Event Summary
The opening plenary of the WTO Public Forum, moderated by Chad P. Bown, Reginald Jones Senior Fellow at PIIE, and Cecilia Malmström, PIIE nonresident senior fellow, explores how business leaders around the world are experiencing today’s global trading system, where trust, predictability, and cooperation are increasingly being tested. The session examines how high-level actors navigate current challenges and what role the WTO can play in restoring confidence, fostering transformation, and ensuring the global trade architecture remains relevant and responsive to real-world needs. The discussion also provides timely food for thought as WTO members embark on the urgent and pivotal task of reforming the WTO to meet the demands of people and planet.
SPEAKERS
Lola Aworanti-Ekugo
Founder, Afriborder
Rosario Navarro Betteley
President, SOFOFA
Yoji Saito
Global Chief Advisor, Mitsubishi Electric
Cynthia Sanfilippo
Vice President, Global Public Affairs, L'Oréal
Philippe Varin
Chair, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)