WTO Chairs Programme

News

Background

The WCP is organized around three pillars – Research, Curriculum Development and Outreach. Academic institutions selected to join the Programme are appointed through a competitive selection process following the launch of a call for applications by the WTO.

They receive funding for a four-year period to develop their expertise and produce outputs under each of the three pillars. Upon completion of the four-year funding cycle, the institutions maintain the status of WCP Chair, continuing to produce outputs under the three pillars and remaining part of the WCP network.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Programme are to:

• foster new research on trade-related matters and highlight the policy relevance of existing research
• provide support for the development and delivery of courses on trade policy and WTO-related matters in academic institutions
• ensure outreach/communication with policymakers and other stakeholders — institutions awarded a WCP Chair are expected to organize public activities aimed at disseminating research and promoting discussion regarding international trade and trade cooperation. They are also expected to collaborate with other Chairs in the Programme through joint research, shared lecturing arrangements and student/academic exchanges.

• List of WCP Chairs

Academic Advisory Board

The Academic Advisory Board - an external body composed of experienced scholars - ensures the academic quality of outputs generated by the Chairs.

• Current Advisory Board members