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World Trade Organization

The WTO was officially established in 1994 and consists of 164 member states. It is the sole global organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. The WTO arose as a result of its predecessor, the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), not being able to adapt to a globalizing world economy. Its highest decision-making body in the Ministerial Conference, which generally meets every two years. The WTO’s current round of negotiations was launched in Doha, Qatar in 2001, named the Doha Development Round. It aims to make globalization more inclusive, and help the poor in developing countries by slashing trade barriers and farming subsidies.  

 

The organization states that it “provides a forum for negotiating agreements aimed at reducing obstacles to international trade and ensuring a level playing field for all, thus contributing to economic growth and development.” Its main activities are:

 

— negotiating the reduction or elimination of obstacles to trade (import tariffs, other barriers to trade) and agreeing on rules governing the conduct of international trade (e.g. antidumping, subsidies, product standards, etc.)

— administering and monitoring the application of the WTO's agreed rules for trade in goods, trade in services, and trade-related intellectual property rights

— monitoring and reviewing the trade policies of our members, as well as ensuring transparency of regional and bilateral trade agreements

— settling disputes among our members regarding the interpretation and application of the agreements

— building capacity of developing country government officials in international trade matters

— assisting the process of accession of some 30 countries who are not yet members of the organization

— conducting economic research and collecting and disseminating trade data in support of the WTO's other main activities

— explaining to and educating the public about the WTO, its mission and its activities.


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The topics for this council will be:

 

1. Questioning the Viability and Compatibility of the TTIP within WTO Standards​

2. The Impact of Climate Change on International Trade

3. Regulation of International Trade Barriers

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World Trade Organization - Background Guide:

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