YPP19-1

The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding WTO and international trade issues. The programme aims to attract professionals from under-represented countries who can consequently improve their chances of being recruited by the WTO and/or other regional and international organizations. The Programme is part of the Secretariat's efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership. The new Young Professional Programme (YPP) is financed through the DDAGTF. It targets young professionals with graduate degrees in international trade and trade policy (instead of civil servants). Recruitment for the YPP is managed through a competitive process and is based on merit. On this basis, during the initial years of the programme, priority will be accorded to young professionals from LDC and developing Members that are not currently represented at professional level in the Secretariat.