The main discussion points at WTO talks - data sovereignty and AI governance

Written by Alexandra-Diana Gheorghiu, Journalist, LIMUN 2026

During the Trade Governance in AI and data sovereignty debates, World Trade Organisation delegates discussed how AI is reshaping trade governance. 

According to the delegation of the United Kingdom, ‘the global data trust certification, in which companies that generate, handle, and trade data can be audited by third parties.’ These kinds of measures can be revoked after 24 months, so that protectionism does not become an eternal policy. The UK believes this approach would ensure more trust: ‘Therefore, in this way, we can have a premonition of trust for different use of suppliers,’ the delegation of the United Kingdom added.

The delegate of Panama proposed a constructed middle-ground package, which includes differentiated commitments, building, buying digital capacity and targeting safeguards for financial and critical infrastructure. Panama worked with several states such as Singapore, South Africa, India and Canada, and admitted it was an ‘honour’ to work with them.

They echoed the UK’s and Netherlands’ ideas, saying they are ‘amazing,’ because they ensure safety, transparency and an agreement to mutuality.

Saudi Arabia highlighted: ‘We want to stimulate foreign investment, that will just not necessarily include new debt, but enable countries to propose data analysis or data infrastructure, and to focus on how to develop that.’

Meanwhile, India had been criticising the United States. Despite the criticism, the United States invested over 65 billion in its tech sectors.

As negotiations, agreements and differences remain critical at WTO, the states are trying to reach an agreement for fair trade.