World Trade Centers Association hosts 56th Global Business Forum in Philadelphia

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) has hosted the 56th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Philadelphia from 19 to 22 April 2026, marking the Forum's return to the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. The Forum was co-hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia, with nearly 300 registrants representing 93 WTC businesses across 46 countries and territories.

Themed "Historic Foundations, Future Collaborations: Cultivating New Business Frontiers," the 2026 Forum featured a keynote address from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and panels including a Global Outlook session with Ken Levinson, Chief Executive of the Washington International Trade Association (WITA). A dedicated "Eds & Meds" track explored how universities, healthcare systems and life-science institutions drive international economic growth.

The Forum also launched the UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026, a joint initiative with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to identify private sector solutions contributing to inclusive, resilient Blue Economy development. The WTCA connects more than 300 World Trade Center locations across nearly 100 countries and territories.