Environment and development are rarely considered holistically in the WTO's work program but, rather, are isolated in separate committees where progress has stalled. Currently, WTO processes are opaque, closed to public participation and lack accountability. In many cases developing country missions lack staff to attend all meetings and to work on all areas of the WTO's work program. Consequently, the WTO rules and timetable largely represent the interests of the developed countries and their industries. New mechanisms are required to assist developing countries.
Sustainable development is impossible in a climate of boom and bust economic instability.
The US and EU, should not constrain governments' ability to adopt capital controls on the national level. One third of all trade occurs within a TNC, and many TNCs are more powerful than many WTO governments, raising concerns about competition, monopolization of markets and good governance. Greater accountability and transparency is required from these organizations. Click here to go back to the top. Click here to go back to the main menu.