TC22-6

Title of the activity
TBT Transparency Champions Programme
Activity Type
Thematic course/Workshop
Description
The WTO Secretariat is piloting a new TBT Transparency Champions programme, which will take place in two stages, starting with a workshop in Geneva from 10 to 14 October 2022. The objectives of the programme (attached below) are to further the implementation and benefits of the transparency framework under the TBT Agreement and foster "champions" for transparency.

During the programme, the participants will benefit from practical sessions on topics such as notifications processes, the online SPS & TBT platform ePing, and engagement in the TBT Committee. They will also engage with experts and each other to identify good practices in implementation and build a network of practitioners. Each participant will fill out a baseline survey and develop an action plan, with the support of mentors and peers. After the workshop, the WTO Secretariat will follow up virtually on action plan implementation and organize ad-hoc dedicated sessions. In March 2023, there will be a regional workshop to take stock of progress and discuss future steps.

The programme is targeted at government officials with responsibilities for TBT transparency procedures, including those working in TBT Enquiry Points and/or Notification Authorities. This first pilot will be conducted in English for African countries, also aiming to support integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which builds on the transparency provisions and practices of the WTO TBT Agreement.
Venue
Switzerland
City
WTO
Trade topic
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Start Date
End Date
Duration (days)
5
Activity Level
selection process
Candidates must fill out an application form, which must be returned, completed and signed by the candidate and by the nominating national authority, which presents the candidate, via the Permanent Mission/Embassy to the WTO, at the latest by 30 June 2022.
A passport photocopy and one-page CV must be attached to the application.
Pre-requisite
The programme is targeted at government officials with responsibilities for TBT transparency procedures, including those working in TBT Enquiry Points and/or Notification Authorities.

Having demonstrably commensurate knowledge or professional experience concerning the implementation of TBT transparency provisions and/or having completed a WTO training activity (E-Learning or a face-to-face course) is an asset
Target Audience
Government officials
Language
English
Key Result
1. Government officials are implementing WTO Agreements and fully realising Members' rights and obligations
Key Output
1.1: Government officials have enhanced knowledge about WTO Agreements, trade policy formulation and conduct of trade negotiations
Invited Members and Observers:
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cabo Verde
Cameroon
Comoros
Congo
Côte dʼIvoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe