Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the African continent focusing on trade-related issues have agreed that they will push for equal development rights during the forthcoming WTO 13th Ministerial Conference.

The conference is slated for 26th to 29th in Abu Dhabi this month.

Speaking during a Pre-WTO MC13 African Civil Society Webinar organized by SEATINI-Uganda and Third World Network, Jane Nalunga, the Executive Director for SEATINI cautioned CSOs to be more strategic when negotiating.

“We are happy that this meeting has happened before the conference, as CSOs from Africa, we need a common voice that will enable us to advocate for equal development rights. African CSOs have always been vibrant over the years and this must continue,” Nalunga said.

She noted that mobilisation of national and regional stakeholders is paramount given that development countries always have a stronger voice due to the numbers which always silence Low Developing Countries (LDCs) during policy negotiations.

"Collaboration and coordination are key as we shape a distinct African position for WTO negotiations, requiring us to work together towards common goals, inspired by successful examples of collaborative initiatives.”

Kinda Mohamadieh, a Legal Advisor and Senior Researcher at Third World Network, pointed to the fact that development is not for only LDCs and as such it’s crucial that debates are held on a uniform platform to benefit all WTO member countries.

"The African Group has shown leadership in addressing key issues like development, industrialization, and policy space at the WTO. These are critical for the advancement of the African continent. We need to keep the numbers even bigger so that our voices are respected,” Kinda stated.

She added that what is at stake for LDCs in this conference is policies surrounding agriculture, fisheries, e-commerce among others that are vital for the development of African trade.

“Attempts to control the trade and environment agenda risk diluting the development priorities of developing countries. We must resist any measures that undermine our policy space and differential treatment.”

Vahini Naidu, the Program Coordinator Trade for Development Programme South Center, challenged counterparts to ensure market access negotiations in agriculture which should be followed with meaningful domestic support reforms.