Publication

This paper is based on ideas gathered in discussions with World Trade Organization (WTO) delegates and trade practitioners during the WTO 5th Ministerial Conference in Cancún, Mexico. The author addresses the question of whether this conference was a failure and identifies the responsible actors as well as lessons learned. She comes to the conclusion that the ownership of the trade negotiation agenda should rest on all WTO members and not just a few. Furthermore, she recognizes the importance of capacity building to strengthen developing countries' ability to participate in the WTO system. Finally, the author recommends developing methods of building trust.