United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressing a special session of the WTO’s General Council relayed on a video link in another room for non-delegates and press. He said members need to work to restore the spirit of international cooperation and “buttress this unique institution that has safeguarded international trading relationships over the past 70 years”.
Trade's contribution to economic growth and sustainable development is "undeniable," the UN Secretary-General told members. But escalating trade tensions over the past year "threaten growth in international trade and the very foundation of the rules-based multilateral trading system," he warned. "It is worth highlighting that when trade tensions rise, there are no winners, only losers, especially among developing countries."