Parliamentarians from around the world were called on to help shape rules and policies that make trade in services more sustainable, inclusive and development-friendly, at a dedicated parliamentary session held during the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva.
Co-organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament as part of their joint initiative, the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO (PCWTO), the meeting brought together dozens of legislators, WTO officials and experts to examine how parliaments can support sustainable trade in services through legislation, oversight and international cooperation.
Services account for more than two-thirds of global GDP and the services sector employs more people than any other, meaning that decisions about the future of trade in services are directly relevant to livelihoods around the world.
Trade in services is also the most dynamic component of world trade. It is projected to grow by 4.8% in 2026, significantly outpacing trade in goods.
Yet trading services is often more costly and complex than trading goods, owing to regulatory barriers, gaps in digital infrastructure and skills mismatches. These are areas where parliamentary action can help create more open, fair and sustainable markets.
Participants in the meeting explored how parliaments can legislate and oversee policies that reduce unnecessary barriers to trade in services while safeguarding public interest objectives. They also considered how national laws can be aligned with WTO rules and ongoing negotiations to support sustainable development, job creation and more inclusive growth.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “Parliamentarians have always played a huge role in trade reform. Your criticisms are welcome but so are fresh ideas to help us ensure that the multilateral trading system responds to people’s needs. At a time when trust in international cooperation is under strain, we need your engagement to help rebuild confidence and show that trade can deliver tangible benefits for all.”
Addressing the Steering Committee for the first time as IPU Secretary General, Anda Filip said: “In the face of climate change, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, we need a trading system that is open and predictable, but also capable of contributing to more sustainable and resilient economies that benefit all the people. Parliaments have a crucial role to play in shaping this new balance.”
