Model World Trade Organization (MWTO) at McGill
Since 1997, Model WTO (MWTO) International has welcomed students from around the world to its flagship annual conference held in Switzerland. Now, for the first time, we're proud to host the first edition of this prestigious event here at the Faculty of Law at the University of McGill in Montreal, Canada. Modelled on the flagship event, with its own flair, McGill MWTO is tailored to engage students from North America and beyond, providing an accessible and highly interactive platform to explore current world trade issues.
Participants can expect a dynamic experience involving simulated WTO negotiation sessions, expert-led workshops, and opportunities to network with peers, academics, and trade professionals. McGill MWTO will connect participants to current trade challenges being negotiated at the highest levels, between nations. Delegates will explore key topics in international trade law, policy, and diplomacy—building both practical understanding and meaningful relationships within the global trade community.
We are excited to announce this year's theme to be
WTO Reform and Multilateral Governance in a Fragmenting World Order
KEY INFORMATION
Who (Eligibility)? Undergraduate and graduate students in law, economics, political science, international relations, business, and related fields
What? A five-day immersive simulation of the World Trade Organization, where delegates negotiate across four committees representing eight different countries.
Where? The conference begins in Montréal and concludes in Ottawa, providing delegates with a unique opportunity to experience two major Canadian cities.
When? Delegates will arrive in Montréal on January 22nd, 2026 and depart from Ottawa on January 27th, 2026.
Why? Delegates will gain firsthand experience in multilateral governance, develop strategies for representing their assigned countries, negotiate in real-time on complex trade issues, and build an international network of students and trade professionals.
How? Delegates will participate in committee sessions, workshops, and networking events. They will receive preparatory materials in advance to help them understand their country’s trade positions, allowing them to engage confidently in negotiations and collaborative problem-solving throughout the conference. Following this, delegates will receive feedback from trade professionals in Canada and from the WTO.
Their generous contributions have allowed us to make this event a success.