The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest outreach event, providing a platform for interested stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in global trade and to propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system. The event attracts over 2,000 representatives each year from civil society, academia, business, government, international organisations and the media.
The Alliance was heavily involved in several, highly-successful sessions at this year’s flagship event. Over three days, our colleagues joined thousands of delegates discussing how re-globalisation can do trade better.
The Alliance led a well-attended public session entitled Unpopular Opinions about Digitalisation, during which Alliance Programme Director, Aurelio Garcia, and Alliance Senior Programme Manager, Laura Escalante, shared their extensive experience of the transformative power of digitalisation, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and initiatives driving change in global trade.
Alliance Director Philippe Isler was among the speakers in a session entitled Enhancing Postal Inclusion & Connectivity: Catalyzing E-commerce Growth & Trade Facilitation; Steven Pope, Group Head of Trade Facilitation, Go Trade, Deutsche Post DHL Group and Alliance Steering Group member, shared expert perspectives on the future of TradeTech; and Alliance Deputy Director Macarena Torres Rossel contributed to a discussion on how developing countries can leverage the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement to help achieve green goals.
Speaking to the theme of the Public Forum, the WTO said: “With the global economy at an inflection point, we must seize the opportunity to re-globalize trade on more inclusive lines. With supply chains being re-organised, we have the opportunity to integrate new actors into the international trading system and build resilience. Incorporating inclusive policies into the WTO rulebook could also foster greater peace and prosperity and empower marginalised communities. Meanwhile, a progressive and responsive multilateral trading system can also promote positive environmental outcomes and ensure a just transition.”