For the past 20 years, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament (EP) have been jointly leading the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO) – a permanent mechanism of parliamentary contribution to this inter-governmental body, its de facto parliamentary dimension. The Conference brings together legislators who, as members of standing and select committees in their respective parliaments, specialize in international trade and finance.

The principal objective of the Conference is to mobilize parliamentary action in support of the promotion of global trade that is beneficial for all.

Sessions of the Parliamentary Conference are held annually and in connection with WTO Ministerial Conferences.

The Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) will take place at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 26 to 29 February 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In conformity with its usual practices, the PCWTO, in cooperation with the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE, will hold its annual session on the occasion of the MC13 at the ADNEC on 25 February 2024. This session will be preceded by the 53rd session (in camera) of the Steering Committee of the PCWTO on 24 February 2024. Please refer to the draft agenda of this parliamentary meeting.

Participation in the session is guided by the general principles set out in Article 2 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO. The session is intended primarily for legislators who are directly involved in parliamentary activities dealing with international trade and development.

Logistical arrangements including information about the outcome document, visas, transportation and accommodation are provided in the practical information note.