WTO 2025 Young Trade Leaders Programme

The Young Trade Leaders Programme aims to foster a better understanding of the WTO's work and international trade among young people by creating a network of "Young Trade Leaders" around the world.

WTO Young Trade Leaders are exceptional young people who have a clear understanding of how trade can be of benefit to people and planet. They bring new perspectives and ideas about the role of trade and the WTO while also having the opportunity to learn about the organization's work and play a role in advancing its mission.

• Table of Content
• About World Trade Organisation (WTO)
• Young Trade Leaders Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Young Trade Leaders Programme
• Requirements for Young Trade Leaders Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Young Trade Leaders Programme
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About World Trade Organisation (WTO)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. The WTO has many roles: it operates a global system of trade rules, it acts as a forum for negotiating trade agreements, it settles trade disputes between its members and it supports the needs of developing countries. All major decis...&nb... continue reading

Young Trade Leaders Programme

Application Deadline	02 May 2025
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Young Trade Leaders Programme

Selected Young Trade Leaders will have the opportunity to:

• Gain a greater understanding of the workings of the WTO and international trade
• Publish articles, blogs, podcasts and social media content on trade-related topics
• Attend an in-person one-day training programme at the WTO in Geneva
• Coordinate a session during the WTO's annual Public Forum
• Benefit from existing WTO training programmes
• Benefit from WTO Secretariat advice and mentoring
• Receive support when organizing WTO-related activities in their home countries.

Requirements for Young Trade Leaders Programme Qualification

Applicants must be:

• Between the ages of 18 and 28 on the closing date for applications, with a strong interest in international trade
• A citizen of a WTO member
• Neither currently affiliated with the WTO, nor have a relative who is currently WTO-affiliated
• Able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English - knowledge of a second WTO working language (French or Spanish) is an asset
• Attuned to the need for diplomacy, show a willingness to respect diverse perspectives, willing to foster understanding of trade issues and promote constructive dialogue

Interview date, Process and Venue for Young Trade Leaders Programme

The WTO Secretariat will review all applications. Short-listed applicants will be invited to take part in an interview in May 2025.

Selected leaders will not receive remuneration but they will be invited to travel to Geneva to participate in the WTO Public Forum in September 2025.

Documents Required for Application

1. CV: No more than two pages.
2. 2-minute video: In which the candidate briefly introduces themselves, expresses their interest in the programme, and explains the impact they hope to have as a Young Trade Leader.
3. Written contribution: Maximum of 300 words, answering the question: "How can trade positively contribute to people and planet?"

Application Deadline

May 2, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to World Trade Organisation (WTO) on wto.formstack.com to apply

Candidates should submit their application by filling out the online application form and uploading the relevant documentation.

The application period is open until 2 May 2025 (23.59 CET). Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Applications may only be submitted via the online platform.

For more details, visit WTO webpage