, asserted Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday.
Health Policy Watch, 15 November 2023

Riding the circular wave: Entrepreneurs tackle the waste crisis, redefine economies
Start-ups around the world are leading the charge to reuse and recycle towards a more circular economy. UNCTAD explores best practices and policy options to accelerate this movement.
UNCTAD News, 28 March 2024

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- In a business-as-usual scenario, we would need two planets by 2030 to meet our production and consumption needs.
- Entrepreneurs around the globe are driving the shift to a circular economy, from refill stations for daily essentials in Chile to IT waste management solutions in India.
- The transition to a circular economy could create more than 7 million jobs and unlock up to $4.5 trillion in economic growth by 2030.

Here's why we must secure the future of the care economy
The care economy is one of humanity's most valuable assets. It protects millions of lives and has a value in the trillions. We must protect its future.
WEF News, 21 May 2024
Davos vs. Davos: Local council cracks down on World Economic Forum hangers-on
Proposed changes to local rules will restrict who can rent out buildings during the annual shindig, in a bid to improve traffic and lighten the load on the town.
Politico, 20 May 2024
Davos 2024: Wef kicks off big meet amid doubts and pessimism
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab speaks during the 53rd annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 17 January 2023.
Geneva Solutions, 22 January 2024

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Set to run this week under the catch-all title of “Rebuilding Trust”, the World Economic Forum’s flagship event will again draw world leaders from politics and business to what has become a sprawling networking event. But how much of what is discussed in the mountain resort remains relevant?

Intellectual Property Negotiations Belong At WTO, European Countries Tell Pandemic Accord Negotiations
At the start of the seventh round of negotiations on a pandemic agreement on Monday, a number of European countries asserted that any changes to intellectual property (IP) rights should be thrashed out at the World Trade Organization (WTO) – not the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health Policy Watch, 6 November 2023
WHO Is An Essential Forum For Debates On Intellectual Property And Public Health
Health Policy Watch recently reported that some European countries at the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement negotiations maintain that intellectual property (IP) negotiations belong at the World Trade Organization (WTO) rather than the WHO.
Health Policy Watch, 17 November 2023

Chocolate price hikes: A bittersweet reason to care about climate
Higher price tags for chocolate lovers worldwide are in part linked to a changing climate pushing up cocoa costs.
UNCTAD News, 28 March 2024

Libyan leaders must put national interests above their own, top envoy tells Security Council
Efforts to foster dialogue and address the concerns of Libyan politicians are being met with “stubborn resistance, unreasonable expectations and indifference” on their part, contrary to the national interest, the UN envoy to the North African nation said on Tuesday.
UN News, 16 April 2024

Meltdown Looms for the West Bank’s Financial Lifelines
Israel’s threatened termination of a banking waiver would paralyse financial activity in the West Bank, causing an economic meltdown and risking the Palestinian Authority’s collapse – with dire consequences for West Bank Palestinians – and maybe for Israel, too. The U.S. should press Israel to change course.
Crisis Group, 27 June 2024
Palestine’s economy in ruins, as Gaza war sets development back two decades
The relentless Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has set back Palestine’s overall socio-economic development by more than 20 years, according to a new UN report released on Thursday.
UN News, 2 May 2024
Gaza: Unprecedented destruction will take tens of billions of dollars and decades to reverse
UNCTAD released on 31 January a report on the social and economic deterioration in Gaza since the beginning of the military operation after 7 October 2023. The report quantifies GDP loss, recovery timelines and the enduring effects on poverty and household expenditure, painting a daunting picture of the development challenges ahead.
UNCTAD News, 31 January 2024
Israel-Gaza crisis: Palestinian economy needs billions to rebuild and much more to grow
This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact of the Israel-Gaza crisis on the Palestinian economy with UNCTAD economist Rami Alazzeh.
UNCTAD Podcast, 31 January 2024

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Upcoming Meetings and Conferences

General Council | 22-23 July 2024
The General Council is the WTO’s highest-level decision-making body in Geneva, meeting regularly to carry out the functions of the WTO. It has representatives (usually ambassadors or equivalent) from all member governments and has the authority to act on behalf of the Ministerial Conference. The current Chairperson is Petter ØLBERG (Norway)
WTO Interactive meeting calendar

About WTO

WTO Ministerial Conferences
The topmost decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which usually meets every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.
WTO | Ministerial conferences - Ministerial Declarations and Decisions
Ministerial Declarations and Decisions taken since the WTO was founded in 1995.
WTO Global Trade Data Portal
Your entry point into WTO trade data and data from other sources
The WTO General Council
The General Council is the WTO’s highest-level decision-making body in Geneva, meeting regularly to carry out the functions of the WTO.
WTO | International trade statistics news archive
About WTO Public Forum
The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest annual outreach event, which provides a platform for participants to discuss the latest developments in world trade and to propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system.

Publications

WTO Joint Initiative on E-Commerce State of Play
Download the report here.
A group of 90 World Trade Organization (WTO) members are negotiating a new global agreement on e-commerce rules at the WTO. After close to 7 years of discussions, they are close to achieving a key milestone: agreeing on the draft legal text of the agreement.
Published by IISD, 16 July 2024

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Ahead of this potential key milestone, this report provides a state of play of the negotiations, with insights on what has been achieved and what is expected for the road ahead.
WTO forecasts rebound in global trade but warns of downside risks
Global goods trade is expected to pick up gradually this year following a contraction in 2023 that was driven by the lingering effects of high energy prices and inflation, WTO economists said in a new forecast on 10 April.
WTO Report published 10 April 2024

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The volume of world merchandise trade should increase by 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025 after falling 1.2% in 2023. However, regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic policy uncertainty pose substantial downside risks to the forecast.

Past events

WTO to open its doors to the public on 9 June
On 9 June 2024, the WTO will welcome the public to its headquarters in Geneva as part of its activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the WTO. The Open Day offers an opportunity for visitors to learn about the work of the WTO, explore its historic building and take part in various activities on the lakeside terrace and inside the WTO’s HQ.
Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference | 26 - 29 February 2024, Abu Dhabi
Ministers from across the world will attend to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and to take action on the future work of the WTO.
News archives | Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference

@WTO
@UNCTAD

More on trade and economics

B-Tech Project | OHCHR and business and human rights
The B-Tech Project provides authoritative guidance and resources for implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human rights (UNGPs) in the technology space.
World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) reports - DESA
Check latest WEST report published on 16 May 2024
The Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement: A reader's guide
A subset of World Trade Organization members has finalized the legal text of an Agreement on Investment Facilitation. The agreement establishes a set of binding rules on transparency, streamlining, and improved cooperation on investment facilitation.
This Reader's Guide provides an overview of what's in the agreement.
Published by IISD, 6 February 2024
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024
Global economic growth is projected to slow from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 2.4 per cent in 2024, trending below the pre-pandemic growth rate of 3.0 per cent, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024.
Published 4 January 2024

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This latest forecast comes on the heels of global economic performance exceeding expectations in 2023. However, last year’s stronger-than-expected GDP growth masked short-term risks and structural vulnerabilities.
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries.
The GIZ trade newsletter
Subscription under Thematic Newsletters. Monthly newsletter with quick and regular information about key debates, activities and events related to international trade relations.

Conference primer - Trade and Economics: 2024

WTO General Council

22 - 23 July 2024, Geneva

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Conference primer - Trade and Economics: 2024

WTO General Council22 - 23 July 2024, Geneva

ON THIS PAGE

UNECE

UNCTAD

Upcoming Events

More from UNCTAD

Publications

Past events

World Economic Forum

International Trade Centre

World Bank - International Monetary Fund

UN, NGOs and Media reporting

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Upcoming Meetings and Conferences

About WTO

Publications

Past events

More on trade and economics

DISCLAIMER: This site contains links and references to third-party resources. It does not imply the endorsement of the content by the United Nations.

WTO General Council

22 - 23 July 2024, Geneva