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Informal Learning and WTO Renewal. Using Thematic Sessions to Create More Opportunities for Dialogue

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  • Robert Wolfe

Abstract

Thematic sessions are a broad class of meetings that are sponsored by or associated with a WTO body in some way, but that are not part of its formal meetings. The WTO held over 100 such sessions in the three years from 2017 to 2019. They bring dynamism to WTO by allowing committees to consider what works well and what does not under an agreement, including by sharing experiences with implementation, and helping to define what is next on the agenda. This paper analyses how such meetings are organized, focusing on how themes are chosen, participation (who speaks), the degree of transparency, and funding, drawing on a database of all thematic sessions from the beginning of 2017 until the end of 2019. Enhanced use of thematic sessions can contribute to strengthening connections between Geneva delegations and capitals.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Wolfe, 2020. "Informal Learning and WTO Renewal. Using Thematic Sessions to Create More Opportunities for Dialogue," RSCAS Working Papers 2020/51, European University Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2020/51
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robert Wolfe, 2020. "Reforming WTO Conflict Management. Why and How to Improve the Use of “Specific Trade Concerns”," RSCAS Working Papers 2020/53, European University Institute.
    2. Fiorini, Matteo & Mavroidis, Petros C. & Saluste, Maarja & Wolfe, Robert, 2020. "WTO Dispute Settlement and the Appellate Body: Insider perceptions and Members’ revealed preferences," CEPR Discussion Papers 14834, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Wolfe, Robert, 2017. "Sunshine over Shanghai: Can the WTO Illuminate the Murky World of Chinese SOEs?," World Trade Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(4), pages 713-732, October.
    4. Oecd, 2019. "Measuring distortions in international markets: The aluminium value chain," OECD Trade Policy Papers 218, OECD Publishing.
    5. Bernard Hoekman & Douglas Nelson, 2020. "Subsidies, Spillovers and Multilateral Cooperation," RSCAS Working Papers 2020/12, European University Institute.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Wolfe, 2020. "Reforming WTO Conflict Management. Why and How to Improve the Use of “Specific Trade Concerns”," RSCAS Working Papers 2020/53, European University Institute.
    2. Bernard Hoekman & Douglas Nelson, 2020. "Rethinking international subsidy rules," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(12), pages 3104-3132, December.
    3. Robert Wolfe, 2020. "Yours is Bigger than Mine! Could an Index like the PSE Help in Understanding the Comparative Incidence of Industrial Subsidies?," RSCAS Working Papers 2020/52, European University Institute.

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    Keywords

    WTO committees; institutional reform; trade governance; international cooperation;
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