On Sunday 16 June, the WTO will welcome the public to its headquarters in Geneva. The 2019 WTO Open Day will give visitors the chance to find out more about the work of the WTO, to explore its historic building and to enjoy a full range of activities that will take place on the lakeside terrace.
An opening ceremony will feature the WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, the Chair of the General Council Ambassador Sunanta Kangvalkulkij and representatives of the Swiss authorities. The ceremony will include a special thank-you from DG Azevêdo to a local institution that has supported the work of the WTO.
Tours of the WTO’s headquarters – the Centre William Rappard – will be conducted in English and French throughout the day to allow visitors to explore the various works of art in this historic building.
An exhibition on the history of the WTO building, including portraits of various key figures in its evolution, will be on display along with a feature on the “Ways we gain from trade”.
Visitors will have the chance to sample national food and drink offered by a variety of WTO members. There will also be activities for children, such as story-telling, face-painting, a treasure hunt and a bouncy castle.
The 2019 Open Day will be the fifth time the WTO has opened its doors to the public. The first was held in 2009 while the most recent edition was in June 2015 to mark the WTO’s 20th anniversary .