OPINION | Reflecting on Seattle's WTO Legacy: 25 Years Later, the Fight for Just Trade Continues

It's been 25 years since the streets of Seattle echoed with the calls for fair trade, justice, and accountability during the WTO protests. In the closing days of November 1999, activists, environmentalists, workers, students, and community leaders stood together to challenge global trade policies that prioritized profits over people and the planet. It was a defining moment that put Seattle on the global map as a leader in the fight for justice in trade policy — and it inspired a new generation of activists to rethink our economic system.

As we approach the anniversary of those landmark protests, the need for trade justice is as urgent as ever. With recent election results still settling in, we are reminded that the challenges we face today — from economic inequality and environmental degradation to the growing influence of multinational corporations — are all interconnected. The lessons we learned from the 1999 protests still ring true: When we stand together, in solidarity, we can change the course of history. We can demand a future where trade policies serve the needs of people and the planet, not corporate greed.

This December, to mark the 25th anniversary of the WTO protests, the Washington Fair Trade Coalition and partner organizations are hosting a series of events that offer the community a chance to reconnect with that legacy. These events, which include discussions with veteran organizers, virtual panels, and educational tours, will look back at the progress made, analyze where we stand today, and highlight how each of us can contribute to the ongoing movement for economic and social justice.

The Washington Fair Trade Coalition's main event, "Seattle's Trade Legacy: A Journey Through Protest & Power," will take place virtually on Dec. 3. This event will bring together some of the original organizers and activists who helped lead the 1999 protests to reflect on the lessons they learned and discuss the issues still at stake. From environmental sustainability and workers' rights to economic inequality and the influence of Big Tech, the conversation will focus on the continued relevance of these topics and the strategies we need to mobilize a new generation.

In many ways, today's economic and trade landscape is even more complex and fraught than it was in 1999. The rise of multinational tech corporations, unchecked environmental degradation, and worsening income inequality demand that we revisit the critiques raised during those protests. We must continue to ask tough questions: Who benefits from current trade policies? How do trade and economic agreements impact marginalized communities? How can we reshape policies to ensure they are fair, equitable, and sustainable?

These events are not just an opportunity to reflect on the past — they're a call to action. We need an engaged, informed public willing to challenge the economic status quo. As we gather to celebrate the spirit of the WTO protests, we hope to empower our community with practical tools and inspiration to advocate for a fairer, more transparent trade system that prioritizes people and the planet over corporate interests.

Join us in commemorating Seattle's legacy of trade organizing. Whether you're a longtime activist or new to the movement, these events are a chance to learn, connect, and join the fight for just and accountable trade policy. Together, we can continue the work started 25 years ago, shaping a future where economic justice is a reality for all.

For more details on the events, visit the Washington Fair Trade Coalition's website and RSVP. Let's honor the legacy of the 1999 protests by reigniting our commitment to a fairer, more just global economy.

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Julie Bouanna is the executive director of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition.