The call for research papers on innovation is now open for the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025, scheduled to focus on how women's empowerment drives innovation and how trade can support this process. The Congress, the only international research conference on trade and gender, aims to provide researchers and policymakers with a platform for in-depth discussions and insights into the role of innovation in enhancing gender equality, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and how trade policies can foster innovation for women's empowerment.
The event will highlight inventive policy practices and solutions aimed at accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment. Topics will include specialized programs for marginalized female communities, innovative financing, and Aid for Trade programming. Researchers are invited to submit proposals focusing on various subthemes such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, green growth, health, and innovative financing.
Experts from research institutions, academia, international and regional organizations (including development banks), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governments are encouraged to submit detailed abstracts (600-700 words) for consideration. Submissions must adhere to the guidelines provided in the application form and should include sufficient details to provide an understanding of the expected final paper. Only unpublished research will be considered.
The selection process will be overseen by the Congress Steering Committee, which includes members of the WTO Gender Research Hub representing research institutions, academia, international organizations, as well as representatives from UN Women. Selected applicants will be notified by October 23, 2024. Interested researchers are invited to submit their papers/abstracts using an online application form by July 17, 2024.
The World Trade Congress on Gender aims to advance innovative research on trade and gender by convening leading experts and showcasing impactful studies on women's issues worldwide. This global platform facilitates the exchange of perspectives among trade and gender specialists while fostering gender mainstreaming in research and informing policymakers about inclusive trade policies.
The inaugural Congress held in 2022 at the WTO focused on “Gender Equality for Sustainable Trade and Recovery,” marking it as the first international research conference on trade and gender. Open to academics, students, international organizations, NGOs, private sector representatives, and government officials, it serves as a vital forum for advancing research and policymaking on inclusive trade.
Launched on May 31, 2021 as part of the WTO's 2021-2026 Action Plan on Trade and Gender, the WTO Gender Research Hub aims to deepen understanding of the trade-gender nexus through fostering research partnerships and data collection. It serves as an information-sharing platform where researchers' findings can be disseminated globally via its Research Database on Trade and Gender. The Hub also seeks to bridge gaps between researchers and policymakers in this field.
For more information regarding submissions or other inquiries related to this call for papers or general information about the Congress or Hub activities please contact: trade-gender@wto.org.