Yaounde is at the center of global trade discussions as it hosts parliamentarians for a crucial meeting ahead of the WTO Parliamentary Conference. The event, which began on March 24, 2026, serves as a platform for lawmakers from around the world to delve into the complexities of international trade and chart a course for a fairer, more inclusive trade system.
H.M. Aboubakary Abdoulaye, President of the Senate of Cameroon, officially opened the steering committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of this gathering for national economies. He welcomed committee members and international delegations, underscoring the vital role of this preparatory phase in shaping the direction and structuring future discussions.
President Abdoulaye expressed hope that the discussions would enable parliamentarians to better understand the challenges of international trade, emphasizing that trade must support economic development and contribute to global stability. He reaffirmed the parliamentarians' commitment to free and fair trade, highlighting its potential to foster inclusive growth, job creation, and the empowerment of women and rural communities, particularly in the Global South.
Cameroon, as the host country, is relying on the involvement of parliamentarians to make the voices of the people heard at the WTO. This parliamentary conference is a prelude to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 26-29, 2026. EU institutions are aligning ahead of WTO MC14, pushing for reform and digital trade rules. The Ministerial Conference is expected to focus mainly on the reform of the WTO.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament jointly launched the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO) to contribute to the work of the WTO and promote prosperous and mutually beneficial international trade. The conference brings together legislators who specialize in international trade and finance.
Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye was elected to the position on March 17, 2026, succeeding Marcel Niat Njifenji. He has also been the Lamido of Rey Bouba since 2006 and holds a significant position in the Cameroonian state hierarchy.
As parliamentarians convene in Yaounde, their deliberations and insights are expected to shape the future of global trade, ensuring it becomes an engine for shared prosperity and sustainable development.
