The 2024 edition of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum, held at WTO headquarters in Geneva from 10 to 13 September, brought together 4,400 participants and over 600 speakers in a record-breaking event. The theme of this year’s forum, “Re-globalization: Making Trade More Inclusive,” resonated across nearly 140 sessions that explored how trade can be re-globalized to serve marginalized populations, least-developed countries (LDCs), and those facing a widening digital divide.
Re-globalization Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The forum opened with a high-profile panel titled "Re-globalization: Trade in a Geopoliticized World." Key speakers, including WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Chief Economist Ralph Ossa, addressed the increasing tension between global trade and national security concerns. The panel, moderated by Peter Vanham of Fortune, explored how international trade can remain a vehicle for development, particularly in the Global South, while navigating a landscape dominated by security concerns.
Okonjo-Iweala passionately defended trade as a mechanism for peace-building, job creation, and development, especially for the world’s poorer regions. She emphasized that the WTO must continue to adapt, embracing multilateralism to address contemporary geopolitical challenges. Ralph Ossa reinforced the idea, calling for more nuanced global trade rules that reflect the current geopolitical environment, without abandoning the principle of inclusivity.
The discussion also highlighted the need for WTO reform, particularly in clarifying how national security exceptions are applied within trade agreements. Middle powers such as Colombia and Norway were identified as potential leaders in pushing for reforms that could address critical global issues like climate change, food security, and industrial policies.
The Digital Age: New Tools and Technologies
Day 1 also saw the unveiling of the WTO Trade Concerns Database, a tool aimed at enhancing transparency by providing access to information on more than 1,700 trade concerns across WTO bodies. This initiative is seen as pivotal in leveling the playing field, especially for developing economies that may struggle with complex trade regulations. The database will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and resolve trade disputes more effectively, contributing to a more equitable trading environment.
Discussions on digital trade further underscored its growing significance in inclusive trade. A session on AI in agriculture explored how artificial intelligence can empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development. Doaa Abdel Motaal, a Senior Counsellor at the WTO, highlighted the transformative potential of quantum computing in advancing global trade, with China leading in this technological frontier. The integration of AI and quantum technologies into the global trading system will be critical in helping developing economies participate in the new digital economy.
Disability Inclusion: A New Priority
On 11 September, a session on disability inclusion in trade broke new ground, signaling the first collaborative effort by the WTO, UNCTAD, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to address this issue. With 15% of the world’s population living with disabilities—80% of whom are in developing economies—there was unanimous agreement that more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to global trade opportunities.
The session’s focus on digital trade and assistive technologies provided a blueprint for how global trade can be leveraged to dismantle barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Dr. Mariangela Linoci and Dr. Amrita Bahri called for stronger data collection efforts to shape more inclusive policies, while emphasizing the need for international collaboration among governments, businesses, and organizations. The dialogue marked a significant step toward making trade a tool for inclusivity in line with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Role of Trade in Reducing Global Inequality
Day 2 featured a keynote address by Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor, who emphasized the crucial role globalization has played in reducing global inequality. Furman pointed out that over the past 25 years, globalization has lifted more than a billion people out of extreme poverty and improved key human development indicators such as life expectancy, literacy, and maternal health.
However, Furman acknowledged that globalization is under attack, especially in developed countries, where rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions have cast doubt on its benefits. Furman’s compelling analogy—comparing trade to a machine that turns soybeans into cars—challenged misconceptions around globalization, showing that trade, like technological innovation, is a driver of prosperity for all.
Youth Perspective: The Future of Inclusive Trade
The 2024 Public Forum concluded on 13 September with a special focus on the youth perspective and their vision for the future of trade and inclusiveness. The final high-level event featured young entrepreneurs and activists from around the world, who shared their ideas on how re-globalization can create a more sustainable, inclusive global economy.
Lili Vessereau from Harvard University spoke about the challenges multilateral institutions like the WTO face in becoming scapegoats for broader national issues. She highlighted the need for developing countries to be more involved in trade discussions to ensure green growth through inclusivity. Stephanie Eyram Akrumah of the Centre for Green Growth emphasized the difficulties African nations face in complying with environmental standards set by developed countries, and the importance of ensuring the WTO unifies global standards to better incorporate the needs of the Global South.
Bonnie Chiu of the Social Investment Consultancy discussed gender inequality and the digital divide as barriers to inclusive trade, calling for new key performance indicators focused not only on economic growth but also on societal and environmental well-being. Gerardo Matteo of GLASS underscored the need for small businesses to have transparent access to public procurement markets and stressed the transformative role of AI, blockchain, and e-commerce in both public and private sectors.
Simon Berthoud of Climate Alliance Switzerland addressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on younger generations. He criticized the outdated reliance on GDP as the primary metric for economic success, advocating for alternative business models such as cooperatives that are more resilient and inclusive.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reminded the audience that the WTO, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, was founded with the goal of enhancing living standards, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development. Okonjo-Iweala also noted the WTO’s continued work on environment-related initiatives, such as the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, as proof of the organization's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
In her closing remarks, Okonjo-Iweala encouraged young people to continue pushing for sustainable and responsible trade practices, stating, “We have a lot of work to do, but I am inspired by what you’ve shared today.
Finally
The WTO Public Forum, with its extensive four-day program, addressed a diverse range of pressing global issues. Discussions ranged from the potential of AI in trade to the broader integration of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, women, and economically disadvantaged communities, into global trade systems. Alongside sessions on sustainability, digital trade, and equitable growth, the forum emphasized that global trade holds the potential to be a transformative force for good. However, this potential can only be realized through concrete actions that ensure these initiatives genuinely reach and uplift the world’s poorest and most marginalized populations. Without such targeted efforts, the objectives of inclusivity and sustainability will remain aspirational rather than achievable.
The chance to engage with bright minds such as Tania Te Whenua, Simon Berthoud, Gerardo Mateo, Doaa Abdel Motaal, and Rodrigo Correa Minuzzo was a testament to the global effort underway to make trade more inclusive. These are the individuals working tirelessly to push for change, striving to make trade policies more just and equitable. We were not just exchanging ideas; we were building bridges—across cultures, industries, and communities—to create a fairer, more prosperous world.
The 2024 WTO Public Forum was an inspiring reminder that re-globalization is not just about economic growth. It’s about resilience, sustainability, and ensuring that the benefits of trade reach everyone.
The time to act is now—through cooperation, innovation, and inclusive trade policies, we can ensure that global trade continues to be a powerful engine for growth, development, and shared prosperity.
Recommendations for Business Leaders In light of the discussions at the forum, several actionable recommendations emerged for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of global trade:
- Strengthening Multilateralism: The WTO must assert itself as the primary forum for global trade governance, ensuring that national security concerns do not disrupt the principles of open trade. This will be critical for businesses operating in increasingly fragmented markets.
- Defining Security Exceptions: Clarity around how security exceptions are applied in trade agreements is essential for ensuring a stable investment climate. Transparency and predictability are vital for business decision-making.
- Regional Cooperation: Encouraging regional trade agreements that integrate national security provisions can help countries address security concerns while maintaining open markets. This is especially relevant for businesses involved in global supply chains.
- Digital and AI-Driven Inclusivity: Leveraging digital technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, will be crucial in making trade more inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities. Entrepreneurs should explore how these technologies can help them access new markets and streamline operations.
- Engaging the Global South: With the Global South emerging as a critical player in shaping the future of trade, businesses should consider how they can align with sustainable and inclusive development initiatives in these regions.
- For youth: Embrace Sustainability and Inclusivity as Core Business Values: Focus on building businesses that not only drive profit but also contribute to environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. As future leaders, young entrepreneurs have the unique ability to create solutions that address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and fair trade. Prioritize sustainable practices and ensure your business benefits marginalized communities, making a positive impact on both people and the planet.
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