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Press/317
11 October 2002
Training on dispute settlement for government officials

Thirty government officials have started on Monday 7 October a five-day immersion into the rules and procedures governing the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism. For one week the participants will be actively involved in the various training sessions organized under the auspices of the WTO Training Institute and with the active support of the WTO Legal Affairs Division and the Secretariat of the Appellate Body.

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The course traditionally starts with an introduction to the WTO and its basic principles. It then focuses on the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. Participants are rapidly engaged in simulation exercises which allow them to develop practical knowledge and skills throughout the various steps of the dispute resolution. An update on recent developments in the area of dispute settlement concludes the one-week long training.

Though the group of participants is composed essentially of government officials from developing countries, some developed countries are also represented as this particular training activity is organized under Art. 27.3 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, which foresees that training is to be provided to all WTO Members. A complete list of participants is attached.

This course is conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish.

This training on dispute settlement is one of the numerous activities organized by the WTO Training Institute. Currently 60 government officials participate to the three-month 21st and 22nd Regular Trade Policy Courses. In November a three-weeks courses entitled “Introduction to the WTO” will be conducted in French for 20 participants form Least-developed countries. In December, a two-week specialized course entitled “Negotiating Trade Agreements: From Theory to Practice” will be organized for the first time.

Dispute Settlement Rules & Procedures Course back to top
7 — 11 October 2002, WTO Headquarters, Geneva

List of participants