Reflections from Geneva: Atlantic Youth Perspectives at the WTO Public Forum

This September, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland as part of the Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) delegation. The forum is one of the world’s leading platforms for dialogue on the future of global trade, bringing together policymakers, academics, business leaders, and youth voices from across the globe.

For me, this experience was not only a chance to engage with the pressing issues shaping international trade, but also an opportunity to represent Atlantic Canada on the world stage. As a Youth Leader with the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC), I am deeply grateful for the support that made my participation possible and for ACIC’s commitment to amplifying youth voices from our region.

Throughout the week, I engaged in sessions on digital trade, inclusive policy frameworks, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping global economic cooperation. These conversations underscored how critical it is for trade policy to reflect diverse perspectives including those of young people, small economies, and regions like Atlantic Canada, where innovation and community resilience are central to our identity.

A highlight of the forum was the chance to connect with leaders, experts, and peers from around the world, exchanging ideas on how to ensure trade remains inclusive and adaptive in the face of global challenges. These interactions reminded me that while trade policy can often feel abstract, it is ultimately about people, communities, and opportunities for shared prosperity.

Being part of the YDC delegation also meant contributing a distinctly Canadian and Atlantic perspective to conversations about international cooperation. From digital trade opportunities for small and medium enterprises to questions of equitable access in the global digital economy, I was proud to bring forward insights rooted in our region’s experiences.

I return from Geneva inspired, motivated, and more committed than ever to continue exploring the intersections of international trade, digital innovation, and inclusive growth. I am deeply thankful to ACIC for their encouragement and support, and to the Young Diplomats of Canada for creating opportunities for young leaders to engage directly in shaping the future of global affairs.

The WTO Public Forum reminded me that spaces of global decision-making are stronger and more meaningful when they include diverse voices. I look forward to carrying the lessons learned into my ongoing work, and to continuing to represent the values and perspectives of Atlantic Canada in international discussions.

Wendy Ihama is a Policy Analyst with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, where she supports strategic policy initiatives in tourism, culture, arts, and recreation. She brings experience in public administration, community engagement, and policy development. Wendy holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a BA (Hons) in International Studies with a concentration in International Relations from the City College of New York.

Wendy is an ACIC Youth Program Alumna, and an ACIC Youth Leader. In addition to her leadership in ACIC spaces, she is also representing ACIC and the Atlantic Region as a member of the upcoming Inter-Council Network Youth Delegation at Cooperation Canada's 2025 Leaders' Forum.