Yaoundé, Cameroon — The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) convened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from March 26 to 29, 2026. The event brought together ministers from around the world to address the challenges and opportunities facing the multilateral trading system.
The conference was chaired by Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade. The opening session included remarks from the MC14 Chair, the WTO Director-General, and invited guests, including heads of state or government. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the current difficulties in world commerce and the multilateral trading system, noting the unprecedented disruptions over the past 80 years.
The agenda covered discussions on WTO reform, dispute settlement, fisheries subsidies, the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, e — commerce, agriculture, and development issues, including those concerning least developed countries. The preparatory process resulted in a complex array of reform proposals and draft ministerial statements.
The conference also featured the IISD Trade + Sustainability Hub, which brought together thought leaders from governments, business, and civil society to explore how trade policy can evolve to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. Among the participants were Trudi Hartzenberg, Professor Gerhard Erasmus, Maria Immanuel, Cham Etienne Bama, and Blaise Abong Bebey.
The conference concluded with a Heads of Delegation meeting at ministerial level, preparing for the closing session. The future of the WTO remains a critical issue, with a broad coalition of nations seeking to prevent the organization from further decline.
Source: tralac
