At the launch of the course on June 3, Chile's WTO Ambassador and patroness of the course, Sofía Boza Martínez, emphasized the importance of the training program in building participants' capacities to formulate, analyze, and implement multilateral trade policies. Highlighting the timeliness of the course given the effect that global crises are having on the multilateral trading system, she noted that participants have a unique opportunity to strengthen their skills through a hands-on approach and case-based learning.
WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill also spoke at the event. She underscored the importance that the WTO attaches to supporting government officials in building their trade-related capacities and keeping up to date with outcomes from the 13th Ministerial Conference held in February in Abu Dhabi. Hill highlighted that the course was designed to enable participants to discuss how to strengthen, reform, and modernize the multilateral trading system. She encouraged them to actively participate in all sessions and benefit as much as possible from the course.
The course comprises theoretical and practical sessions aimed at supporting government officials in applying trade agreements. Participants have opportunities to put their knowledge into practice through workshops and case studies and discuss evolving trade issues during roundtables. Additionally, they can meet experts from other international institutions based in Geneva.
This Geneva-based advanced trade policy course represents the highest level of learning among WTO's training activities for generalists as part of the WTO Secretariat's progressive learning strategy.