On 08 August 2014, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) announced that a total of 71 sessions would take place at its 2014 Public Forum titled “Why Trade Matters to Everyone”. The three-day Forum will from October 1-3 focus on the human story behind trade, giving participants an opportunity to discuss the impact of trade on jobs and consumers and trade in Africa.
The sessions will be organised by a wide range of participants, including businesses, academia, media, law firms, non-governmental organisations and international organisations.Topics for debate include how trade can help foster growth and jobs, how best to balance free trade and consumer protection, and to what extent Africa benefits from open trade. Out of the 71 sessions, 23 will be dedicated to trade and Africa, the regional focus of this year's Forum.
In the run-up to the Forum, the WTO has launched a worldwide survey to gather the public's thoughts about international trade and how it affects the day-to-day lives of citizens worldwide. You can express your views at www.surveymonkey.com/s/82CBQCS.
The WTO has invited participation in its trade selfie initiative. To participate you need to take a picture of yourself and to tell the WTO how trade impacts your daily life. According to the WTO your best photos will be displayed at the Public Forum and will be posted on the WTO website and its social media channels. The WTO has also invited you to send your selfie to selfie4trade@wto.org