The WTO is turning to academia to advance its reform and address global economic fragmentation.

Photograph by WTO.

Multilateral Trade Reform

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala opened the WTO Chairs Programme Annual Conference, urging greater dialogue with the academic community. The aim is to generate innovative ideas for modernizing the multilateral trading system in the face of current geopolitical and economic challenges.

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The WTO is looking to academia for solutions to modernize global trade

The Director General of the Organización Mundial del Comercio (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaHe has called on the academic community to intensify dialogue with the organization's members and contribute "fresh ideas and practical solutions" to the necessary reform of the multilateral trading system. During the opening of the Annual Conference of the Program of Chairs OMC (PCO), celebrated in Ginebra On July 1st, the urgency of having external, evidence-based analyses to strengthen international trade was highlighted.

Okonjo-Iweala stressed that the PCO It has established itself as one of the most valuable platforms in the OMC to connect academic expertise with policymaking, contributing to a deeper understanding of how trade can foster growth, development, and inclusion. “At a time when the global economy is facing profound challenges—from geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation to technological transformation, climate pressures, and growing development concerns—the value of evidence-based analysis and practical policy solutions has never been greater,” said the Director-General.

The strategic role of the WTO Chairs Programme

Launched in 2010, the Program of Chairs OMC It supports academic institutions in research, curriculum development, and trade-related policy dissemination. Currently, the network comprises 39 academic institutions worldwide and is funded by contributions from Francia, Austria and República de CoreaIn this regard, the Deputy Director General, Xiangchen ZhangHe clarified that its true value "lies in the contributions that the entire network makes every day to research, teaching, policy dialogue and engagement with stakeholders."

Zhang He highlighted that the work of the Chairs covers central themes for the future of international trade, such as digital trade and new technologies, sustainability, inclusion, regional integration, investment facilitation, value chains, reglobalization, food security and development"Through their work, universities and research institutes help policymakers better understand trade challenges and opportunities, train the next generation of trade professionals, and bring evidence-based perspectives to the public debate," he added.

Key Data of the Chairs Program OMC (PCO)

Concept	Relevant Data
Release year	2010
Academic Network	39 institutions worldwide
Funding Countries	Francia, Austria and República de Corea

Member countries' vision and next steps

Representatives from the countries that fund the program also spoke at the opening. Alix Rancurel, Deputy Permanent Representative of Francia to the OMCHe pointed out that “in the face of the current transformations, political responses must be based on facts, rigorous analysis, and a better understanding of local realities. That is why you are here, and that is why we need you to reform the OMC».

For his part, the Ambassador of Austria to the OMC, Alexander KmenttShe stated that addressing current pressures requires "not only constructive engagement among members, but also strong analytical capacity, evidence-based policymaking, and broad and inclusive participation." Along the same lines, the Ambassador of the República de Corea, Yoon Seongmee, concluded that OMC "It needs cutting-edge research, solid data and new perspectives," and that the Chairs are "uniquely positioned to provide the necessary policy guidance and research" to integrate developing countries into global trade.

The three-day conference includes sessions on monitoring the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), the World Trade Report 2026, and the promotion of synergies between the Chairs OMC and the Secretariat of the agency for curriculum development.

Key points and frequently asked questions about WTO reform and the academic role

How does this alliance between the WTO and academia affect my exporting company?

For a Spanish company, this initiative means that future regulations and multilateral trade frameworks will be increasingly based on rigorous data and analysis. This could translate into more predictable and stable rules in the long term. Executives are advised to follow the publications of the Chairs network to anticipate trends in their markets of interest.

What business consequences does this approach have for Europe and Spain?

The main consequence is the search for solutions to the geoeconomic fragmentation which affects supply chains. Academic analysis will help to OMC to design policies that mitigate the risks of selective deglobalization, promoting a more resilient business environment that would benefit European companies, which are highly dependent on foreign trade.

What should exporters know about the priority topics of this collaboration?

Exporters should be attentive to developments in key areas such as regulation of digital commerce, the creation of sustainability standards (ESG) for international trade and new regulations on investment facilitation. Academic research in these fields will provide a roadmap for future requirements and opportunities in global trade.