home > trade topics > trta > training courses > general courses

TRTA: TRADE-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

General WTO-related technical assistance and training

This category mainly includes training activities designed to offer a broad understanding of all WTO-related matters.

Trade policy courses

The most thorough training on the WTO is provided through the trade policy courses, which last 12 weeks. There are a total of nine trade policy courses in 2008 and eight in 2009: four in Geneva and five (four in 2009) in the regions and last 12 weeks.

> How to participate

Introduction courses

The main purpose of Geneva-based Introduction courses is the dissemination of general information about the WTO, its basic rules and disciplines and its functioning. The courses usually last three weeks.

> How to participate

Geneva-based thematic courses

Geneva-based thematic courses focus on one or a group of WTO-related topics, and usually last one or two weeks. Briefing on WTO work progress in the topics concerned is an integral part of these courses. The training methods put emphasis on interactive learning, practical exercises, case studies and debates.

> How to participate

WTO introduction days

WTO introduction days are usually held three times a year in Geneva and are intended for newly arrived delegates in Geneva, non-governmental organizations, new WTO staff members, interns working in the Secretariat and interested officials from other international organizations.

> How to participate

Geneva Week

The “Geneva Week” for WTO Member representatives who are non-residents of Geneva: to meet the special challenges faced by these non-residents and to enhance their participation in the MTS, the WTO organizes the “Geneva Week”, during which non-resident representatives to the WTO from capitals and from Europe-based missions are invited to Geneva. More information here.

> How to participate

Geneva-based topic-specific symposia

Several stand-alone symposia for either capital-based or Geneva-based officials take place in Geneva on specific topics which largely reflect suggestions that emerged from various WTO bodies as well as areas that have priority attention in light of the DDA. See the list of activities.

> How to participate

Other Geneva-based support

A variety of different products are provided directly in Geneva: the newsletter for non-residents; ad hoc assistance; briefing sessions through video-conferencing; servicing regional groups; advisory role on legal issues. More information here.

Regional and sub-regional capacity-building programmes

Short trade policy courses last between one and three weeks, and are proposed either by the WTO, or as part of the partnership arrangements with other organizations and institutions, or with regional/sub regional secretariats; they are held in the field.

> back to TRTA gateway

> How to participate