WTO Members Step Up Reform Talks Ahead of MC14 in Cameroon

“Reform must mean change,” Ambassador Ølberg told members, underscoring that WTO reform will be a central pillar of MC14.

World Trade Organization (WTO) members on 3 February intensified discussions on the future of WTO reform, setting the stage for key decisions at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026.

The WTO reform facilitator, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, announced that a dedicated “reform month” will begin on 5 February, aimed at shaping a post-MC14 workplan to modernise and strengthen the global trade body.

“Reform must mean change,” Ambassador Ølberg told members, underscoring that WTO reform will be a central pillar of MC14.

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Draft Post-MC14 Workplan Circulated

Ahead of the meeting, Ambassador Ølberg shared with members a draft WTO reform workplan for the period after MC14, starting with a concise draft ministerial statement on WTO reform.

The proposed workplan outlines initial areas of focus where members have already begun engagement:

• Decision-making processes

• Development and special and differential treatment

• Level playing field issues

• Dispute settlement reform

The facilitator stressed that the workplan is designed to remain flexible, allowing members to introduce additional reform topics in the future to ensure the WTO remains agile and responsive.

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Ministers to Endorse Reform Direction at MC14

At MC14, WTO members are expected to seek ministerial endorsement of the reform workplan to guide efforts beyond the conference. Preparations are also underway for a high-level political exchange among ministers on the future of WTO reform during MC14.

Ambassador Ølberg commended members for their constructive engagement through:

• The December “Reform Week”

• Discussions at the General Council

• Written reform submissions

During the 3 February meeting, the European Union and Paraguay presented their recently circulated submissions on WTO reform.

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Focus on Systemic Issues and Accountability

Based on consultations held ahead of the December General Council, Ambassador Ølberg reiterated earlier recommendations that ministers at MC14 should:

• Engage in focused discussions on foundational systemic issues

• Endorse a balanced and forward-looking post-MC14 reform plan

• Approve clearly defined checkpoints to measure progress

• Support effective modalities to translate reform discussions into concrete outcomes

These elements, he said, are essential to restoring confidence in the WTO’s ability to deliver results.

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Roadmap to Yaoundé Updated

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also presented a revised “Roadmap to Yaoundé – MC14 Schedule of Sessions”, incorporating feedback from members following consultations in January.

The updated roadmap includes:

• Breakout sessions on WTO reform, enabling direct ministerial dialogue

• Dedicated sessions on other key trade issues where members have requested ministerial-level engagement

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Consultations Continue Through February

Further consultations on the reform workplan will take place with all members on 5, 9, 10 and 16 February, with listening-in rooms available to ensure transparency and inclusiveness. An additional round of group consultations will focus on finalising:

• The post-MC14 reform workplan

• The framing of ministerial breakout discussions

• Key questions to guide ministers’ conversations in Yaoundé

Ambassador Ølberg said the objective is to reach agreement on a reform workplan at the March General Council meeting, allowing it to be formally transmitted to MC14.