Congratulating participants at the conclusion of three technical assistance programmes in Geneva, Bridget Chilala, Director of the WTO Institute for Training & Technical Cooperation, spoke on behalf of WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang. She said: "Over this period, you have demonstrated commitment, curiosity and resilience. These programmes are not just about acquiring technical knowledge - they are about building bridges, fostering collaboration and strengthening the multilateral trading system through capacity development. You have done exactly that."
Chilala also thanked donors to the programmes for their ongoing support.
The French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP), funded by France and Ireland, offered 18 government officials practical experience with trade issues at their countries' permanent missions to the WTO in Geneva. The programme aimed to help participants better understand the work of the WTO and current negotiations.
France's Permanent Representative to the WTO, Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, addressed graduates: "Today, FIMIP participants leave with a responsibility: to continue defending, both in their country and internationally, the values that unite us here in Geneva—cooperation, transparency, fairness, openness."
Ambassador Noel White of Ireland emphasized equal participation in global trade discussions. He stated: "Multilateralism works best when all members are able to participate equally and effectively. Ireland's long-standing support to the French Irish Mission Programme recognizes the importance of having an inclusive, equitable and well-functioning World Trade Organization, in which least-developed countries and small, vulnerable economies have the resources to participate fully and make their voices heard."
Ms. Ndèye Fatou Diop from Senegal represented FIMiP participants: "For ten months we had the distinct honour of benefiting from a true immersion in the multilateral sphere, giving us the opportunity to strengthen our knowledge of the rules of international trade, to acquire practical skills in trade negotiations, but above all allowing us to better understand the complex issues that developing countries and LDCs face in the context of global trade."
The Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP) brought 16 participants into various divisions within the WTO Secretariat during 2025. Supported by funding from the Netherlands, this initiative is designed to give government officials hands-on exposure to how the WTO operates.
Audrey Goosen, Ambassador for the Netherlands at the WTO, commended this year’s NTP cohort: "The excellence of the participants keeps on surprising us". She encouraged them to maintain connections with fellow alumni and apply what they learned for their countries’ further integration into world markets.
Aziz Bala-Gaye from The Gambia expressed appreciation: "We extend our deepest appreciation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands... Your country's commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system... has had an immeasurable impact on all of us." He added: "We also extend our sincere appreciation to all the WTO staff who generously shared their knowledge... We witnessed firsthand...the importance of balancing economic growth with social and environmental considerations. As we look ahead...we leave this programme more confident...to contribute to...sustainable growth and inclusive development."
The Group Coordinators' Support Programme (GCSP), financed by the WTO Global Trust Fund, allowed a government official from Mali to assist his country’s mission as it took up coordination duties for Cotton 4 Group.
Mr Karabenta Mamadou Lamine reflected on his time with GCSP: "During this programme, I had the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings of WTO bodies. This close contact with WTO bodies strengthened...my understanding of issues...and crucial role of coalitions...particularly for developing countries and LDCs..."
These initiatives aim at increasing expertise among officials from diverse backgrounds so they can better engage with global trade processes.