On a cold early morning of the 1st of October, a group of students forming the Cercle des Economistes led by Mr Villoquet has set out on a curious visit into the WTO headquarters in Geneva. The three imposing letters stand very simply for the World Trade Organisation — an organisation that establishes global trade rules attempts at promoting free, smooth running trade between nations. It was therefore of particular interest to us, ardent students of economics, as trade forms an essential part in economics and its liberalisation is prone to constant fervent disputes and debates. The WTO held a Public Forum marking the 20th anniversary of the organisation, which was focused around the theme “Trade Works” and was therefore a unique opportunity to see for ourselves what could be the benefits of free trade in strengthening and stabilising the world economy.

The session that we have attended was focused on the way that trade could improve lives. It analysed the way that the decrease of barriers in shea butter trade in West Africa has contributed to a beneficial improvement of living standards and educations by providing women collecting and processing shea nuts with greater income. It is one thing to learn about a topic in theory in a classroom setting, but seeing it for yourself and the way in which it is applied is what truly makes a real difference and encourages further inquiry and study. It was interesting to see and hear incredibly influential and knowledgeable people discuss the issues concerned, and certainly left us with plenty of food for thought as we made our way back to school. While exiting the highly guarded fortress-like building we certainly had a number of things to discuss and points to make, proving that the trip was surely one worth making, as the continuation of discovery, the development of debate and discussion is what leads to a sharing of knowledge and the generation of solutions and ideas — all skills essential for one studying or pursuing economics and wanting to understand and improve our flawed world.

By Katia