Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG)

FMG Webinar on MC14 and WTO reform

The outcomes of MC14 and the state of WTO reform remain central to discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system. While the Ministerial Conference delivered certain results, significant disagreements persist on key issues such as dispute settlement, digital trade, and development. These unresolved questions point to a broader reality: WTO reform is not advancing at the same pace or in the same direction across all members. Understanding where reform currently stands — and what pathways remain viable — requires careful examination. FMG is pleased to host this webinar to assess the outcomes of MC14, take stock of the current state of WTO reform, and explore potential ways forward.

FMG Webinar on WTO Ministerial Conferences-Lessons to Learn from the History

The outcomes of MC14 and the state of WTO reform remain central to discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system. But beyond the substance, the process by which ministerial conferences are prepared and run—ranging from the roles of the General Council Chair and the TNC Chair to the use of informal consultations—has a profound impact on what can be achieved. Against this backdrop, this webinar aims not to assess the outcome of MC14 in isolation, but to take a step back and examine the process of WTO ministerial conferences: how they have evolved, what institutional dynamics shape them, and what lessons can be drawn from past experiences—including the Uruguay Round, MC5 in Cancun, and MC14. Understanding where reform currently stands—and what pathways remain viable—requires careful examination of these procedural realities. That is precisely what we hope to unpack today. FMG is pleased to host this discussion to explore the process of WTO ministerial conferences, and to reflect on what they tell us about the state and direction of WTO reform.

FMG Trade Policy Preview (TP-P) Initiative Series: Japan

Given the continuous challenges confronted by the multilateral trading system, including geopolitical tensions, and renewed dynamism among members on WTO reform across the board of its functions, FMG is committed to further its efforts to promote mutual understanding through meaningful dialogue among members, especially the major ones. For that purpose, FMG has launched the brainstorming initiative titled “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) to host a candid and forward-looking dialogue on trade policy trends of key players of the WTO and their implications on the WTO reform discussions. Previous TP-P sessions organized by FMG, shortly before the normal Trade Policy Review (TPR) of some WTO Members, could be found: https://fmg-geneva.org/fmg-trade-policy-preview-tp-p-session-on-the-uk/ FMG is most glad to organize a TP-P session on Japan in May 2026.

FMG Webinar on Tax Credits aspects of the US IRA, WT/DS 623

The intersection of climate policy and international trade rules has become a defining legal challenge of our time. Against this backdrop, the recent Panel Report on the United States – Certain Tax Credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (DS623) raises fundamental questions about the compatibility of climate-driven industrial measures with core WTO disciplines. This session seeks to explore the legal reasoning of the Panel, the prospects for reconciling climate subsidies with TRIMs and SCM disciplines, and the broader implications for the future of trade and environmental governance. Key questions include but are not limited to whether and why local content requirements have resisted justification under Article XX, whether new readings of the SCM Agreement might accommodate climate objectives, and what the causation between subsidy, injury, and climate goals entails for WTO jurisprudence.

FMG Webinar on Most-Favoured-Nation

The Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle is a cornerstone of the World Trade Organization. Recently major WTO members have tabled new proposals that seek to reinterpret or update the role of MFN. As members navigate these proposals, discussions within the WTO have become increasingly dynamic. FMG is glad to host this webinar which aims to unpack these recent developments, examine the key proposals put forward by major trading powers, and explore the implications of these discussions for the future of global trade governance.