The Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a joint initiative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament, aimed at contributing to the work of the WTO and promoting prosperous and mutually beneficial international trade. The challenges associated with this trade are significant and growing, requiring an inclusive approach involving all stakeholders, particularly parliamentarians. 

The Conference brings together legislators who, as members of standing and select committees in their respective parliaments, specialize in international trade and finance.

The Conference seeks to mobilize parliamentary action in support of the promotion of global trade as an engine of a flourishing and resilient economy. 

Sessions of the Parliamentary Conference are held annually and in connection with WTO Ministerial Conferences. 

In the lead-up to the Fourteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) – 26 to 29 March 2026 – a session of the Parliamentary Conference will take place on 25 March at the Headquarters of the Senate of Cameroon. It will give parliamentarians the opportunity to take stock of the progress made since MC13 and to consider actions to strengthen their involvement in promoting global trade following the outcome of MC14. Please see the draft agenda of this parliamentary meeting. 

It will be preceded by the 56th session (in camera) of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on 24 March. 

Participation in the session is guided by the general principles set out in the Rules of Procedure (Article 2) of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO. The session is intended primarily for legislators who are directly involved in parliamentary activities dealing with international trade and development. 

Logistical arrangements including information about the outcome document, visas, transportation and accommodation are provided in the practical information note.