World Trade Organization (WTO) in Model UN

The World Trade Organization, set up in 1995 and based in Geneva, deals with the rules of trade between more than 160 members, who account for 98% of world trade. It is not a UN specialized agency, and its decisions are normally taken by consensus of the entire membership. A Model UN WTO has each delegate negotiate for one member, on subsidies, tariffs or supply chains.

Updated Oct 25, 2026

  • 2 countries: on 95 to 98% of seat lists
  • 18 more seats in a typical simulation of 20

Upcoming WTO conferences

16 conferences

Browse all Model UN conferences

WTO topics in Model UN

Of 151 WTO topics on mymun, 69% are about economy and development, 7% about cyber and AI and 5% about health and pandemics.

ThemeShare of topics
  1. Economy and development 69%

    Example: Reforming Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries, Model Global Economic Summit

  2. Cyber and AI 7%

    Example: Trade Governance in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Data Sovereignty, London International Model United Nations

  3. Health and pandemics 5%

    Example: Pharmaceuticals & Intellectual Property Rights, North American Invitational Model United Nations

  4. Climate and environment 4%

    Example: Improving the climate sustainability of trade transport infrastructure, Cambridge Model United Nations

From 151 WTO topics on mymun. A topic can touch several themes.

Recent WTO topics

  1. Addressing the Vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Global E-Commerce

    France Model United Nation
    Cyber and AI

  2. Measures to ensure safety of commercial traffic in high risk areas

    Prva Privatna Gimnazija Model United Nations

  3. Reforming Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries

    Model Global Economic Summit
    Economy and development

  4. Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Supply Chains

    Hamburg Model United Nations
    Economy and development

  5. Addressing the challenges, opportunities and regulatory issues arising within the Global Trade Industry in the Digital Age

    Atlantic Model United Nations
    Economy and developmentCyber and AI

  6. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

    SURGE RAY MUN

  7. Subsidies & State-Owned Enterprises vs. WTO Rules

    LakeMUN
    Economy and development

  8. Addressing Global Trade Tensions and the Resurgence of Economic Protectionism

    Paris International Model United Nations
    Economy and development

WTO countries in Model UN

China and the United States appear on 95 to 98% of WTO seat lists on mymun, and the United Kingdom, India and Brazil on 82 to 89%. The European Union is a member in its own right, as are its 27 member states, with the European Commission speaking for all of them at almost all WTO meetings.

  • 2 countries: on 95 to 98% of seat lists
  • 18 more seats in a typical simulation of 20

Most often seated

CountryShare of seat lists
  1. 1China98%
  2. 2United States95%
  3. 3United Kingdom89%
  4. 4India83%
  5. 5Brazil82%
  6. 6Germany80%
  7. 7Japan80%
  8. 8Russia78%
  9. 9France77%
  10. 10South Korea69%
  11. 11South Africa66%
  12. 12Canada65%

Share of 120 WTO seat lists on mymun.

Most requested

CountryShare of applicants
  1. 1China10%
  2. 2United States7%
  3. 3Germany7%
  4. 4Canada6%
  5. 5United Kingdom6%
  6. 6France5%
  7. 7Brazil5%
  8. 8Japan4%
  9. 9India4%
  10. 10Russia4%
  11. 11Australia4%
  12. 12Switzerland3%

Share of 2,877 WTO applicants on mymun who asked for the country.

WTO in Model UN: quick answers

How many delegates are in a WTO committee?

The real WTO has more than 160 members, separate customs territories as well as countries. WTO simulations on mymun seated about 20 delegations.

How does the WTO settle trade disputes?

The governments first hold consultations; if these fail, a panel rules and the full membership adopts its report. Appeals go to the Appellate Body, which cannot hear them while its seats stay vacant, as all have been since November 2020.

Is the WTO a good committee for beginners?

Yes, if you can read trade data: the WTO publishes a page on every member with its trade statistics, tariff profile and disputes, a ready base for a country position.

What topics does the WTO debate in Model UN?

Top themes in 151 WTO topics on mymun: economy and development (69%), cyber and AI (7%) and health and pandemics (5%).