Committee Intro
The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, is the primary international body responsible for promoting trade liberalization and maintaining a rules-based global trading system. Building upon the legacy of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT, in force since 1948), the WTO works to reduce trade barriers, foster fair competition, and provide a structured dispute settlement mechanism to ensure predictable and smooth trade among its members.
At the heart of the organization lies the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), which mediates and adjudicates trade disputes between member states, thereby upholding the enforceability of international trade rules. Guided by the principles of Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) and National Treatment, the WTO ensures that all members enjoy equal trade advantages without discrimination.
With over 160 member states, the WTO serves as the largest platform for global trade governance, covering agreements across goods, services, and intellectual property. However, in recent years, the multilateral trading system has faced mounting challenges—including the resurgence of protectionism, paralysis of the dispute settlement mechanism, and the absence of comprehensive digital trade regulations. In response, calls for reform emphasize the need for a more inclusive, resilient, and modernized framework for global commerce.
Agenda Intro
Agenda A:
Buffering the stagnation of global economy caused by protectionist trade stances
The rise of protectionist trade policies accelerated after the 2008 global financial crisis and gained momentum during the 2018 U.S.–China trade war, when major economies exchanged retaliatory tariffs, destabilizing global supply chains and undermining economic predictability. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified economic nationalism, with export bans on essential medical goods and vaccines revealing the fragility of global trade networks. These trends have deepened economic stagnation, particularly in trade-dependent nations. This agenda seeks to explore multilateral strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of protectionism, restore supply chain stability, and revive a free and fair-trading environment. Discussions will also address structural reforms such as restoring the WTO’s dispute settlement capacity, modernizing digital trade rules, and expanding trade participation for developing countries and SMEs.
Agenda B:
Devising solutions to stabilize the trade chain within war zones
Armed conflicts and wars severely disrupt trade and supply chains, threatening not only local economies but also the stability of the global market. The Russia–Ukraine war cut off key exports of grain and fertilizers, sending food prices soaring and triggering shortages in vulnerable nations, while tensions in the Middle East have fueled volatility in global energy prices. Such conflicts block the flow of essential goods, worsen humanitarian crises, and create ripple effects that impact neighboring states and global supply networks alike.
This agenda seeks to develop cooperative strategies to maintain and restore fair and stable trade chains in and around war-affected areas. Key proposals include the establishment of neutral trade corridors, a WTO-led emergency trade protocol for conflict situations, digital trade platforms for transaction tracking in disrupted regions, expanded investment in conflict-resilient infrastructure, and stronger international legal protections for humanitarian and commercial shipments. These measures aim not only to safeguard immediate trade flows but also to lay the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable economic recovery.
HEAD CHAIR – Jiho Kim
My name is Jiho Kim, who will be serving as the head chair of World Trade Organization for CSIAMUN XVIII. As we get to know eachother better during our 3-day experience, I promise to make together an unforgettable memory along with better understanding about the WTO.
WTO handles major causes of disputes of the modern world; finance and trade. Just like the rapid social changes due to shifts in international commerce, it is essential for continuous attention and active participation in our committee too. I am looking forward to see wonderful conversations during our big and small debates. Let’s make this a meaningful and a “it was worth it” experience.
DEPUTY CHAIR – Hansol Lee
Dear esteemed delegates,
It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.
I’m Hansol Lee, the deputy chair that will be serving in the World Trade Organization (WTO) for CSIAMUN XVIII. For we will surely have a priceless experience working side by side throughout the 3 day process, I promise to make the MUN experience that will last long.
The WTO is an organization focused on making the flow of trade smooth and open as possible. The geopolitical conflicts have led to the fracturing of cooperation, and thus emphasizes the need for an immediate solution, sought by all member states. Hoping for active conversations and debates, let’s all try our best to make this experience be one of the best ones in your life.
CSIAMUN 