The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that this year, 17 young professionals were assigned to 13 divisions of the WTO Secretariat, gaining firsthand experience in various aspects of the organization's work. At the farewell ceremony marking the official closing of the 2023 program, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala congratulated and wished the young professionals well.
The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016. It provides a year-long opportunity for qualified individuals from developing and least-developed WTO member countries to enhance their understanding of international trade. The program is designed to increase diversity by assigning participants to specific divisions based on organizational needs. It offers a monthly salary of CHF 3,500, medical coverage, and travel benefits. Eligible candidates must be nationals of WTO member states, possess relevant advanced degrees, have at least two years of related experience, and be fluent in English. Preference is given to candidates from WTO member states without representation in the Secretariat, according to information available on the Young Professionals Programme webpage provided by WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala said in a press release by WTO: "Your presence has been very valuable to the WTO Secretariat. Your perspectives and experiences from 17 members underrepresented in the Secretariat have enriched our work." She added: "I have no doubt that like past alumni of this programme, you will put the expertise and knowledge that you acquired here to good use, whether you end up helping your governments engage at the WTO, helping the private sector participate more effectively in global trade or even working with civil society organizations."
According to another press release by WTO, Tinotenda Mataire from Zimbabwe spoke on behalf of the 2023 WTO Young Professionals. He said: "We leave here not just with a certificate, but with an enriched understanding, a broadened worldview and a heart full of memories. This journey does not end here; it merely pivots to a new path, one that we walk with pride, purpose and the spirit of the WTO within us."