What Changed
- Facilitators reported progress across foundational issues, decision-making processes, development policies, and level playing field commitments.
- Discussions addressed key trade law principles including MFN, non-discrimination, S&DT, notification gaps, and industrialization policy space.
- General Council Chair Clare Kelly emphasized accommodating capacity constraints of smaller delegations ahead of the 5–6 October General Council meeting.
World Trade Organization (WTO) members, international traders, legal professionals, and commercial entities operating across global markets are affected by ongoing multilateral discussions to reform and modernize the rules of international trade. In September 2026, WTO members concluded a dedicated round of sessions covering four reform tracks.
General Council Chair Ambassador Clare Kelly stated that WTO reform continues to move forward steadily across all areas. The discussions were led by four facilitators: Ms. Sumathi Balakrishnan (Malaysia) for foundational issues, Mr. Katsuro Nagai (Japan) for decision-making issues, Ms. Nthisana Motsete-Phillips (Botswana) for development issues, and Mr. Elmer Jose German Gonzalo Schialer Salcedo (Peru) for level playing field issues.
Under foundational issues, discussions focused on proposals concerning core WTO principles, including most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment, non-discrimination, the role of the WTO Secretariat, special and differential treatment (S&DT), and plurilateral initiatives. Further review of these proposals is scheduled for October. On decision-making, members explored practical ways to strengthen procedures while preserving consensus as the cornerstone of the organization, focusing on transparency, early engagement, and early participation by smaller delegations.
In the development track, members held in-depth discussions on S&DT, differentiation among developing members, and policy space for industrialization. Facilitator Motsete-Phillips called for concrete proposals to bridge existing differences. Regarding level playing field issues, exchanges focused on transparency, notifications, and compliance with WTO commitments as entry points to broader discussions, addressing the underlying causes of notification gaps.
General Council Chair Kelly acknowledged concerns regarding scheduling and the pace of work, noting she will consider the capacity constraints of smaller delegations when planning future meetings. All facilitators encouraged members to deepen substantive discussions through informal consultations, bilateral exchanges, and the upcoming October cluster of meetings. WTO reform will be formally discussed at the General Council meeting on 5–6 October 2026.
Who May Be Affected
WTO member state governments, trade law professionals, exporters, importers, and multinational enterprises reliant on the multilateral trading system.
Cross-Border Context
The reform discussions affect cross-border trade rights and obligations binding WTO members, including Mainland China, Switzerland, and EU Member States.
What to check next
- Outcomes of the General Council meeting scheduled for 5–6 October 2026.
- Concrete member proposals submitted during the October cluster of WTO reform meetings.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.