The World Trade Organization (WTO) Chairs Programme is set to expand its academic network by including five new universities. This expansion will bring the total number of Chairs to 40, enhancing regional and global initiatives and fostering collaboration among academics, policymakers, and trade experts.
The newly selected institutions will join the programme's next four-year cycle starting in 2025. They are expected to contribute to research, curriculum development, and outreach while receiving mentorship from existing Chairs to facilitate their integration into the network. The institutions will also participate in collaborative events such as conferences and seminars aimed at increasing the impact of their work on national and international trade policies.
The fourth cycle of the WTO Chairs Programme introduces more frequent admissions into the network, aiming to extend its global reach and influence. The programme anticipates greater synergies with other WTO technical assistance activities.
This expansion continues the WTO's efforts to ensure that academic institutions play a vital role in shaping trade policy and enhancing understanding of the multilateral trading system. Funded by France, Austria, the Republic of Korea, and Australia, the programme has grown significantly as it addresses current and emerging global trade challenges.
Universities were selected through a rigorous review process led by the WTO Chairs Programme Academic Advisory Board.
The selected institutions are Universidad Iberoamericana from Dominican Republic, Nnamdi Azikiwe University from Nigeria, Hamad Bin Khalifa University from Qatar, Université de Lomé from Togo, and National University of Vanuatu from Vanuatu.