Topic 1 - Ensuring Equitable Access to Digital Trade

Given the recent advancement of electronic technologies across the globe and the increasingly digital state of international transactions, the topic of virtual trade- defined as trade that’s primarily initiated or facilitated online- has presented a plethora of opportunities and threats to nations seeking to capitalize on new hardware and services. While offering the advantages of reduced transaction costs, increased market access, and the furthering of global collaboration/interconnectedness, digital trade disproportionately benefits developed and industrialized nations across the world, and has the potential to exacerbate global disparities in wealth and technological abilities. Acting according to its principles of international cooperation and trade assistance, the WTO must consider plans to improve digital infrastructure and data localization among developing nations and ensure the new electronic market is advantageous to all.

Topic 2 - Semiconductor Wars

As indispensable components of nearly all modern technology, ranging from smartphones to advanced military-grade AI systems, semiconductors have become an increasingly polarizing force in the world of international relations and trade. With protectionist policies on the rise and superpowers vying for leverage over the incredibly lucrative trade, the WTO faces the difficult task of navigating the complex issues of “self judging” (wherein countries unilaterally impose trade restrictions according to Article XXI of the WTO Agreement) and limited resource availability to find solutions that ensure mutual benefits and promote cooperation over competition. Using the WTO’s legal arbitration body as a baseline, member states must determine which aspects of the WTO Agreement necessitate revision and how nations can go about equitably regulating a booming industry that bears massive technological and militaristic implications.