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WTO Chief Urges Urgent Reforms to Prevent Trade Chaos

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says reform is urgent because the current system cannot remain unchanged, or chaos could ensue in global trade.
The upcoming ministerial meeting in Cameroon will focus on implementing these reforms.
Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged challenges from U.S. tariffs and urged leadership from Europe and middle powers.
She said the WTO provides stability but is hampered by a consensus requirement and a weakened dispute system.

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Story summary

The World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says reform is urgent because the current system cannot remain unchanged, or chaos could ensue in global trade.
The upcoming ministerial meeting in Cameroon will focus on implementing these reforms.
Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged challenges from U.S. tariffs and urged leadership from Europe and middle powers.
She said the WTO provides stability but is hampered by a consensus requirement and a weakened dispute system.