Philippines Co-Sponsors 30th Anniversary Statement of World Trade Organization

Photo courtesy of World Trade Organization

GENEVA 16 April 2025 — The Philippines, together with 39 WTO Member Economies and  Friends of the System, co-sponsors the milestone document titled, Statement in Support of the  Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the  WTO.  

With the hope of keeping the spirit of Marrakesh alive, the Statement highlights the value and  achievements of the WTO since 1995. It also acknowledges WTO’s role in upholding the  principles of a free, fair, inclusive, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system  amidst the ever-changing global economic architecture, especially with rising protectionism,  trade disruptions, and climate change. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in her remarks,  emphasized that, “The uncertainty around global trade has reminded many members why they  value the WTO as a bedrock of predictability in the global economy – and as a platform for  dialogue and cooperation on trade.” 

The Statement also emphasized the importance of promoting necessary reforms within the  organization in order to adapt and ensure its relevance as we chart the future direction of the  WTO. Director-General Ngozi stated that these economic challenges may be seen as an  opportunity to “change the system for the better,” and called on the Member-Economies that “work should start here in Geneva and culminate with a ministerial debate and endorsement  of a way forward at MC14.”  

In his statement, the Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO  Manuel A.J. Teehankee stated that “the Philippine co-sponsorship of the Statement reaffirms  the Philippine commitment to the WTO’s core principles of utilizing trade as a driver of  development and prosperity to the global community of nations!” 

The 30th Anniversary Statement was issued during the celebration of the WTO held on 10 April  2025, which was attended by the Former Prime Minister of  Portugal and former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, State Councillor Ms. Anne  Hiltpold on behalf of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, former WTO Directors-General  Ambassador Roberto Azevedo and Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Chairs of the General  Council, members of the international organizations, and private sectors. 

The Philippines is one of the pioneer members of the WTO since its establishment on 01 January  1995.  

The full Statement may be accessed here:  

https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/WT/GC/271.pdf&Open=T rue . END

WTO Director-General Ngozi with the high-level officials attended the WTO@30 event.  Photocourtesy of World Trade Organization 

For more information, visit https://wtopm.dfa.gov.ph/.