ITC @ the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC13)

The 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC13) hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi between 26 and 29 February marks a pivotal moment in the history of the multilateral trading system. Throughout the event, the International Trade Centre (ITC) will be on-site, sharing solutions on how to achieve a fairer, inclusive, sustainable trade system that leaves no one behind and brings the world closer to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. Here are some highlights.

24-25 February

WTO-ITC High-level Event on Women and Trade

WTO and ITC host an inspirational two-day event, bringing women entrepreneurs together with policymakers and private sector partners to move the needle further in women’s participation in international trade. It features the launch of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) fund, an initiative by WTO and ITC to accelerate women businesses’ ability to benefit from digitalization and e-commerce. It also features the dynamic SheTrades summit, where women entrepreneurs network and can learn from global business leaders.  

Join us live for the fund launch on Facebook here.

24 February

ITC at the 12th China Roundtable on WTO Accessions

At MC13, we celebrate the formal adoption of the accession packages of Timor-Leste and Comoros. ITC continues to accompany governments in their WTO accession journeys, with a focus on a business and policy environment that allows small businesses to thrive. At the roundtable, ITC shares recommendations on technical assistance and capacity building solutions.

WTO-FIFA High-level Side Event on Cotton

ITC has a strong track record in supporting the cotton-to-clothing value chain, including through its Ethical Fashion Initiative in West Africa. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton is among the speakers in this event, which focuses on how closer cooperation with the sports industry can help support cotton-producing countries.  

25 February

ITC hosts a gathering of trade leaders from the MC13 host region as they chart the next steps for the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Promotion Organizations Network (ACTION), which brings together eight countries that are working to strengthen regional trade integration. 

26 February

On the day of the official opening of the Ministerial Conference, ITC joins the Netherlands for a side event on `The Role of Agri-tech in Contributing to Sustainability and Food Security`. The topic of the discussion aligns with the emphasis on technology and agribusiness in the long-standing cooperation between the Netherlands and ITC.

ITC is also part of a session hosted by the Etihad Credit Insurance on Trade Facilitation: Risks and Opportunities for Global Trade.

27 February

The ITC Executive Director is part of the scene-setting panels at both the IISD Trade & Sustainability Hub and the World Economic Forum’s inaugural TradeTech Forum. ITC also hosts two IISD Trade & Sustainability Hub sessions – on deforestation-free value chains and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, respectively – as well as a TradeTech Hub Roundtable on Enabling MSME trade through technology and Innovation.

28 February

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has invited the ITC Executive Director to set the tone for a one-day MC13 side event in a fireside chat on the role of SMEs in global trade. At the same event, ITC also steers the conversation on a better integration of vulnerable communities into the trading system.

Stay tuned for snapshots and outcomes from Abu Dhabi!