Student event at the WTO sees lively debate on future of trade

The event kicked off with keynote remarks from Ismaila Dieng, WTO Director of the Information and External Relations Division, who encouraged the students to harness their ideas and energy to positively shape ongoing debates about trade and WTO reform.

These remarks were followed by two panel discussions featuring representatives from the WTO membership and key stakeholders. The first discussion, "What has the WTO ever done for us?", explored the role of the multilateral trading system and its impact on society, highlighting the importance of the WTO's multifaceted agreements and the role of the WTO as a platform for dialogue.

A second panel, "Trade wars, tariffs and.a bright future?", considered how to better equip the WTO with the tools needed to address future challenges. In both debates, participants seized the opportunity to pose questions to speakers in a lively, interactive format.  

The two debates were enhanced by video messages from the WTO Young Trade Leaders, who shared their own perspectives on the importance of youth engagement and their vision for establishing a more agile WTO. 

At a closing reception sponsored by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, attendees networked with speakers, WTO officials and fellow students to continue the exchange of views.