WT/MIN(22)/35  
 
24 June 2022  
(22-4890) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 202 2   
 
MC12 OPENING SESSION  
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. TIMUR SULEIMENOV (KAZAKHSTAN)  
CHAIRMAN OF THE TWELFTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE  
SUNDAY, 12 JUNE 2022  
1.  Ministers last met almost half a decade ago. A lot has happened since then. The world, the 
multilateral trading system and the WTO have faced unprecedented challenges. We are currently 
living in a once -in-a-generational period that demands collective action from all of us. And MC12 
presents a unique opportunity for us to make this happen.  
2.  Over t he next three days, the world's eyes are on the WTO. We have a chance to address some 
of the major challenges facing the global economy . 
3.  Kazakhstan joined the WTO only in 2015 with big aspirations and hopes in the future of the rules 
based multilateral tra ding system. Despite being the largest landlocked country located at the heart 
of Eurasia,  Kazakhstan has played an important role in deepening trade and investment cooperation 
between Europe and Asia, and despite the difficult times we remain firmly commi tted to 
strengthening "trade and integration " and "peace and security " through the multilateral platforms , 
including here in Geneva .  
4.  More than two years ago, we were all struck by an unprecedented health crisis , and I want to 
thank all Members – especiall y delegates in Geneva – for their tireless engagement in advancing the 
work on the WTO Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic, including the TRIPS Waiver . 
5.  My heartfelt thanks also go to the Director -General for her work with various stakeholders and 
internation al organizations. My deep  gratitude goes to the General Council Chair, the TRIPS Council 
Chair and the Facilitator on the pandemic response for their excellent leadership and engagement  
in this endeavour . 
6.  Addressing the pandemic is an issue of utmost prior ity – both regarding intellectual property and 
trade-related aspects. Should WTO Members agree on such a framework at this Conference,  
whenever the next pandemic comes, our collective attention would be entirely focused on saving 
lives. Based on the exper ience and lessons learned from the current pandemic we must build 
effective solutions for the future.  
7.  As the world continues to experience the negative effects of COVID -19, it is faced with another 
crisis – ongoing, unsettling and worsening food insecurity . Between 7 20 and 811 million people in 
the world face d hunger in 2020 - around one in 10 , according to UN estimates.  Families across the 
globe experience food shortages and are faced with the rising prices  of staple food commodities . 
Hunger is on the rise , and it is our responsibility to deliver meaningful results to help address this 
issue.  
8.  As WTO Members , we have a duty to develop  predictable  international markets in sustainable 
and inclusive manner.   WT/MIN(22)/35  
 
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  9.  In order for us to make the WTO more responsive to the challenges the world faces  today, more 
relevant in the face of the two global emergencies in front of us, we need to strengthen this 
organization and reform it.  
10.  Ensuring that our multilateral negotiatin g instrument remains fully functioning is very critical – 
especially for the most vulnerable amongst us who rely  on the WTO to have their voices heard on 
trade-related  issues . 
11.  Over the coming days, I will be counting on your good will and your flexibility and open hearts 
to build the necessary convergence  to achieve credible outcomes  on agriculture , fisheries subsidies, 
as well as on the number of other important issues  for our consideration . 
12.  This week, the Ministers ha ve an opportunity to provide both guidance and impetus on how 
agriculture negotiations will be carried forward  here in Geneva in the coming years. We also have 
an opportunity to finally curb harmful fisheries subsidies through a balanced package, taking into 
consideration a core principle of this house: special and differential treatment.   
13.  In addition, we owe the world a Declaration that captures our collective resolve and commitment 
to our future work. It has been close to a decade since Ministers agreed on a multilateral Ministerial 
Declaration. Let us not deprive this organization of the political guidance that i s genuinely needed – 
particularly during these difficult times.   
14.  Outstanding work has been done in Geneva to prepare a draft outcome document for MC12, 
and I appreciate the tire less efforts by the General Council Chairman and his predecessor, as well 
as the positive engagement by Members. We are extremely grateful to you. I understand that several 
issues remain to be addressed – and I urge all of you to exercise the necessary fle xibility and political 
will to get this job done  here in Geneva . 
15.  In this regard, one crucial issue in the document is Reform. All WTO Members agree on the 
importance of effecting meaningful reforms to strengthen the functioning of this organization. We 
have a chance to set the stage for future work on WTO reform, to make it fit -for-purpose. Let us 
seize this opportunity – now.  
16.  Excellencies, the task at hand is clear. There are many issues on the table, and we have very 
little time ahead of us to address them. Rest assured that the Director -General, the General Council 
Chair and myself  are here for you every step of the wa y. 
17.  Kazakhstan is a firm believer in the Multilateral Trading System, in the WTO, and in our 
collective drive and ability to deliver. With this in mind, I look forward to working with the Director -
General, the General Council Chairman and all Ministers. Thr oughout this work, you can count on 
my unwavering support and determination. As the Chair of MC12, I will spare no effort in helping to 
bridge gaps to secure a meaningful Ministerial Conference.  
18.  Let us now roll up our sleeves and get to wor k.  I thank all of you and I wish good luck to all of 
us.  
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