WTO: Agenda for Upcoming SOM

Last week World Trade Organization's Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, proposed the agenda for the forthcoming capital-based senior officials meeting scheduled to start on October 23 in Geneva. This agenda encompasses controversial, non-mandated subjects that several members are keen on discussing during the meeting.

Among the non-mandated subjects up for discussion are:

1. "Trade and environmental sustainability - including climate change," which both the European Union and the United States are avidly advocating.
2. "Trade and industrial policy," introduced by the African Group.
3. "Incorporation of JSIs (Joint Statement Initiatives)," which currently are believed to conflict with WTO rules.
4. "Conduct of the ministerial conference", especially the idea suggesting "senior officials might endorse a roadmap leading up to and during MC13." This idea, originally from the European Union, reportedly didn't secure significant support.

Despite the WTO's apparent inability to execute paragraph eight of the TRIPS Agreement from MC12 last June, the DG's report indicates that "Numerous Members emphasized the continued relevance of this Ministerial Decision, especially given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus, emerging variants, and the release of new vaccination schedules." The report further noted the anticipation of a pertinent report expected to be published.

DG's 11-page restricted report, titled "Consultations on Preparations for the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)", is centered around three main questions:

1. Which critical topics should Senior Officials address, and what are the expected outcomes leading to MC13?
2. What measures are you taking to facilitate discussions on the given topics by Senior Officials?
3. How can we best organize the SOM to achieve the desired goals for each topic?

The report mentions that the primary subject where members shared insights is agriculture. The document states the necessity for a comprehensive dialogue on agriculture, covering various facets, including domestic support and food security. The report emphasizes the need for political direction between the SOM and MC13, indicating some hesitation in making swift decisions on mandated agricultural matters.

Addressing the dispute settlement reform, the DG's report states that it remains a paramount concern for the membership. Many delegates voiced the urgent need for this reform. On the topic of LDC Graduation, there seems to be consensus about its significance, with terms like "low hanging fruit" and "early harvest" frequently used to describe it.

In the domain of WTO reform, the DG's discussions highlighted it as a predominant topic. She also mentioned the importance of discussions concerning the interplay between trade and the environment. Another topic of significance is the conduct of ministerial conferences, though a clear consensus among members is currently lacking.

In conclusion, some members believe that the DG's report indicates a shift towards prioritizing non-mandated subjects over the mandates given by trade ministers since the commencement of the Doha work program in 2001.