Speaking at the Opening Plenary of the 2019 Public Forum on 8 October, World Trade Organisation Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, urged the dignitaries to be aware of the need to adapt to a trading environment that is undergoing rapid technological change.
“We need to change because as technology advances, more services become tradeable, and rising generations join the workforce.”
“New technologies have the potential to expand human capabilities and enable inclusive prosperity,” said Azevêdo.
However, he did say there needed to be a mutual understanding on how to effectively implement these technological advances as people still wanted a sense of job security.
“But of course, some things remain constant. People still want decent jobs. They want a sense of security about their own prospects, and those of their children.”
The three-day public forum is the WTO’s largest annual outreach event, providing a unique platform for parliamentarians, leading global business people, students, academics and non-governmental organisations to come together and debate on a wide range of WTO issues and on some of the major trade and development topics of the day.
3,200 participants registered to attend this year's Forum, a 30 per cent increase over last year, with 140 sessions scheduled over the four days of the event — an all-time record.
“The enthusiasm has been reassuring. It means we're asking the right questions — and that we are working together to find answers,” said Azevêdo.
The Forum – which includes the launch of the 2019 edition of the World Trade Report: The Future of Trade in Services – will explore avenues for countries, businesses and traders to best adapt to the ever-changing environment during high-level sessions.
