WT/GC/259  
TN/C/22  
 
24 October 2023  
(23-7166) Page: 1/5 
Senior Officials Meeting  
23-24 October 2023    
 
SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING  
CHAIRPERSONS ' SUMMARY  
Chairpersons : Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala – WTO Director -General and TNC Chairperson, and  
H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana) – General Council  Chairperso n 
 
This summary of the main points which have emerged from Senior Officials'  discussions over the 
past two days  is prepared by the Director -General and the Chairperson  of the  General Council as co-
Chairpersons of the Senior Officials Meeting , under their own responsibilit y. The summary is not 
exhaustive but contains the main messages from the  oral reports from facilitators of the breakout 
sessions and those made in the plenary sessions including  emerging themes or common trends; the 
political guidance or support received f rom Senior Officials; and any other action taken by Senior 
Officials over the past two days.  This is made on the understanding that Senior Officials cannot 
expect a verbatim report attributable to any delegation  but a high -level report reflective of overal l 
discussions in the breakout and plenary sessions.  
1  DISPUTE SETTLEMENT REFORM  
1.1.  On dispute settlement reform, Senior Officials recalled the MC12 commitment "to conduct 
discussions with the view to having a fully and well -functioning dispute settlement system accessible 
to all Members by 2024".  
1.2.  Overwhelmingly, Senior Officials strongly supported the ongoing inform al process on DS reform 
being carried out in Geneva by technical experts. They recognized the value of the process and the 
progress made so far in order to achieve a tangible and meaningful outcome at MC13 – while 
cognizant of the different views expressed  on the issue of the timing of the formalization of this 
process under the auspices of the DSB Chair.  
1.3.  In expressing their political support for DS reform work, Senior Officials indicated the following 
elements on the way forward: first, the need to focus on addressing the DS challenges with a sense 
of urgency; second, the need to take into account the dispute settlement interests of all Members; 
and third, the need to uphold the WTO's Member -driven nature as well as to ensure full participation, 
inclusiven ess and transparency, including by facilitating the effective participation of developing and 
LDC Members taking into account capacity constraints.   
1.4.  Going forward, all Members are encouraged to actively participate in the ongoing process on 
DS reform with  the view to achieving tangible outcomes at MC13 in line with political guidance 
provided by Senior Officials.  
2  AGRICULTURE INCLUDING FOOD SECURITY  
2.1.  Regarding agriculture and food security, it was reassuring that several Senior Officials  stressed 
the necessi ty of making progress in the agriculture negotiations on the basis of Article 20 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture and obtaining credible results on all issues of interest to Members including 
public stockholding for food security purposes, domestic support,  market access, Special Safeguard 
Mechanism, cotton , export restrictions and export competition, and strengthening the agriculture WT/GC/259 • TN/C/22  
 
- 2 - 
 
  sector to respond to contemporary challenges including rural livelihoods and environmental 
sustainability.  
2.2.  From the Facilitator's report, the discussions yesterday demonstrated Senior Officials ' strong 
engagement in favour of a credible food security outcome at MC13, including a commitment to agree 
on broad parameters to guide the negotiations post -MC13 to reac h substantiative outcomes by MC14 
which would strengthen the agricultural trading system.  But more discussions are required on how 
to shape such an outcome based on the work undertaken thus far, including how to address various 
Members' priorities and sens itivities while ensuring a comprehensive, balanced and holistic outcome.  
2.3.  We believe that Senior Officials have provided Geneva negotiators  with the political guidance 
essential to assist in prioritising the work between now and MC13 to achieve positive and  balanced 
outcomes at MC13.  But much more work remains to be done. We invite all Seniors Officials present 
as well as those who could not attend this meeting to remain engaged with their representatives in 
Geneva to support the CoA  SS Chair in his efforts  and ensure the necessary progress are made in 
the coming weeks towards fulfilling these objectives.  
3  TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  
3.1.  Senior Officials , convened as the General Council , adopted the Decision on the E xtension of 
Unilateral Duty Free and Quota Free preferences in favour of countries graduated from the LDC 
Category  (WT/L/1172 ). The decision demonstrated coherenc e between the work of the WTO and the 
UN to support the most vulnerable members of the international community. Members remain 
committed to make further progress on LDC graduation  including trying to conclude on Annex 2 
negotiations before MC13.  
3.2.  Senior Off icials were committed  to strengthening the development dimension of the WTO, 
including through the WTO reform process and through making S&DT fit for purpose for the 21st 
century. Developing country Members expressed strong need for the WTO to deliver more  support 
and policy space for development and industrialization. Senior Officials expressed support for the 
ongoing process in the CTD SS and in this context noted in particular the progress made in 
discussions on the G90 ASPs relating to the SPS and TBT A greements. Senior Officials expressed 
broad support to continue the reform discussions on development with a view to achieving concrete 
outcomes.   
3.3.  On next steps, d iscussions will continue in the CTD SS on the ten G90 ASPs in the context of 
the agreed proce ss. The intention would be to make as much progress as possible by MC13, with a 
view to possibly having concrete outcomes on at least some ASPs. Discussions on the developmental 
aspects of WTO reform will continue in the CTD. Members will continue to consi der what concrete 
outcomes may be achievable on this matter by MC13. Members will continue discussions on Annex 
2 of the LDC graduation proposal, including on the clusters which build on the LDCs' work plan, with 
a view to exploring further outcomes on thi s topic b efore or by  MC13.  
3.4.  Development is a core principle of the WTO. This is recognized by all Members. There are 
certainly different perspectives among Members on how the WTO should best move forward in 
addressing a number of key development issues, in cluding on ensuring effective S&DT for developing 
countries. However, the importance of development to the work of the WTO is undeniable. We 
therefore urge Members to work together in a spirit of collaboration and show the necessary 
flexibility to make pro gress and achieve concrete outcomes by MC13 on development -related 
matters, including on S&DT and on LDC graduation, among others.  
4  FISHERIES SUBSIDIES  
4.1.  Prospects remain high for two outcomes at MC13: the conclusion of the second phase of 
negotiations (Fish 2) and the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies  – which are 
firmly on track.  
4.2.  On Fish 2, the response to the two questions were a "resounding yes" to reaffirm the MC12 
commitment to complete  by MC13 and to conclude tex t-based discussions by December. Senior 
Officials called for strong and effective disciplines that will meaningfully reduce subsidies contributing 
to overcapacity and overfishing whilst at the same time emphasizing that special and differential WT/GC/259 • TN/C/22  
 
- 3 - 
 
  treatment r emains an integral part of the negotiations. There was also broad support for the draft 
text that the Chair circulated in September ( RD/TN/RL/174 ) as a good basis for the text -based work 
going forward. We now need to work to make the necessary compromises.  
4.3.  Many Senior Officials announced that their domestic acceptance processes for the Agreement 
on Fisheries Subsi dies are at an advanced stage and that they will deposit their instruments of 
acceptance in the near future. In the margins of the Senior Officials Meeting, nine1 Members 
deposited their instruments of acceptance bringing the total number to 52  – bringing  us very close 
to half of the number needed. There was a strong call for other Members to deposit their instruments 
of acceptance as soon as possible so that Agreement enters into force by MC13 . 
5  WTO REFORM  
5.1.  The high priority that Senior Officials attach to WTO Reform was evident. It was underscored 
that the work should continue to be transparent, inclusive,  and Member -driven. A number of Senior 
Officials said that it is important that MC13 be shaped as the WTO's first genuine Reform 
Ministerial  to demonstrate progress on the MC12 mandate to show that Members can address 
significant challenges facing the multilateral system and modernise the WTO. In this regard, the 
suggestion was made to aim for an MC13 outcom e document that contains substantive reform 
outcomes. Some Senior Officials said this meeting had provided a useful template for engagement 
by senior officials and ministers.  
5.2.  On institutional reform  – Senior Officials were pleased to note that a significan t and credible 
package was emerging – reflecting constructive engagement to improve WTO processes and 
practices through reform by doing. They said these efforts should be acknowledged and blessed 
including by Ministers at MC13. Senior Officials also reiter ated the importance of transparency and  
inclusiveness in these efforts and taking account  of the capacity constraints of developing countries 
and LDCs to effectively participate in this work. In this regard, the suggestions for a dedicated portal 
for WTO R eform and the appointment of facilitators to assist Members in narrowing down the topics 
were made.  
5.3.  A number of Senior Officials also referred to the need to engage a wider cross -section of 
stakeholders  including the private sector in the WTO's work. Howe ver, others said that informal 
engagement for knowledge sharing with external stakeholders is already undertaken through the 
WTO's public forum.  
5.4.  With regard to reform of the deliberative function  – Senior Officials said that the WTO should 
be a living and relevant institution that responds to current and future challenges. In this regard, 
they welcomed the momentum to launch a package of deliberative reforms at MC13 that positions 
the WTO to address key global trade -related challenges. In this regard, many Senior Officials said 
that Ministers should endorse a package that includes trade and industrial policy, trade and 
environmental s ustainability  and inclusivity, incorporating development, gender equality, MSMEs 
and indigenous economic empowerment, among ot hers. This would maximise the value of Ministerial 
Conferences by creating space for Ministers to discuss major trade challenges and provide guidance 
to officials on how the WTO should respond.  
5.5.  With reference to reforming the WTO's negotiating function , there was a strong call by 
several Senior Officials for a viable path for the WTO to respond to flexible and open multilateralism  
with many Senior Officials referring to the significant progress made with the conclusion of the 
Investment Facilitation for Dev elopment and Services Domestic Regulation negotiations. In this 
regard, we heard the call to sharpen  the WTO's decision -making process by exercis ing responsible 
consensus. While some Senior Officials expressed discomfort on integrating such results  into th e 
WTO's legal architecture, they expressed willingness to discuss the matter. In recognizing this 
willingne ss, we urge Members  to work together in this spirit to find a mutually agreeable way forward  
that respects the right balance . 
5.6.  Senior Officials underscored that officials in Geneva should be empowered to make as much 
rulemaking progress as possible between Ministerial Conferences, and harvest outcomes when ready 
 
1 Macao, China ; Albania ; Australia ; Botswana ; Cuba; Côte d'Ivoire ; Republic of Korea; Saint Lucia; and 
Fiji. WT/GC/259 • TN/C/22  
 
- 4 - 
 
  in the General Council – noting the recent decision on Annex 1 on LDC  Graduation.  This would help 
in not overloading Ministers' agenda at MC13.  
5.7.  We will reflect on the political guidance provided by Senior Officials on moving forward our 
WTO Reform work – and provide concrete suggestions forward.  
6  WTO REFORM – DELIBERATIONS ON TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY  
6.1.  Senior Officials had a good level of engagement on deliberations on trade and industrial policy 
– building on the recent Informal Meeting on WTO Reform focused on this area. Some Senior Officials 
called for a work programme t o be agreed at MC13 while others proposed that Ministers could 
provide relevant guidance for future deliberations post -MC13. It was also noted that the discussion 
was still premature to be brought before Ministers and that the exact scope of industrial pol icy should 
be defined more precisely. In this regard, a suggestion was made for these discussions to take place 
in existing, relevant WTO bodies and the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in such 
discussions was stressed. Many noted that the MC13  agenda was already full, and recalled that there 
were other outstanding matters, such as agriculture, which should be addressed first – as a priority 
for MC13. At the same time, Senior Officials expressed readiness to engage on this topic – in a 
meaningfu l, deeper, inclusive and evidence -based manner.  We hope that this discussion will continue 
with a view to finding a mutually agreeable path forward.  
7  WTO REFORM – DELIBERATIONS ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY  
7.1.  Senior Officials recognized the releva nce of the trade, sustainable development and 
environmental sustainability interface at the WTO and the need to demonstrate that trade can be 
part of the solution to the climate crisis. In this regard, they recognized the urgency and relevance 
of the work being carried out in Geneva. They reiterated the importance of having Ministers discuss 
trade and environment at MC13 and to provide further guidance on the direction of future work. 
Many Senior Officials recalled paragraph 14 of the MC12 outcome document and highlighted the 
importance of "the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) as a standing forum dedicated to 
dialogue among Members on the relationship between trade measures and environmental 
measures". It is our hope that the work begun by Senior Off icials in Geneva today will provide a 
platform for Ministers to discuss trade and environment when they meet at MC13 with a view to 
providing further political guidance.  
8  E-COMMERCE WORK PROGRAMME AND MORATORIUM  
8.1.  Many  Senior Officials  identified the E -commerce Work Programme and Moratorium as an 
important issue for MC13. Overall , Senior Officials  welcomed the work done since MC12 under the 
facilitator -led process. In their view, the Work Programme has been reinvigorated as per the MC12  
Decision. The dedicated discussions ha s allowed Members to share experiences and challenges faced 
on a wide range of topics. Senior Officials  stressed the need to continue this work and to focus on 
the development dimension. A large number of Senior Offic ials noted the need for increased support 
to developing countries and LDCs so as to bridge the digital divide. On the moratorium, while many 
Senior Officials  supported at least its extension at MC13, others considered that it should be lifted. 
Some called for more evidence -based discussions and further analysis on its scope, definition, and 
impact.  In parallel, the WTO is working with other international organizations – UNCTAD, the IMF, 
the OECD, and the World Bank – to gather evidence from all sides to inform the discussions.  
9  MC12 DECISION ON THE TRIPS AGREEMENT  
9.1.  On the MC12 Decision on the TRIPS Agreement, several Senior Officials called on Members to 
agree on Paragraph 8 concerning the decision's extension to diagnostics and therapeutics. In 
highlighting the need to decide on an outcome before MC13, they noted th at such an extension 
would stimulate industrial production needed to timely address health crises. They further noted 
that intellectual property rights (IPRs) should not constitute as a barrier to achieve equitable and 
timely access to all these tools duri ng pandemics. Others however highlighted that IP protection was 
crucial for stimulating innovation, investment, industrial partnerships and technology transfer – to 
increase and diversify production and achieve Members' collective goal in this regard. As S enior 
Officials expressed willingness to continue engaging on these discussions, we urge all Members to WT/GC/259 • TN/C/22  
 
- 5 - 
 
  work together to find a mutually agreeable solution soon especially given the importance of this 
matter.  
10  EMERGENCY  RESPONSE  
10.1.  Some Senior Officials stress ed the need to find timely solutions to help Members more 
effectively face global pandemics , public health cris is, food security crisis, and debt crisis,  among 
others  including by setting up trigger -ready mechanisms  for temporary and timely response. Some 
Senior Officials referred to Pandemic Response and Preparedness and the need to continue work in 
this regard – building on the MC12 Declaration on WTO Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic and 
Preparedness for Future Pandemics .  
11  LDCS, LLDCS, NFIDCS, SIDS AND S VES 
11.1.  As the Membership prepares for MC13, Senior Officials underscored the need to bear in mind 
the particular situation of LDCs, landlocked  developing countries (LLDCs), small island developing 
states (SIDS), small vulnerable economies (SVEs)  and net -food importing developing countries 
(NFIDCs). Specifically on the Work Programme on Small Economies, Senior Officials welcomed the 
work carried out in this regard including the preparations for a Ministerial Decision for adoption at 
MC13.  
12  SPS MATTER S 
12.1.  Senior Officials recognized the progress in preparing an outcome document of the SPS 
Declaration Work Programme in line with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Declaration for the Twelfth 
WTO Ministerial Conference: Responding to Modern SPS Challenges. They en couraged delegations 
in Geneva to continue to work together so that the recommendations therein would be ready for 
Ministerial consideration at MC13. On other SPS matters, a call was made to ensure that SPS 
measures were science -based.  
13  GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL AN D SUPPLY CHAINS  
13.1.  Some Senior Officials referred to the need to address challenges experienced in global 
industrial and supply chains. In particular, it was noted that challenges posed by supply chain 
disruptions due to global trade fragmentation have affect ed food security and the lives and 
livelihoods of people across the globe – especially the most vulnerable. Reference was likewise made 
to a proposed MC13 Declaration on this matter.  
14  ACCESSIONS  
14.1.  Senior Officials underscored the importance of facilitating t he conclusion of ongoing 
accessions especially of acceding LDCs in line with Paragraph 6 of the MC12 Outcome Document. In 
particular, several of them welcomed the significant progress made in the Working Parties on the 
Accessions of Comoros and Timor -Leste  and expressed their desire for these processes to conclude 
in time for MC13.  
_______________  
 
We wish to thank all Senior Officials for their constructive engagement throughout the Senior 
Officials Meeting. We commend H.E. Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu (Türkiye); H.E . Mr. Martin Eyjolfsson  
(Iceland) ; H.E. Dr. José  R. Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic); H.E. Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik 
(Norway); H.E. Ms. Ng Bee Kim (Singapore); H.E. Mr. Henry Tunupopo (Samoa ) and H.E. Mrs. Nella 
Pepe TAVITA – LEVY (Samoa)  for facilitating the breakout sessions at the Senior Officials Meeting.  
__________