The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) flagship outreach event, the WTO Public Forum 2025, officially opened today at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva.

This year’s forum, which marks the WTO’s 30th anniversary, is centred on the theme of digital advancement and its growing influence on trade, global connectivity, and innovation.

Over the next two days, participants from around the world will explore how emerging digital tools are reshaping the international trading system and driving economic cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

According to the WTO, this year’s forum comes at a critical moment as the global economy continues to undergo rapid digital transformation.

The event is expected to highlight both the opportunities and risks presented by new technologies, with a particular emphasis on how digital innovation can empower small businesses, expand market access, and strengthen the foundations of a modern, inclusive, and sustainable trading environment.

Approximately 4,500 participants — including trade experts, economists, academics, business leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives — are attending the forum.

Over the course of the two days, they will take part in 88 sessions featuring around 350 speakers who will address key challenges and opportunities arising from digital trade and its environmental implications.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Ismaila Dieng, Director of the WTO’s Information and External Relations Division, described the Public Forum as a vital space for inclusive dialogue and idea-sharing beyond formal negotiations.

He noted that it serves as an essential platform for exchanging fresh perspectives that can help shape the future of the multilateral trading system, particularly in the context of digital transformation.

Coinciding with the forum’s launch, the WTO today also released the World Trade Report 2025, its 23rd edition of this flagship annual publication.

This year’s report focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to support inclusive trade and economic growth.

It offers in-depth, data-driven analysis aimed at helping policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders navigate a changing global trade environment.

Officials familiar with the report noted that it is being launched against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty in global trade policy, which continues to affect investment, supply chains, and business confidence.

Despite these challenges, they pointed to the ongoing commitment of many WTO members to uphold the rule-based trading system as a positive sign amid growing disruptions.

The WTO Public Forum was first held in 2001 under the name Public Symposium and was rebranded in 2006.

Since then, it has become the organisation’s largest and most inclusive outreach event, providing a unique platform for stakeholders to reflect on the evolving nature of global trade and to propose ways to strengthen the multilateral trading system.

This year’s discussions are expected to play a key role in shaping future policy directions as the world adapts to the digital era, with particular attention to ensuring that developing and least-developed countries are not left behind in the global digital economy.