Geneva, Switzerland – September 21, 2026 – The World Trade Organization’s three-day Public Forum 2026 opened in Geneva, Switzerland, on 15 September. The WTO’s flagship annual outreach event, held this year under the theme “Powering the Future,” focused on the role of services in driving global trade. The forum featured 113 sessions and drew more than 4,600 representatives from international organizations, government, business, industry, and academia.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/sjAqGDEjo_o
Chinese institutions organized two seminars during the forum. On 16 September, Tsinghua University hosted “Coordination for Industrial Policy and Global Trade Governance.” Participants examined the role and impact of industrial policies, analyzed emerging global trends and challenges, and proposed ways to improve international coordination on industrial policy rules. They called for greater use of multilateral forums to discuss improvements to those rules.
On 17 September, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, or SUIBE, organized a seminar titled “Regulatory Practices to Empower Services Trade for a Better Life.” Participants discussed experiences with regulatory reform in services trade around the world and shared examples of effective practices in China. The discussion highlighted China’s efforts to improve domestic regulation and open up its services market.
The “Opportunity China: Exploring and Sharing the Future” Chinese Culture Series took place at WTO headquarters from 15 to 17 September. Hosted jointly by the State Council Information Office of China and the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO, with the China Intercontinental Communication Center organizing the events, the series was designed to bring cultural exchange into discussions on global economic and trade governance and introduce forum participants to the ideas that shape Chinese culture.
The series included the “Melody of Harmony” Cultural Performance & “Opportunity China” Reception, held on the lakeside terrace at WTO headquarters on the evening of 15 September. China’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the WTO Li Yongjie, and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivered remarks.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of China’s accession to the WTO,” Li said. “As China has integrated more deeply into the global economy, it has also created greater opportunities for the world.” She expressed hope that “the spirit of ‘harmony in diversity’ and ‘innovation through renewal’ will inspire our shared vision of an open, inclusive and resilient future for the multilateral trading system.” She also expressed hope that “we can draw strength from traditional wisdom” and “renew the WTO so that it can better power the future for the membership.”
Okonjo-Iweala thanked the Chinese hosts for holding the cultural series during the WTO Public Forum, describing cultural exchange as “another aspect of trade and globalization.” Referring to the Silk Road, she said that “centuries before economists began thinking about trade or comparative advantage, goods, money and ideas were moving around the world.” She added: “Music and food have always accompanied trade. China is known for its storied traditions in both.” She said the Melody of Harmony program “will give us a taste of this diversity.”
Rooted in the Chinese concept of harmony, the performance featured Peking Opera, traditional Chinese instrumental music, local opera, Kam Grand Choir, and folk song and dance. The program showcased the richness and diversity of Chinese culture while expressing the ideals of mutual learning among civilizations and harmonious coexistence. Guests from the WTO Secretariat and WTO members’ permanent missions joined other forum participants for a lively evening.
The series also featured the “Crafted Anew” Chinese Cultural Exhibition, highlighting China-chic design, which blends Chinese cultural traditions with contemporary styles. Displays included cultural merchandise from the Palace Museum; opera traditions associated with Ming dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, that form part of China’s intangible cultural heritage; Jingdezhen ceramics; silverwork and creative products featuring Miao embroidery from Guizhou; and work by several China-chic designer brands. Virtual reality (VR) experiences featuring elements of Chinese culture gave visitors an up-close look at the distinctive blend of traditional culture and modern technology.
About China Intercontinental Communication Center
At the China Intercontinental Communication Center, we share China’s stories with the world. Founded in December 1993, we bring this vision to life through film and television production and distribution, book and periodical publishing, digital media, and cultural exchange programs. Our work reaches audiences in more than 200 countries and regions, building connections across cultures.
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