Trade and Development

Toy cars among copper coins — Creator: birdys / photocase.de

Trade is a central pillar of the architecture of our global economy and societies. But this pillar is under growing strain. At a time of profound global transformation, we work to build stronger foundations for a fairer and more inclusive future.

Geopolitical tensions, climate change, technological transformation and persistent inequalities are challenging the rules and institutions that have governed global trade for decades. New questions are emerging: What should the trading system of tomorrow look like, and who will shape it?

From Geneva, we bring together progressive actors to develop answers to these questions, and to build the political alliances needed to put them into action. Connecting multilateral organisations, governments, trade unions, academia and civil society, we work to shape a trading system with stronger foundations for fairness, inclusion, resilience, and sustainability. For a system that is better equipped to serve people and planet.

Media

2026
Trade and Development
Media Center

Toward a New Deal for Global Trade - A Progressive Agenda

Martín Guzmán and Joseph E. Stiglitz outline a progressive vision for a fairer global trading system that better serves workers, developing economies, and sustainable growth.

2026
Trade and Development
Media Center

WTO Public Forum 2026: The Trading System at a ‘Critical Juncture’

From 15 to 17 September, the WTO Public Forum brought together trade experts from around the world in Geneva to discuss the future of the multilateral trading system amid growing geopolitical and economic pressures.

Group Picture with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — Creator: WTO

2026
Human Rights and Development
Trade and Development
Media Center

Why Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIA) Are Essential for Trade Agreements

Read our step-by-step guide why and how to do a Human Rights Impact Assessment

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Events

2026
Trade and Development
Event

TUTT 5: Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy – Critical Minerals, Industrialisation and Decent Work

5th edition of the Trade Union Trade Talks (TUTT)

2026
Trade and Development
Event

WTO Public Forum Event: Trade in Services: The Future of Gender-Just Development?

This event at the WTO Public Forum explored the gendered impacts of recent trade fragmentation and tariff policies and discussed gender-transformative responses.

Creator: picture alliance / Ikon Images | Stuart Kinlough

2026
Trade and Development
Event

Building an Inclusive Future in Trade Governance

From 16 to 18 June, on invitation of FES Geneva and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Young Trade Leaders from all parts of the world gathered in Geneva to discuss the future of the multilateral trading system from a youth...