Amid ever-changing geopolitical dynamics and systemic shocks, questions about the link between trade and peace have re-emerged. While the multilateral trading system was founded on the post-World War II belief that economic interdependence could prevent conflict, its relevance and effectiveness in today’s fractured global order are increasingly under scrutiny. Against this backdrop, FMG is pleased to organize a session to discuss the WTO’s publication “Trade for Peace: Pathways to Sustainable Trade and Peace.” The discussion will explore the evolving nexus between trade and peace, highlighting the contributions of diverse stakeholders and the potential of the multilateral trading system to support peace-building efforts in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

As the multilateral trading system navigates the transition from a period of U.S.-led globalization to an era of deepening strategic competition, the contours of a potential “Pax Sinica” present both unprecedented challenges and strategic choices. This geopolitical reconfiguration tests the core tenets of the WTO and places regions like Latin America at a critical juncture, forcing a reassessment of their roles and pathways within a fragmenting economic order.

FMG is honored to host this session to examine the implications of this shift and explore viable paths forward.

On October 23, the Friends of Multilateralism (FMG) convened the fifth session of its high-level dialogue series on "The Future of WTO Reform," featuring a dialogue with Amina Mohamed, Founder and Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum (TNIF) and former Permanent Representative of Kenya to the WTO.

On 14 October 2025, the Friends of Multilateralism Group (FMG) organized the 13th session of its “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) brainstorming series on Australia. Willy Alfaro, FMG member and e former Director of Trade Polices Review Division at the WTO moderated this session.

Simon Evenett, FMG member and Founder of Global Trade Alert; George Riddell, Managing Director at Goyder Ltd., a trade consultancy, and Allie Renison, Director for Advocacy at the global consultancy SEC Newgate in its UK arm shared their views on the trade policies of Australia.

Over 30 participants joined the session, including members of FMG, Ambassadors/DPRs of WTO members, and experts from renowned think tanks etc.

FMG has launched the brainstorming initiative titled “Trade Policy Preview” (TP-P) to host a candid and forward-looking dialogue on trade policy trends of key players of the WTO and their implications on the WTO reform discussions. FMG has successfully organized 13 TP-P sessions on China, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, U.S.A, Japan, EU, SACU, China, Nigeria, Australia and the UK.

Despite the challenges faced by WTO dispute settlement mechanism since 2019 when the Appellate Body became non-functional, this mechanism is still alive, particularly with the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) providing members with a new avenue for dispute resolution.

Against this backdrop, FMG is launching a new series of online brainstorming on WTO Dispute Settlement rulings, entitled “WTO Disputes Decoding Series” (WDDS) to provide a user-friendly analysis of the final rulings of MPIA, and of the panel when related parties accept.

FMG is glad to organize the first session of this series on recent MPIA ruling on DS611-Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.

The global economic order is undergoing another profound transformation. Amid a fragile recovery and uncertain growth prospects, two significant developments — the U.S.-China Joint Trade Statement and the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal — are introducing new possibilities into the global economic and trade landscape.

FMG is glad to host a brainstorming session to discuss on these new developments, their implications for the global trade and the WTO reform, as well as the way forward.

The world finds itself at a critical inflection point. Just as the global economy appeared to be stabilizing after years of turbulence, a new wave of policy shifts and heightened uncertainties has sharply altered the trajectory of growth. With forecasts revised downward, escalating trade tensions, and financial markets adjusting to unprecedented volatility, the risks to stability are mounting.

As the world grapples with these complex dynamics, proactive and coordinated action will be essential to safeguarding economic stability. FMG are glad to bring together leading experts to examine these challenges and chart a path forward.

Trump 2.0 has substanbially transformed the US trade policy and posed serious challenges to international trade. Against this context, the multilateral trading system and the reform of the WTO are also facing strong headwinds.

In this context, FMG is glad to organize a webinar entitled "Trump Trade Policy and WTO Reform" to discuss these policy changes and their implications for the WTO reform.

With the WTO confronted with turbulence and uncertainty, the vision of the new European Commission, the evolution of the EU's trade policy in the WTO is pivotal. Many other members depend on EU's leadership role in help rebuilding the trust of the multilateral trading system and preserving the certainty in global trade in the years to come.

In light of the dynamics around the global economic landscape, FMG is glad to host this webinar to explore the future trajectory of EU trade policy and its role in the WTO.

In the face of evolving global economic landscapes, shifting trade dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, the WTO finds itself in an increasingly difficult situation to maintain its relevance and effectiveness and to push forward its own reform. At this critical juncture, insights, analysis, and recommendations on the way forward are extremely needed.

Therefore, FMG is launching the initiative “High-level Dialogue on the Future of WTO Reform”, to invite top WTO experts to benefit from their wisdom and visions on the challenges, potential solutions, and needed actions by all WTO stakeholders to help sustain multilateralism, nurse essential reforms of the system, and reform the WTO of the future.

FMG is pleased to host the second high-level dialogue with Tim Groser, former Ambassador of New Zealand to the WTO.