Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG)

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...

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, th...

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 initiativ...

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...

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...

The landscape of multilateral engagement is increasingly marked by shifts in national commitments to international institutions. The withdrawal of certain countries from certain international organizations invites close examination, particularly in terms of its repercussions for the global trading system and the World Trade Organization. Notably, institutions such as UNCTAD and ITC — each integral...

The landscape of multilateral engagement is increasingly marked by shifts in national commitments to international institutions. The withdrawal of certain countries from certain international organizations invites close examination, particularly in terms of its repercussions for the global trading system and the World Trade Organization. Notably, institutions such as UNCTAD and ITC — each integral...

In the face of evolving global economic landscapes, shifting trade dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, the WTO finds itself in an increasingly difficult situation to maintain its relevance and effectiveness and to push forward its own reform. At this critical juncture, insights, analysis, and recommendations on the way forward for WTO reform are extremely needed. Therefore, FMG is la...

Amid ever-changing geopolitical dynamics and systemic shocks, questions about the link between trade and peace have re-emerged. While the multilateral trading system was founded on the post-World War II belief that economic interdependence could prevent conflict, its relevance and effectiveness in today’s fractured global order are increasingly under scrutiny. Against this backdrop, FMG is pleased...

As the multilateral trading system navigates the transition from a period of U.S.-led globalization to an era of deepening strategic competition, the contours of a potential “Pax Sinica” present both unprecedented challenges and strategic choices. This geopolitical reconfiguration tests the core tenets of the WTO and places regions like Latin America at a critical juncture, forcing a reassessment...

On October 23, the Friends of Multilateralism (FMG) convened the fifth session of its high-level dialogue series on "The Future of WTO Reform," featuring a dialogue with Amina Mohamed, Founder and Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum (TNIF) and former Permanent Representative of Kenya to the WTO.

On 14 October 2025, the Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG) organized the 13th session of its “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) brainstorming series on Australia. Willy Alfaro, FMG member and e former Director of Trade Polices Review Division at the WTO moderated this session. Simon Evenett, FMG member and Founder of Global Trade Alert; George Riddell, Managing Director at Goyder Ltd., a trade cons...

Despite the challenges faced by WTO dispute settlement mechanism since 2019 when the Appellate Body became non-functional, this mechanism is still alive, particularly with the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) providing members with a new avenue for dispute resolution. Against this backdrop, FMG is launching a new series of online brainstorming on WTO Dispute Settlement rul...

The global economic order is undergoing another profound transformation. Amid a fragile recovery and uncertain growth prospects, two significant developments — the U.S.-China Joint Trade Statement and the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal — are introducing new possibilities into the global economic and trade landscape. FMG is glad to host a brainstorming session to discuss on these new developments...

The world finds itself at a critical inflection point. Just as the global economy appeared to be stabilizing after years of turbulence, a new wave of policy shifts and heightened uncertainties has sharply altered the trajectory of growth. With forecasts revised downward, escalating trade tensions, and financial markets adjusting to unprecedented volatility, the risks to stability are mounting. As...

Trump 2.0 has substanbially transformed the US trade policy and posed serious challenges to international trade. Against this context, the multilateral trading system and the reform of the WTO are also facing strong headwinds. In this context, FMG is glad to organize a webinar entitled "Trump Trade Policy and WTO Reform" to discuss these policy changes and their implications for the WTO reform.

With the WTO confronted with turbulence and uncertainty, the vision of the new European Commission, the evolution of the EU's trade policy in the WTO is pivotal. Many other members depend on EU's leadership role in help rebuilding the trust of the multilateral trading system and preserving the certainty in global trade in the years to come. In light of the dynamics around the global economic lands...

In the face of evolving global economic landscapes, shifting trade dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, the WTO finds itself in an increasingly difficult situation to maintain its relevance and effectiveness and to push forward its own reform. At this critical juncture, insights, analysis, and recommendations on the way forward are extremely needed. Therefore, FMG is launching the ini...

As a central issue of the WTO reform, its decision-making mechanism has been discussed and extensively. Based on some recent proposals by WTO members on this issue, FMG is most glad to host a candid and inclusive dialogue to exchange views and explore potential ways forward for an effective WTO’s decision-making process that can respond to the 21st century challenges. To our knowledge, the related...

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 initiativ...

In the face of evolving global economic landscapes, shifting trade dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, the WTO finds itself in an increasingly difficult situation to maintain its relevance and effectiveness and to push forward its own reform. At this critical juncture, insights, analysis, and recommendations on the way forward are extremely needed. Therefore, FMG is launching the ini...

The Republican candidate, Donald Trump, has secured the electoral votes needed to become the 47th President of the United States (US). Trump will officially take office on 20 January 2025. The implications of the US presidential election for global trade are now at the forefront of discussions around the world. The US plays a pivotal role in shaping international trade dynamics and the outcome of...

In October 2024, the report “Working together for better climate action” was published, which outlined pathways for coordinated approaches on climate action, carbon pricing and the cross-border effects of climate change mitigation policies, with a view to achieving global climate goals. FMG is pleased to host this session based on this report to further the international discussions on the key rol...

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 initiativ...

Debates over exchange rates and financial policies often spill over into the trade policy sphere. At this session of FMG, we invited Mark Sobel, US Chairman at OMFIF; Petros C. Mavroidis, Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, and Hector Torres, former Executive Director at the IMF. Brad McDonald, former Deputy of Trade Policy at the external sector Division of IMF moderated this session. The pa...