WTO Ministerial Conference Opens in Abu Dhabi with Focus on Sustainable Development

Abu Dhabi – The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced today in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with Ethiopia participating as an observer. The four-day event marks a significant milestone as WTO members engage in dedicated discussions on sustainable development for the first time, addressing critical environmental issues.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the conference will feature presentations by groups of WTO members on their initiatives concerning plastics pollution, trade and environmental sustainability, and the reform of fossil fuel subsidies. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief Negotiator for Ethiopia’s WTO accession Chala Gebremeskel, includes key figures such as Foreign Affairs State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign, and Ambassador of Ethiopia to the UAE Oumer Hussien.

The conference agenda extends to a variety of global concerns, including the multilateral trade system, WTO’s institutional reform, food security, and tax and tariff reform activities. Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba, Chairperson of the WTO General Council, reported on the progress made since the last conference, notably in trade reviews, fisheries subsidies, and e-commerce negotiations.

The meeting also signifies a critical phase for the accession of Comoros and Timor-Leste to the WTO, with processes nearing completion. Deliberations are underway on the Ministerial Declaration, with a draft document circulated among members for further consultation and dedicated sessions planned for its finalization.

The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to complete its accession to the World Trade Organization, marking a pivotal step in integrating more fully into the global trading system.