Global Students Compete in WTO-Backed Trade Law Challenge

Strategic Insights -

The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition brings together students from around the world to debate and discuss pressing issues in international trade law. This year, 65 teams from 35 WTO member countries participated in the Regional Rounds, with 24 teams advancing to the Final Oral Round. The competition, now in its 20th year, aims to develop students' knowledge, skills, and life-long connections in international trade law. WTO Deputy Director-General Ellard emphasized the importance of the competition in capacity building and highlighted the ongoing work of the WTO on digital technologies and trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a WTO-backed event that brings together students to debate and discuss international trade law.
  • 65 teams from 35 WTO member countries participated in the Regional Rounds, with 24 teams advancing to the Final Oral Round.
  • The competition has been held annually since 2002, with the WTO serving as a technical supporter since its inception.
  • WTO Deputy Director-General Ellard highlighted the importance of the competition in capacity building and noted that it develops students' knowledge, skills, and life-long connections in international trade law.
  • The competition covers a wide range of topics, including digital transfer of data, protection of consumer privacy, and regulation of competition (or anti-trust).
  • The grand final of the competition will take place on Saturday, 14 June, and will be livestreamed.

Statistics:

  • 65 teams from 35 WTO member countries participated in the Regional Rounds.
  • 24 teams advanced to the Final Oral Round, representing 15 WTO member countries.
  • 19 teams competed in the South and West Asia Round, 12 teams in the East Asia and Oceania Round, 11 teams in the African Round, 8 teams in the All-American Round, and 18 teams in the European Regional Rounds.
  • 10 June: WTO DDG Ellard welcomed the students to the WTO for the Final Oral Round.
  • 13 June: Students met WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala and learned about the WTO's vision for digital technologies and trade.
  • 14 June: The grand final of the competition will take place and be livestreamed.

Sources:

  • World Trade Organization - "John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition"