WTO members have called for more concrete proposals on institutional reform following a General Council meeting on 5–6 October, with development concerns and the practical limits facing smaller delegations prominent in discussions.
According to the WTO Secretariat’s account, nearly 60 speakers addressed the reform item. Members discussed the principles underpinning the trading system, dispute settlement and how to organise the next phase of work.
General Council chair Clare Kelly said members’ feedback would inform future meeting formats. Some delegations raised concerns about overlapping meetings and limited resources, underlining that participation itself remains a challenge.
The council also examined arrangements for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce. Supporters highlighted the potential for clearer digital trade rules, while other members questioned aspects of the legal and institutional framework.
The discussions did not amount to an agreed reform package. They show the competing demands negotiators must reconcile as they seek to turn broad support for reform into decisions that members can implement.
By Editorial Desk. Source announcement: 6 October 2026.
Image: The Jet d’Eau and Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Photo by Ryan Klaus on Pexels. Illustrative photograph; not from the reported event.