responsible consensus

Communication from Costa Rica; The Gambia; Korea, Republic of; Norway;
Peru; Singapore; Switzerland; Separate Customs Territory
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

The following communication, dated 7 May 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegations of Costa Rica; The Gambia; Korea, Republic of; Norway; Peru; Singapore; Switzerland and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.

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1  Introduction

1.1.  The World Trade Organization (WTO) stands at a pivotal juncture as it commemorates its 30^th Anniversary. Since its inception, the practice of making decisions by consensus has been a defining characteristic of the WTO. The practice of consensus is highly valued as it has allowed all Members, regardless of size, to have an equal voice in decision-making. On its 30^th Anniversary, it is opportune for the WTO to re-double efforts to adapt to its growing Membership and their evolving needs, reinforce its relevance, and uphold the principles of inclusivity and cooperation. Hence, Members must re-commit to uphold the practice of consensus in a responsible manner in order to ensure that the WTO remains as the cornerstone of the rules-based multilateral trading system, and maintains its relevance by delivering shared prosperity for all its Members.

1.2.  Bearing in mind these imperatives, the following draft decision is proposed as a substantive contribution to Members' discussions on decision-making by consensus in a responsible manner.

2  Draft Decision

Draft general council decision

The General Council,

Reaffirming the practice of decision-making by consensus followed under GATT 1947[1], referred to in Article IX:1 of the WTO Agreement, as a means to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the views of all Members are equally heard and considered in the decision‑making processes of the WTO,

Acknowledging the importance of exercising flexibility, adopting a win-win approach and fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and cooperation among all WTO Members,

Decides as follows:

We agree to uphold the practice of decision-making by consensus in a responsible manner by:

a._    Pursuing national interests while supporting the systemic interests of the WTO;

b._    Adopting a win-win approach in negotiations by exercising flexibility and making compromises in order to reach agreement; and

c._    Engaging in negotiations based on facts and evidence.

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