UK House Of Lords Engages WTO Chief On Future Of Global Trading System

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The United Kingdom’s House of Lords Committee on International Agreements has engaged the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in high-level discussions on the future of the global trading system, the impact of evolving trade dynamics on WTO rules and the implications for the United Kingdom’s trade policy.

Okonjo-Iweala disclosed the development in a statement posted on her official X account after the meeting, describing the engagement as a productive exchange focused on strengthening the multilateral trading system and advancing reforms within the WTO.

According to the WTO chief, discussions with members of the House of Lords Committee centred on the current state of the global trading system, how emerging developments are affecting WTO rules and practices, and the need for reforms to ensure the organisation remains effective in addressing modern trade challenges.

“A great exchange with members of the UK House of Lords Committee on International Agreements on the current situation of the global trading system, impact on WTO rules and practices and implications for UK’s trade policy, including the imperative for WTO reform,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

She added that she appreciated the committee’s strong interest in advancing the multilateral trading system, noting that sustained international cooperation would be critical to the future of global trade.

“Appreciate the keen interest in moving the Multilateral Trading System forward!” she stated.

In a separate engagement, the WTO Director-General also met with an international group of scholars led by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where discussions again focused on WTO reform and the future direction of the global trading system.

The policy dialogue was coordinated by CSIS Senior Adviser Scott Kennedy and Wendy Cutler, former Deputy United States Trade Representative and Vice-President of the Asia Society Policy Institute, bringing together experts on international trade and economic policy.

Describing the meeting as highly engaging, Okonjo-Iweala said the discussions provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on strengthening the WTO and improving the effectiveness of the rules-based multilateral trading system.

“Very stimulating meeting with the Center for Strategic and International Studies-led group of international scholars… Great discussion on WTO reform and the future of the multilateral trading system. Look forward to further interaction,” she said.

The engagements come at a time when governments and international trade experts are debating reforms aimed at making the WTO more responsive to changing global economic realities, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions and emerging challenges confronting international commerce.

The meetings also underscore Okonjo-Iweala’s continued diplomatic efforts to build consensus among governments, lawmakers and policy experts on strengthening the rules-based global trading system through institutional reforms and deeper multilateral cooperation.

The WTO, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as the principal international body responsible for regulating global trade, resolving trade disputes and promoting fair and predictable trade among its member economies.