The WTO Secretariat is organizing the workshop in close collaboration with the Secretariats of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Trade and Public Health Workshop takes a holistic approach to the interlinkages between trade and public health. Its programme has evolved to cover topical and current issues, building on the experience of  similar workshops organized by the WTO Secretariat since 2005 and responding to the feedback from participating officials from the WTO's member governments. It follows the approach developed in the WHO-WIPO-WTO Trilateral Study on “Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation: Intersections Between Public Health, Intellectual Property and Trade”.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented global public health crisis and exemplifies the need for global cooperation. The Trade and Public Health Workshop will address the need for coherent policy responses on the basis of a practical understanding of the interaction between public health, trade agreements and the intellectual property (IP) system.  

In an intensive, one-week programme, delivered by a diverse group of more than 30 experts, participants will examine the role that multilateral trade agreements play as part of the wider action to meet increasingly urgent public health needs. Participants will also engage in targeted practical exercises and case studies designed to examine key policy tools and to demonstrate how they can be implemented together more effectively for public health outcomes.

Who should apply?

The Trade and Public Health Workshop is intended for senior government officials who have established expertise and hands-on experience on health, trade and IP issues. Candidates should be proficient in English and be ready to actively participate in discussions and case studies.

The WTO Secretariat can fund a maximum of 30 participants. Five additional places will also be available for self-funded participants.

How to apply?

Government officials from WTO members and observers eligible to benefit from WTO training activities are invited to apply by 3 July 2020.

Detailed information regarding the application procedures is available here.