The Future of the World Trade Organization

In June, trade ministers from around the globe will be traveling to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the World Trade Organization’s 12th Ministerial Conference, the first such gathering in more than four years. Established in 1995, the WTO continues to underperform as a forum for trade liberalization. Calls for “WTO reform” to improve the organization’s negotiating, monitoring, and dispute settlement functions so far have failed to produce significant results.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have further impacted the WTO’s operations and mission. Join us virtually for a conversation with Roberto Azevêdo, former director-general of the WTO, and an esteemed panel of experts as we examine the organization’s future and what we can expect from the 12th Ministerial Conference.

Featured Participants

A Conversation With:

Roberto Azevêdo
EVP, Chief Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo; Former Director-General, World Trade Organization

Panel discussion with:

Thomas Graham
Partner, Cassidy Levin Kent; Former Member and Chair, WTO Appellate Body

William A. Reinsch
Senior Advisor and Scholl Chair in International Business, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Nazak Nikakhar
Partner, Wiley; Former Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce

Moderated by:

Dennis Shea
Executive Director, J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy; Former U.S. Ambassador to the WTO