DDG Zhang has extended a welcome to participants in two World Trade Organization (WTO) technical assistance programs. He emphasized the significance of their presence at this time, stating, "You have come to the WTO at a very important time. We will shortly be commencing preparatory work for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for Yaoundé, Cameroon in March 2026. During your presence in Geneva, you will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this very important aspect of the WTO's work."
The participants will engage directly with WTO operations, observing trade policy development and attending relevant meetings. The French Irish Mission Programme selected 18 participants this year, funded by France and Ireland. This initiative supports government officials from developing and least-developed WTO members based in Geneva.
Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, France’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, remarked on the value of this experience: "The experience you will gain here will be a tremendous asset, both for your own career paths and for your governments. France's support for this programme reflects our commitment to an inclusive multilateral system."
Noel White, Ireland's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, highlighted Ireland's dedication: “Ireland attaches great importance to its long-standing association with and support for the French Irish Mission Programme. Ireland’s development cooperation programme...recognises the importance of inclusive and sustainable international trade...We are working on arrangements and hope to be able to welcome all the participants to Ireland as we did last year..."
Meanwhile, 16 officials were chosen for this year's Netherlands Talent Programme. Funded by the Netherlands, it provides on-the-job training within various divisions of the WTO Secretariat.
Audrey Goosen, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the WTO explained that they renamed it “Netherlands Talent Programme” due to previous participants' expertise level: "I hope that the insights that you will gain over the next months will make trade work as an engine for sustainable economic growth and job creation in your countries."