The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global body dealing with the rules of trade between nations. It grew out of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), signed in 1947, after the Uruguay Round of negotiations (1986 to 1994). Its agreements, signed and ratified by members, are enforced through a dispute settlement system. The Ministerial Conference, meeting about every two years, is its top decision-making body.
Key facts
- Grew out of the Uruguay Round (1986 to 1994) that reformed GATT.
- 166 members. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Director-General: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the seventh DG, in office since 1 March 2021. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Ministerial Conferences, held about every two years, are its highest meetings.
Why exams ask about it
The founding year, headquarters, the GATT link and the latest Ministerial Conference are the usual questions.