ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the role of information, specifically information/communication technology (ICT), in the interaction between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and civil society. It discusses trade-related nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) within a typology enabling a basis for their analysis and provides an overview of recent WTO reforms intended to increase the dialogue with civil society and trade-related NGO representatives. The chapter describes the use of ICT by both the WTO and trade-related NGOs and its impact. It also discusses the means of facilitating communication between the WTO and trade-related NGOs. The chapter concludes by offering the WTO and trade-related NGOs a series of recommendations for how their interaction and use of information could be more effective thus resulting in the type of knowledgeable and two-way dialogue that is necessary for the expansion of the trade debate. The WTO and the wider multilateral trading system have evolved to encompass many issues of great concern to civil society.
