South Centre Note, 5 December 2025

WTO Reform: Reflections on Reform Week and Suggested Approaches for Breakout Groups

A Note Reviewing the Process and Reform Tracks in Advance of WTO Reform Week, 5 December 2025

By Vahini Naidu, Trade for Development Programme, South Centre

This note provides an assessment of the papers circulated by the WTO Reform Facilitator for Reform Week and highlights the structural gaps that limit their balance and practical value to move forward these discussions in a manner that takes the demands and interests of developing and least developed country Members into account. The current drafts reflect a narrow interpretation of the consultations, introduce elements that were not examined collectively and overlook mandated issues that continue to shape the functioning of the system. This note sets out the adjustments that Members may wish to propose to restore a development centred framing, make a clear distinction between descriptive reflections and new reform ideas, and ensure that any work proceeds in line with Ministerial instructions for a member driven, transparent and inclusive process. The aim is to place the discussion on a footing that reflects the full range of Member views and respects the mandates already agreed.

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WTO Reform: Reflections on Reform Week and Suggested Approaches for Breakout Groups