WTO: World Trade Organization

About the committee

In addition to administering a range of trade agreements between governments of member states, the World Trade Organization serves as an open forum for furthering trade negotiations and settling disputes. At the same time, it monitors trade policies at the national level and provides assistance to developing countries on technical and training aspects. In addition, the organisation seeks to operate while working to protect concerns such as the environment, health and consumer welfare.

Topics

Topic A: The question of the international protection of patents and intellectual property rights in the context of public health and access to medicine

The value of medicines and their related high-tech products is found not only in their use, but in the amount of time, effort and money that needs to be put in to develop each product. Besides the chemical and physical materials that are incorporated into production, a huge portion of research, design and testing contribute to the final, usable item. With this in mind, it is of great importance that the intellectual property rights of creators of medicines be protected so that there will always be the incentive for further research and development. Yet, a balance needs to be struck between preventing others from using these, and addressing the needs of the greater community. While creators of innovative technologies and medicines tend to enjoy good healthcare in their own countries, the people who need these medicines most are more often than not too poor to afford them or take care of basic needs. This poses the question: is it ever justifiable for a company’s intellectual property to be protected and enshrined when human lives could be at stake?

Topic B: The question of safeguarding the competitiveness of the global energy market while combating climate change

Hard scientific evidence draws a strong link between greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on global warming. Yet, the problem with emissions does not begin with manufacturers or their production processes. Rather it originates from the trade of traditional hydrocarbon energy products. While negotiations on all energy sources are being undertaken in the Doha Round, issues on competition and investment in the energy sector with regard to climate change have yet to be addressed. Besides concerns that arise from the costs that carbon constraints have on production of fossil fuels and natural gas, there are the considerations pertaining to the development of international trade of emissions permits and the establishment of offset arrangements. Until suitable short-run substitutes are found for traditional sources of energy, fossil fuels, natural gas and the right to emit the carbon dioxide associated with their use will continue to stay. While it may be in the interest of the environment for the trade and use of hydrocarbons to completely seize, it is necessary for the international community to safeguard the competitiveness of the global energy market for sustainable trade efficiency.