The WTO will focus its 2026 Public Forum on trade in services as an engine for the future

WTO Forum 2026

The World Trade Organization will hold its Public Forum 2026 from September 15 to 17 in Geneva. Under the theme "Driving the Future," the event will feature 113 sessions focusing on the strategic role of trade in services for global development.

---

La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) has unveiled the program of his Public Forum 2026, which will be held from September 15 to 17 at its headquarters in Ginebra. The event, titled "Driving the future"It will be structured around 113 sessions that will focus on trade in services as an engine of development, a source of income and a catalyst for job creation and empowerment worldwide, with special attention to women and young people.

Organized in collaboration with Member Governments of the OMCBringing together companies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions, the forum is establishing itself as a key event for analyzing global business. A significant portion of the presentations will be streamed live via the organization's website for professionals unable to attend in person.

A program focused on the future of the multilateral system

The opening day will begin with a high-level panel on the factors that will shape the trading system of the future, a session jointly organized by the Cámara de Comercio Internacional (ICC) and the Instituto Internacional para el Desarrollo Sostenible (IISD)Next, the prestigious World Trade Report from the OMCThis year, the conference analyzes the critical crossroads at which the multilateral system finds itself and the validity of its founding logic.

The first day will also feature discussions on the importance of rules-based trade in services from the private sector's perspective, as well as the role of digital services as enablers of economic growth. The day will conclude with a discussion on the role of trade in the new world order, led by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE).

Key facts from the WTO Public Forum 2026.

Concept	Detail
Event	Public Forum 2026 of the OMC
Tagline	"Driving the future"
Dates	15-17 September 2026
Headquarters	Ginebra (Headquarters of the OMC)
Number of Sessions	113

New formats for debate and professional networking

During the second and third days, the forum will host more than one hundred sessions covering the full spectrum of issues affecting trade in services and other key macroeconomic topics. Among the new features of this edition are the Trade Policy Hub, a meeting place for researchers and policymakers, and the WTO Chairs Programme (WCPResearch Hub.

For the first time, the event will include a series of "Curated Conversations", organized in collaboration with the Geneva Trade PlatformThis format is designed to facilitate direct and frank policy exchanges on issues crucial to the international trade community. The agenda is complemented by presentations from authors (Meet the Author), podcast sessions and networking receptions to encourage informal discussion among attending executives and professionals.

The organization has confirmed that the registration period is now closed and no new registrations will be accepted for in-person attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main theme of the WTO Public Forum 2026?

The forum focuses on the role of trade in services as a key driver for development, job creation and empowerment globally, especially for women and young people, under the theme "Driving the Future".

Which organizations collaborate on the high-level panels?

The inaugural session is organized in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). In addition, the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) will lead a key discussion on trade in the new world order.

Is it possible to register to attend the event in person?

No. According to official information provided by the WTO, the registration period has already ended and it is not possible to register again for in-person assistance in Geneva.