SESSION 5 THE GATS AND PUBLIC SERVICES TRADING INTO

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10 T HIRTYEIGHTH REGULAR SESSION OEASERP JUNE

“The GATS and Public Services: Trading Into or Trading Away the Future

Session 5: The GATS and Public Services: Trading Into or Trading Away the Future?

Organized by: Education International / Public Services International

Sub-theme 2: Challenges & opportunities facing the main actors & stakeholders of the multilateral trading system

Date: Wednesday 24^th of September 14:00 - 16:00

Meeting Room: D

Abstract

There has been an ongoing debate regarding the potential impact of the GATS on the provision of public services, like health care and education. This discussion will likely intensify in the future as the potential reach of the GATS over public services expands, both through the inclusion of more specific commitments in WTO Member schedules, and through the development of new disciplines on domestic regulation.

The principal objective of this session will be to consider the potential challenges and opportunities facing governments and key stakeholders with respect to the future development of the GATS and public services.

Following an up to date report on the current state of play in the GATS negotiations, the session will be guided by the following questions:

Will the current round of GATS negotiations lead to greater coverage of public services like health care and education?

What are the risks and opportunities for governments and key stakeholders if public services are included in the GATS?

Will new disciplines on domestic regulation affect the ability of governments to regulate public services to meet domestic needs?

To what extent would the inclusion of public services in the GATS promote or hinder development objectives?

How can governments balance trade liberalization in services with the need to ensure the efficient, universal, and affordable provision of quality public services?

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2 Q UARANTETROISIEME SESSION ORDINAIRE OEASERP 4
3 ECAC25(SP)WP2 TWENTYFIFTH PLENARY SESSION (SPECIAL) OF
3 Q UARANTIÈME DEUXIEME SESSION ORDINAIRE OEASERP

Tags: public services:, quality public, session, services, trading, public

SESSION 5 THE GATS AND PUBLIC SERVICES TRADING INTO

“The GATS and Public Services: Trading Into or Trading Away the Future

Sub-theme 2: Challenges & opportunities facing the main actors & stakeholders of the multilateral trading system

Date: Wednesday 24th of September 14:00 - 16:00

Date: Wednesday 24^th of September 14:00 - 16:00