The WTO’s 2023 Public Forum will take place in person in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 12 to 15 under the central theme “It is Time for Action”.  
It will explore how trade can promote a greener and more sustainable future. Specifically, the Forum will examine how trade can facilitate access to environmental goods, services, and technologies, assist in achieving the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlined in the Paris Agreement, and continue to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. 

Only a few months ago, the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) reached historic consensus on the revision of its Policy on International Trade, underscoring the commitment and the efforts of the Organisations and its Members to advance a more fair, sustainable and inclusive global trading system.

The revised policy stresses the urgent need for governments and the international community, alongside the private sector, to engage with farmers and their organisations, to keep global agricultural trade flows open and facilitate trade operations.

The upcoming WTO 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) is expected to provide a unique opportunity to ensure that trade contributes to strengthening global food security, helping reach consensus in the negotiations on agriculture.
We believe farmers are uniquely positioned to contribute to these conversations and their involvement is critical to achieve a more food secure and sustainable future for all.

A delegation from the WFO, including representatives from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), LTO Netherlands, the National Farmers’ Union UK (NFU UK), theSwiss Farmers Union, and other WFO member organizations, will attend the Forum and advocate for the interests of farmers.