Building an Inclusive Future in Trade Governance

In times of geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly fragile multilateral order, it is essential to provide a platform for the voices of younger generations, as they will live longest with today’s trade architecture and have had relatively little say in shaping it. To this end, FES Geneva and the WTO invited the WTO Young Trade Leaders to present their report “Reimagining Global Trade Governance: Youth Priorities for WTO Reform”.

The WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme, now in its second annual cohort, brings together exceptional young people with a strong interest in international trade. Participants gain first-hand insights into the WTO’s work while contributing fresh perspectives on the role of international trade and the multilateral trading system.

To mark the launch of their report, the Young Trade Leaders gathered in Geneva for a three-day programme to brainstorm about the future of the multilateral trading system, exchange perspectives, and meet with trade and labour stakeholders. A highlight of their busy schedule was a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Their visit  concluded with the presentation of the report, followed by a high-level panel discussion on the future of the WTO and how trade can respond to the evolving demands of young people in a changing global economy.

The report, produced as result of a youth consultation, draws on written submissions from young people around the world. It touches on topics such as trade governance, industrial transformation, climate and environment, digital trade, and institutional reform. One central aspect raised by many contributors is the question of the WTO’s purpose and the need for reform within the organisation. Against this backdrop, the Young Trade Leaders emphasised that the WTO’s legitimacy today depends on whether it can also respond to the social, developmental, and environmental challenges Member States face, and that institutions bear responsibility to listen to and include young voices.

Panelist Mariam Soumaré, Knowledge and Community Lead for the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation at the World Economic Forum, agreed with the call for a WTO that is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of young people. She argued that more should be done to include young entrepreneurs in decision-making processes at an early stage, and that their potential as digital natives must be recognised.

Ambassador Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Peru’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, acknowledged the multifaceted challenges that younger generations are facing. He highlighted the importance of the Young Leaders serving as ambassadors for the WTO in their home countries, adding that the Young Trade Leaders Programme fills him with hope for the future of the organisation.

In alignment with him, Ambassador Clare Kelly, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the WTO and Chairperson of the General Council, confirmed the need for reform within the WTO and the multilateral system. She, too, encouraged young people to get involved: “More power to your elbow, keep telling your governments that they have to do better.” – a message that the Young Trade Leaders will certainly take back to their home countries.