News and insights on WTO Technical Assistance programmes |
- WTO Technical Assistance at MC14 in Yaoundé
- Coming up: key activities in spring 2026
- E-Learning: introducing the catalogue
- Round-Up: top news and highlights
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📍 WTO Technical Assistance at MC14 in Yaoundé
📅 26–29 March 2026
During the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon, information on WTO capacity-building initiatives will be available at a dedicated stand. The stand will present the range of programmes and tools through which the WTO supports developing and least-developed Members and Observers in strengthening trade-related capacities and engaging more effectively in the multilateral trading system. On this occasion, the following new brochures highlighting key aspects of WTO TA have been released:
• Strong and Meaningful Results – showcasing the tangible outcomes achieved through WTO TA programmes since the WTO creation;
🎥 A series of short videos featuring participants’ experiences is also available, illustrating how WTO training translates into concrete policy actions, institutional strengthening and progress on the ground.
Participants attending MC14 are invited to visit the stand to learn more about these initiatives and access the new materials.
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Activities in spring 2026 |
Several TA activities have been approved, with further initiatives being planned. Details on upcoming activities are available via the link to the TAMS below. |
Note: The above list is not exhaustive and reflects only some of the forthcoming activities scheduled to date. For the complete and most up-to-date schedule, please consult TAMS regularly. |
📍 Geneva | 📅 21–23 April 2026
Workshop on the implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement: Incentives for Technology Transfer to LDCs |
This workshop will bring together government officials from least-developed countries (LDCs) to deepen their understanding of the implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, which calls on developed country Members to provide incentives to enterprises and institutions in their territories to promote technology transfer to LDCs.
Through presentations, discussions and exchanges with experts, participants will review how these incentives are reported and implemented in practice and explore ways to strengthen dialogue on technology transfer in the context of the TRIPS Council. The workshop will also provide a platform for participants to share experiences and identify opportunities to better leverage technology transfer initiatives in support of development objectives. |
📍 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 📅 10–13 May 2026
Regional workshop on Trade Negotiation Skills for GCC Member States |
This regional workshop will bring together officials from Gulf Cooperation Council member states to strengthen their understanding of trade negotiation theory and practice in the WTO context.
The programme combines lectures, interactive discussions, practical exercises and simulation activities to help participants develop the analytical and strategic skills required for effective participation in multilateral trade negotiations. Through negotiation simulations and debriefings, participants will explore the history and dynamics of WTO negotiations and apply key techniques in realistic scenarios. |
Explore the WTO e-Learning Programme |
With over 180 online courses available in English, French and Spanish, the WTO e-Learning programme offers a comprehensive catalogue ranging from introductory courses on the WTO and its Multilateral Trade Agreements to advanced, topic-specific training.
Learners can study at their own pace, anytime, from anywhere.
The programme provides an engaging digital learning experience, combining multimedia content such as animations, interactive exercises, infographics, audio and visual materials, as well as quizzes, exams and live webinars with WTO experts. |
📅 12 March 2026
DDG Zhang welcomes 2026 cohorts of participants in two TA programmes |
A ceremony held at the WTO headquarters marked the launch of the 2026 edition of two WTO technical assistance programmes, the French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP) and the Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP).
Over the course of ten months, 34 government officials from developing and least-developed WTO Members and Observers will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise in various aspects of the multilateral trading system and the work programme of the WTO. The welcome ceremony for the participants was attended by ambassadors and representatives of the programmes' three donor countries and of the beneficiary economies. |
📅 11 March 2026
Virtual training supports The Gambia in addressing WTO notification obligations |
A virtual training was organized for government officials from The Gambia to strengthen their understanding of WTO disciplines related to State Trading Enterprises (STEs), subsidies and countervailing measures, and safeguards.
The activity followed The Gambia’s 4th Trade Policy Review in February 2026, which highlighted outstanding notification requirements in these areas. The training supported ongoing efforts by The Gambia to address these gaps by helping officials better understand the relevant procedures, obligations and information required to comply with WTO transparency requirements. |
📍 Geneva | 📅 6 March 2026
8th South-South Dialogue highlights LDC priorities ahead of MC14 |
The 8th South-South Dialogue brought together ambassadors, Geneva-based officials and experts from least-developed countries (LDCs) and their South-South partners to discuss issues of shared interest in the multilateral trading system.
Held ahead of MC14, the dialogue provided a platform to exchange views on WTO reform and the evolving trade and development priorities of LDCs. Discussions also explored recent developments in WTO capacity-building initiatives and the type of support required to help LDCs fully realise their trade potential. |
📍 Amman, Jordan | 📅 15–18 February 2026
Workshop strengthens Jordan’s capacity on trade in services |
A four-day workshop was organized to support Jordanian government officials in deepening their understanding of trade in services and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
The programme highlighted the growing role of services in economic development and reviewed key GATS disciplines, including schedules of specific commitments and recent outcomes on Services Domestic Regulation. Participants also examined trends in preferential services trade agreements.
The workshop introduced practical tools for services trade policymaking, including i-TIP Services, the Services Trade Competitiveness Dashboard, and the WTO–World Bank Handbook on Good Regulatory Practices to Facilitate Trade in Services. |
WTO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Coordinated and managed by ITTC |
A core function of the WTO, technical assistance and capacity-building activities seek to enhance professional and institutional trade capacities in developing and least-developed WTO member and observer governments. They provide beneficiaries with enhanced know-how to take full advantage of the opportunities from the rules-based multilateral trading system and address potential challenges. Within the WTO Secretariat, the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) oversees these activities. |
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