Report from WTO Public Forum 2017
Report from WTO Public Forum 2017
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Date
2017-09
Authors
Group of Authors
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Publisher
Geneva Internet Platform; DiploFoundation
Abstract
Description
Trade has created opportunities for many, from economic growth to employment. Yet, trade has not benefited every‑
one. Certain states and populations are struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing world. In the midst of fast‑paced
developments and bold headlines, this year’s World Trade Organization Public Forum (26–28 September) looked at the
reality behind the headlines
‘Trade: Behind the headlines’ was the theme of this year’s WTO Public
Forum. Over 1500 policymakers, business representatives, NGOs,
and academics met in Geneva, in what is widely recognised as a main
venue for discussions on trade.
In this report, we focus on the discussions related to e‑commerce and
digital policy, which have become increasingly prominent features of
the Forum. Out of 106 sessions, about a third were dedicated to the
challenges posed by digitalisation. We summarise the main digital policy themes, distilled from our team’s reports from various sessions.