Trade ministers from around the world are convening in Cameroon on Thursday to begin key discussions on reforming the World Trade Organization, with warnings that failure to reach a consensus could undermine the global trade body.

The WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) is set to run from March 26 to 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The high-level meeting comes at a critical juncture for global trade, as rising geopolitical tensions—including the effects of the U.S.–Israel conflict involving Iran—and the growing use of tariffs pose risks to the stability of the multilateral trading system.

With the WTO’s dispute settlement system stalled for six years and divisions among major economies widening, the conference is viewed as a crucial opportunity to restore the organisation’s relevance.

Stakeholders caution that failure to deliver meaningful reforms could hasten fragmentation in global trade governance, as countries increasingly seek alternative arrangements outside the WTO.

The Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce,
John Denton, warned that rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions could lead to significant economic repercussions.

“From a business perspective, this could yet become the worst industrial crisis in living memory,” he said.

He pointed to the dangers of rising energy costs and fertilizer shortages, warning they could deepen food insecurity, particularly across Africa.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala recognized the challenges of the negotiations, noting that significant divisions persist among member states.

At the same time, Swiss Ambassador Erwin Bollinger cautioned about the potential fallout from inaction.

“If we don’t achieve anything concrete, the WTO will lose its attractiveness and relevancy,” he said.

UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant also expressed concern over the possibility of the system collapsing.

“My anxiety is if we ministers don’t get this week right, you might see a disorderly collapse of the WTO and some people writing a new rule book,” Bryant said.

The conference will be chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and will convene ministers to tackle key issues shaping the future of global trade.

Proceedings kick off on March 26 with an opening session, followed by ministerial breakout discussions on core WTO matters. On March 27, sessions will focus specifically on WTO reform, concluding with a plenary meeting.

The third day will feature updates on dispute settlement reform, as well as discussions on fisheries subsidies, agriculture, development, and the increasingly contentious e-commerce moratorium.