“Model WTO Conference: Azerbaijan’s accession to WTO” held at UNEC
The Model World Trade Organization (WTO) Conference has been held at Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC). The event taken place among the students is being held in Geneva of Switzerland within the cooperation with WTO every year.
The organizers of the event were the Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNEC, as well as “UNEC Model UN” Club and “Oikos Baku” international youth organization. More than 100 of local and overseas students from all higher education institutions of our country joined the conference held for the first time in Azerbaijan.
Vice-rector of UNEC for Students’ Affairs Saadat Gandilova spoke about the importance of the conference. She said, in addition to gathering students together, the events of this format, makes they engaged in the world economy, as well as familiarize them with the principles of the WTO and contributes to the training of professional personnel in the field.
Indira Hajiyeva, Head of Department of the Ministry of Youth and Sports said that the conference formulates the ability of analyze and exchange ideas in young people by encouraging them to closely monitor global processes.
“Trade Capacity Building: Problems of Global Trading System” and “Country Working Group: Negotiations on Azerbaijan’s accession to WTO” were the main subject of the conference.
Students conducted research on the topic given to them in advance within the simulation conference according to the format. 40 “representatives” expressed their views on economic situation, especially trade relations and the political situation of the country they represent.
Examining the problems in global trade and the ways to resolve them, representatives have prepared a plan of actions. Other students worked on Azerbaijan’s accession to WTO and forwarded their proposals. Later, representatives discussed the conditions required to join the WTO, commitments set forth and held debates.
Conventional declarations were adopted by the participants at the end of the conference. The proposals for Azerbaijan’s accession to WTO were put forward. To be received to organization the economy’s dependence on oil and gas export should be minimized over 15 years, particularly it should be focused in agriculture and tourism. Student- experts have proposed the liberalization of country’s trade should be ensured, customs matters should be simplified and the legislation should be brought in line with WTO standards.
The participants were presented certificates at the closing of the two- day conference. Azerbaijan’s representative Eltaj Rustamli and Oman’s representative Ulvi Ojagli were awarded the certificates of the “best representative”. The Swedish representatives were distinguished as the “best delegation”.
Two students of the winner representatives have gained the chance to participate in the “International Model WTO” conference to be held in Switzerland in 2017.