WTO overview - part.1

Over the past two weeks, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at enhancing global trade cooperation and addressing emerging challenges. A notable event was the Ninth Biennial Global Conference of the Society of International Economic Law (SIEL), held from July 9 to 11, 2025, in Taipei, Chinese Taipei. This conference brought together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss contemporary developments and challenges in international economic law under the theme "Navigating New Horizons: International Economic Law in a Changing World" .

In addition to academic discussions, the WTO has been focusing on capacity-building efforts. The organization has been conducting thematic courses in Geneva, which typically span two weeks and concentrate on specific WTO topics. These courses emphasize interactive learning, practical exercises, case studies, and debates, providing participants with opportunities to strengthen their skills in various aspects of international trade .

Furthermore, the WTO has been monitoring global trade developments, noting a sharp rise in the coverage of trade-restrictive measures by its members between mid-October 2023 and mid-October 2024. This increase reflects the growing trend of unilateral policies and underscores the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among WTO members to address trade challenges effectively .

These activities highlight the WTO's ongoing commitment to fostering an open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system, even as it navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing global trade landscape.