Advertise on podcast: Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG)

Given the continuous challenges confronted by the multilateral trading system, including geopolitical tensions, and renewed dynamism among members on WTO reform across the board of its functions, FMG is committed to further its efforts to promote mutual understanding through meaningful dialogue among members, especially the major ones. For that purpose, FMG has launched the brainstorming initiative titled "Trade Policy Preview" (TP-P) to host a candid and forward-looking dialogue on trade policy trends of key players of the WTO and their implications on the WTO reform discussions. Previous TP-P sessions organized by FMG, shortly before the normal Trade Policy Review (TPR) of some WTO Members, could be found: https://fmg-geneva.org/fmg-trade-policy-preview-tp-p-session-on-japan-2/ FMG is most glad to organize a TP-P session on India in July 2026.

The outcomes of MC14 and the state of WTO reform remain central to discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system. While the Ministerial Conference delivered certain results, significant disagreements persist on key issues such as dispute settlement, digital trade, and development. These unresolved questions point to a broader reality: WTO reform is not advancing at the same pace or in the same direction across all members. Understanding where reform currently stands — and what pathways remain viable — requires careful examination. FMG is pleased to host this webinar to assess the outcomes of MC14, take stock of the current state of WTO reform, and explore potential ways forward.

The outcomes of MC14 and the state of WTO reform remain central to discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system. But beyond the substance, the process by which ministerial conferences are prepared and run—ranging from the roles of the General Council Chair and the TNC Chair to the use of informal consultations—has a profound impact on what can be achieved. Against this backdrop, this webinar aims not to assess the outcome of MC14 in isolation, but to take a step back and examine the process of WTO ministerial conferences: how they have evolved, what institutional dynamics shape them, and what lessons can be drawn from past experiences—including the Uruguay Round, MC5 in Cancun, and MC14. Understanding where reform currently stands—and what pathways remain viable—requires careful examination of these procedural realities. That is precisely what we hope to unpack today. FMG is pleased to host this discussion to explore the process of WTO ministerial conferences, and to reflect on what they tell us about the state and direction of WTO reform.

Given the continuous challenges confronted by the multilateral trading system, including geopolitical tensions, and renewed dynamism among members on WTO reform across the board of its functions, FMG is committed to further its efforts to promote mutual understanding through meaningful dialogue among members, especially the major ones. For that purpose, FMG has launched the brainstorming initiative titled “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) to host a candid and forward-looking dialogue on trade policy trends of key players of the WTO and their implications on the WTO reform discussions. Previous TP-P sessions organized by FMG, shortly before the normal Trade Policy Review (TPR) of some WTO Members, could be found: https://fmg-geneva.org/fmg-trade-policy-preview-tp-p-session-on-the-uk/ FMG is most glad to organize a TP-P session on Japan in May 2026.

The intersection of climate policy and international trade rules has become a defining legal challenge of our time. Against this backdrop, the recent Panel Report on the United States – Certain Tax Credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (DS623) raises fundamental questions about the compatibility of climate-driven industrial measures with core WTO disciplines. This session seeks to explore the legal reasoning of the Panel, the prospects for reconciling climate subsidies with TRIMs and SCM disciplines, and the broader implications for the future of trade and environmental governance. Key questions include but are not limited to whether and why local content requirements have resisted justification under Article XX, whether new readings of the SCM Agreement might accommodate climate objectives, and what the causation between subsidy, injury, and climate goals entails for WTO jurisprudence.

The Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle is a cornerstone of the World Trade Organization. Recently major WTO members have tabled new proposals that seek to reinterpret or update the role of MFN. As members navigate these proposals, discussions within the WTO have become increasingly dynamic. FMG is glad to host this webinar which aims to unpack these recent developments, examine the key proposals put forward by major trading powers, and explore the implications of these discussions for the future of global trade governance.

The landscape of multilateral engagement is increasingly marked by shifts in national commitments to international institutions. The withdrawal of certain countries from certain international organizations invites close examination, particularly in terms of its repercussions for the global trading system and the World Trade Organization. Notably, institutions such as UNCTAD and ITC — each integral to trade-related capacity building, development, and governance — have been mentioned in discussions of possible disengagement. FMG is glad to host this webinar, to explore the motivations behind such moves, their potential ripple effects across the trade ecosystem, and the potential ways forward.

The landscape of multilateral engagement is increasingly marked by shifts in national commitments to international institutions. The withdrawal of certain countries from certain international organizations invites close examination, particularly in terms of its repercussions for the global trading system and the World Trade Organization. Notably, institutions such as UNCTAD and ITC — each integral to trade-related capacity building, development, and governance — have been mentioned in discussions of possible disengagement. FMG is glad to host this webinar, to explore the motivations behind such moves, their potential ripple effects across the trade ecosystem, and the potential ways forward.

In the face of evolving global economic landscapes, shifting trade dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, the WTO finds itself in an increasingly difficult situation to maintain its relevance and effectiveness and to push forward its own reform. At this critical juncture, insights, analysis, and recommendations on the way forward for WTO reform are extremely needed. Therefore, FMG is launching the initiative “High-level Dialogue on the Future of WTO Reform”, to invite top WTO experts to benefit from their wisdom and visions on the challenges, potential solutions, and needed actions by all WTO stakeholders to help sustain multilateralism and nurse essential reforms of the WTO of the future. FMG is pleased to host the sixth high-level dialogue with Andrew Wilson, Deputy Secretary General (Policy) at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Amid ever-changing geopolitical dynamics and systemic shocks, questions about the link between trade and peace have re-emerged. While the multilateral trading system was founded on the post-World War II belief that economic interdependence could prevent conflict, its relevance and effectiveness in today’s fractured global order are increasingly under scrutiny. Against this backdrop, FMG is pleased to organize a session to discuss the WTO’s publication “Trade for Peace: Pathways to Sustainable Trade and Peace.” The discussion will explore the evolving nexus between trade and peace, highlighting the contributions of diverse stakeholders and the potential of the multilateral trading system to support peace-building efforts in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

As the multilateral trading system navigates the transition from a period of U.S.-led globalization to an era of deepening strategic competition, the contours of a potential “Pax Sinica” present both unprecedented challenges and strategic choices. This geopolitical reconfiguration tests the core tenets of the WTO and places regions like Latin America at a critical juncture, forcing a reassessment of their roles and pathways within a fragmenting economic order. FMG is honored to host this session to examine the implications of this shift and explore viable paths forward.

On October 23, the Friends of Multilateralism (FMG) convened the fifth session of its high-level dialogue series on "The Future of WTO Reform," featuring a dialogue with Amina Mohamed, Founder and Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum (TNIF) and former Permanent Representative of Kenya to the WTO.

On 14 October 2025, the Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG) organized the 13th session of its “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) brainstorming series on Australia. Willy Alfaro, FMG member and e former Director of Trade Polices Review Division at the WTO moderated this session. Simon Evenett, FMG member and Founder of Global Trade Alert; George Riddell, Managing Director at Goyder Ltd., a trade consultancy, and Allie Renison, Director for Advocacy at the global consultancy SEC Newgate in its UK arm shared their views on the trade policies of Australia. Over 30 participants joined the session, including members of FMG, Ambassadors/DPRs of WTO members, and experts from renowned think tanks etc. FMG has launched the brainstorming initiative titled “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) to host a candid and forward-looking dialogue on trade policy trends of key players of the WTO and their implications on the WTO reform discussions. FMG has successfully organized 13 TP-P sessions on China, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, U.S.A, Japan, EU, SACU, China, Nigeria, Australia and the UK.

Despite the challenges faced by WTO dispute settlement mechanism since 2019 when the Appellate Body became non-functional, this mechanism is still alive, particularly with the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) providing members with a new avenue for dispute resolution. Against this backdrop, FMG is launching a new series of online brainstorming on WTO Dispute Settlement rulings, entitled “WTO Disputes Decoding Series” (WDDS) to provide a user-friendly analysis of the final rulings of MPIA, and of the panel when related parties accept. FMG is glad to organize the first session of this series on recent MPIA ruling on DS611-Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.

The global economic order is undergoing another profound transformation. Amid a fragile recovery and uncertain growth prospects, two significant developments — the U.S.-China Joint Trade Statement and the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal — are introducing new possibilities into the global economic and trade landscape. FMG is glad to host a brainstorming session to discuss on these new developments, their implications for the global trade and the WTO reform, as well as the way forward.