WTO Members Convene in Geneva to Advance Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture

On 5–6 May 2025, World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened in Geneva for an in-depth in-person retreat centered on sustainable agriculture within the multilateral trading system. Held under the auspices of the General Council, this retreat offered a rare opportunity for WTO members to engage in candid discussions and shared learning on the vital relationship between agriculture, sustainability, and international trade.

The event gathered trade officials, agricultural policy experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations for a series of structured yet informal sessions. The goal was to foster open dialogue, deepen mutual understanding, and advance collaborative strategies that support sustainable agriculture practices while upholding fair trade principles.

A Sector of Foundational Importance

In her opening remarks, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivered a powerful reminder of agriculture’s significance, not only to global trade but to the very fabric of society.

“Agriculture is not merely another sector. It is the backbone of many economies, a huge employer in many countries, the lifeblood of rural development, and the foundation of food security and nutrition,” she said. “No society can be stable economically, financially or socially if its people are unable to reliably access affordable and nutritious food.”

She stressed that sustainable agriculture is a core component of the WTO’s mission, especially as trade policies increasingly intersect with environmental and developmental concerns.

Addressing a Tipping Point in Global Development

Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel of Saudi Arabia, Chair of the WTO General Council, emphasized the global urgency underpinning the retreat’s agenda.

“With the world’s population expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food and resources is increasing exponentially,” Ambassador Almoqbel noted. “The intersection of trade and sustainable agriculture has never been more essential. It is key to achieving global food and livelihood security, promoting rural development, fostering economic growth and building environmental resilience.”

His statement highlighted the balancing act that WTO members must perform—meeting the surging global demand for food and agricultural goods while addressing the environmental costs and ensuring economic inclusivity.

Expert Contributions and Knowledge Sharing

A hallmark of the retreat was the active involvement of experts from various international and regional organizations. These specialists offered data-driven insights on key dimensions of sustainable agriculture, including:

• Climate-smart agricultural practices

• Trade policy tools to promote sustainability

• Soil health, water management, and biodiversity

• Equitable market access for smallholders and marginalized regions

Case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe illustrated both the challenges and promising innovations in transitioning to greener, more resilient agricultural systems. By drawing attention to diverse regional realities, the retreat ensured that discussions were grounded in lived experience and practical relevance.

A Space for Honest Dialogue

Unlike formal negotiation sessions, the retreat’s structure encouraged honest, off-the-record exchanges. Delegates were encouraged to share national experiences, policy dilemmas, and forward-looking ideas without the pressure of formal agreements. This format created a fertile environment for consensus-building, cross-regional understanding, and potential future collaborations.

Issues raised included the role of subsidies, the need for fair market access for developing economies, and how trade policy can support rather than hinder climate adaptation.

Next Steps and Reflections

Takeaways and reflections from the retreat—including a summary of key themes and proposed pathways for cooperation—will be compiled and circulated to WTO members in the coming days. These outcomes are expected to inform future discussions within the Committee on Agriculture and other WTO forums.

The Geneva retreat marks a key milestone in placing sustainable agriculture firmly on the multilateral trade agenda. It reaffirmed that achieving food security, protecting the environment, and promoting inclusive economic development are not competing goals but intertwined priorities that require joint global action.

As global challenges intensify—from climate change to geopolitical instability—the WTO and its members appear increasingly committed to ensuring that trade can be a force for sustainable, resilient agricultural systems worldwide.