As a vital bridge between citizens and global trade policymakers, the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO (PCWTO), as per its objectives since its inception, continues to enhance the transparency, inclusiveness and oversight of the multilateral trading system through its active engagement with the WTO. Through the collaboration of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament, the PCWTO convenes legislators from around the world to bring national perspectives directly into WTO discourse. This year’s parliamentary session at the WTO Public Forum, entitled Promoting multilateralism through digital trade: What role for parliaments? will explore how lawmakers can help shape policies that harness digital technologies to foster inclusive growth, strengthen global cooperation, and modernize trade governance. Drawing on insights from diverse stakeholders, the session will highlight the responsibilities of parliaments in designing legislation that supports cross-border digital trade, ensures equitable access, and reinforces the multilateral framework in an increasingly digital economy.

The parliamentary session will be addressed by parliamentarians from Member Parliaments of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament, as well as representatives of the digital industry.

It will be moderated by the co-Chairs of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO. 

Detailed information on the Public Forum is available on the WTO website. 

Participants are required to register online here. 

More information on logistical issues is available here.