WTO Reform Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of 2026 Ministerial Conference

As momentum builds toward the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened in Geneva on 22 July to review reform progress, address key trade negotiations, and discuss the broader direction of multilateral trade cooperation. In a highly anticipated update, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, appointed in June to facilitate WTO reform talks, presented his first report, signaling growing convergence and urgency around institutional change.

Ølberg, who was designated by General Council Chair Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel of Saudi Arabia, described his consultations with nearly 100 WTO members as part of a structured discussion across three thematic tracks: governance, fairness, and "issues of our time." His mandate is to synthesize the wide range of inputs into “practical, well-structured options” for ministerial consideration.

“Across all three tracks, there is strong engagement, serious thinking, and a shared sense that reform is both necessary and urgent — even if views differ on the details,” Ølberg told the General Council.

He noted that the next phase of work will focus on refining priorities to enable ministers at MC14 to provide strategic guidance, helping to break current stalemates and shape the future of the multilateral trading system.

Reform Talks: High Stakes for WTO’s Relevance

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the facilitator’s report and the robust participation by more than 60 members. She emphasized the historic importance of this reform window:

“It’s somewhat existential for the organization to seize the opportunity to do this reform,” she said. “There seems to be unmistakable momentum.”

The push for reform was first agreed at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022, with members committing to a comprehensive review of the organization’s functions to address both persistent challenges and new opportunities in global trade.

Dispute Settlement Reform: Quiet Progress

Ambassador Almoqbel reiterated his earlier statement, issued jointly with Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) Chair Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, that the two would continue to monitor progress on the critical issue of dispute settlement reform. While the issue is on a separate track, low-profile consultations have been ongoing to assess readiness among members.

The DSB Chair has been holding “low-key” discussions to “check the temperature,” with further updates expected as the reform process unfolds.

Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Nears Entry into Force

Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, speaking in her capacity as Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, reported that Argentina had submitted its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, leaving only five more ratifications needed for the agreement to enter into force. Several other acceptances are expected shortly.

A special General Council meeting may be convened after the summer break to formally mark the agreement’s activation. DG Okonjo-Iweala also expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations on additional provisions to the agreement, though she encouraged members to reflect on how to move forward effectively during the recess.

Investment Facilitation Initiative Hits Deadlock Again

On the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, 127 members reiterated their call to incorporate the agreement under Annex 4 of the Marrakesh Agreement, bringing it within the formal WTO framework. Despite wide support, three members maintained objections, preventing consensus for the ninth time.

The Republic of Korea, speaking for the co-sponsors, warned that the current global downturn in foreign direct investment, compounded by geopolitical tensions and volatility, makes the IFD Agreement even more vital. Yet, without consensus, progress remains stalled.

China and Brazil Weigh In on Multilateralism Amid Rising Trade Tensions

China introduced an updated proposal emphasizing its “Stability, Development and Reform” (SDR) strategy, urging members to safeguard the multilateral trading system in the face of growing trade turbulence. China pledged to work constructively with members to maintain the integrity of WTO disciplines.

Brazil followed with a forceful intervention highlighting the global economic risks posed by arbitrary tariffs and the growing trend of using trade measures to interfere in domestic affairs. Brazil underscored the need to restore the WTO as a neutral venue for dispute resolution and multilateral dialogue.

Fifteen members responded to Brazil's remarks, largely echoing the concerns and calling for a rules-based response to growing unilateralism.

Digital Trade: Moratorium and E-Commerce Talks Continue

Ambassador Richard Brown of Jamaica, facilitator of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, reported broad support among members for continuing the program and maintaining the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.

While most delegations favor an extension or permanent decision, a few members remain concerned about revenue losses and policy space. The moratorium is set to expire at MC14 (or by 31 March 2026), heightening the importance of reaching a decision in the lead-up to the Ministerial.

Support for LDC Transitions Gains Momentum

Gambia, on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), presented a new proposal advocating additional transition measures for countries graduating from LDC status. These measures aim to ease the shift as countries lose preferential treatment and seek deeper integration into global markets.

The proposal highlights the fragility of graduating economies and their continued need for targeted support during the transition period, particularly in maintaining access to capacity-building and trade preferences.

A Pivotal Period for the WTO

The July meeting of the General Council demonstrated a sense of urgency and opportunity among members. With multiple negotiating tracks in motion—from dispute settlement reform to fisheries, investment, digital trade, and LDC transition support—the summer break will serve as a critical period for reflection and informal diplomacy.

As DG Okonjo-Iweala noted, the world is looking to the WTO not as a symbol of gridlock, but as a platform of credibility, stability, and revitalization. The ability of members to deliver concrete results at MC14 will be the ultimate test of that vision.