The World Trade Organization was established in 1995 with the purpose of regulating and liberalizing international trade. In the recent troubling economic times, however, many nations have taken a step back from open trade and instead enacted trade barriers and enforced protectionist policies. Of the 20 major nations that vowed at a November 2008 summit to avoid protectionist steps, at least 17 have broken this promise. Delegates of the World Trade Organization committee must consider the impact of trade barriers on the world economy, as well as decide on the best course of action to open up international trade once again. While the financial crisis has hit every country, the 1.4 billion people who live on the verge of extreme poverty face the most severe human consequences. Delegates in this committee must also consider ways to stimulate economic growth and build competitiveness in developing countries through trade policies, foreign aid, and renegotiation of the special and differential (S&D) provisions. Through this committee, delegates will be able to explore and debate trade policies with the ultimate goal of restoring international growth.

Chair: Helena Yoo,