The WTO Ministerial Conference and the Future of International Trade

Is there any imminent resolution on the horizon to address this crisis that undermined the strength of the World Trade Organization? How the WTO can promote sustainable development through its rules and negotiations? How are its members undertaking the task of modernizing the legal framework that governs global trade subsequent to the conclusion of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi from 26th February to 2nd March 2024?

The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi tackled some of the critical issues that will shape the future of international trade. Our conference brings together renowned experts to delve deeper into the key takeaways from MC13 and their implications for the global trade landscape. 

Join us to hear from the former Appellate Body chairs on MC13 fallout and ways to restore confidence in binding dispute settlement. 

Updates on the EU's outlook for the 2024 Ministerial, including prospects for reforming agriculture subsidies and resolving internal differences. Get an insider's take on the US strategy following the 2024 election and implications for "WTO 2.0" global trade reforms.

Join us as we explore how the WTO can adapt to the challenges of the 21st century and create a more prosperous and sustainable world for all.

Morning Session 

9:30 am 

Welcome Address: Leonardo Borlini (Bocconi University)

Introductory Remarks: Giorgio Sacerdoti (Emeritus Professor of International Law at Bocconi University and Member and Chairperson of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO))

The WTO Dispute Settlement System after MC13 and the Future of International Trade 

Prof. Hong Zhao (Professor of Law at the Law School of the Peking University and former Member and Chairperson of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Non-Trade Issues and the Changing Roles of the WTO and free trade agreements

Prof. Mitsuo Matsushita (Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University and former Member of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO))

The WTO 2024 Ministerial Conference and the EU Trade Policy

Prof. Matthias Goldmann (Chair of International Law at EBS University. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law)

Afternoon Session 

2:30 pm 

The Road Ahead for the WTO after the 2024 Ministerial Conference

Petros C. Mavroidis (Professor of Law, Columbia Law School & University of Neuchâtel) & André Sapir (Professor of Economics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB))

United States' International Trade Policy After the 2024 Election

Thomas J. Schoenbaum (Harold S. Shefelman Professor of Law at the University of Washington in Seattle). Bidenomics Versus Maganomics on Trade Law: Pick Your Poison, a Policy Brief by Thomas J. Schoenbaum 

Current Perspectives on WTO Law and Sustainable Development

Prof. Huaxia Lai (Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations Law of the Peking University)

Conclusions

Giorgio Sacerdoti (Emeritus Professor of International Law at Bocconi University and Member and Chairperson of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO)) 

IEP@BU does not express opinions of its own. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors.

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