The Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTP), the French-Irish Mission Intern Programme (FIMIP), the Regional Coordinator Internship (RCI) Programme and the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) will formally conclude on 16 December. A total of 628 officials and young professionals from more than 100 countries have participated in these programmes to date.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala congratulated the trainees. She noted that the feedback on their work has been positive and their presence valuable to the WTO Secretariat and their missions. “Be ambassadors of the WTO,” she said, asking them to use the expertise acquired to better explain the work of the WTO and its importance.

DG Okonjo-Iweala said that the programmes would not have been possible without the generous and continued support of donors. “I would like, therefore, to express my appreciation to France, Ireland and the Netherlands, which directly fund several internship positions under the FIMIP and NTP programmes, and whose representatives are with us today, as well as all donors to the Global Trust Fund, which funds additional internships as well as the Young Professionals Programme.”

This year's participants had the opportunity to be involved in the preparatory work and negotiations that took place before and during the 12th Ministerial Conference in June.

The NTP, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, assists government trade officials from developing countries and LDCs in getting useful experience in the economic and development aspects of trade policy by allowing them to participate in ongoing activities within the WTO Secretariat for a period of ten months. A total of 12 government officials worked in various divisions of the WTO Secretariat in 2022.

The Netherlands' WTO Deputy Permanent Representative, Marcel Vernooij, said: “We admire how the trainees have contributed to the work of the WTO and deepened their expertise on the job. It is inspiring to see their dedication to now bring that expertise back home to make trade work as an engine for sustainable economic growth and job creation.”

He pointed out that “feedback collected shows that the programme has greatly benefitted both beneficiary countries and trainees”. The Netherlands has extended the programme for another five years and expressed its gratitude to the Secretariat for making the NTP a success.

Speaking on behalf of the 2022 NTP trainees, Dilys Ankomah Boafo from Ghana, thanked the WTO Secretariat for the opportunity and its support during the programme.

“We are confident that the exposure and experience gained through our internship will assist us as officials to formulate effective trade policies and make appropriate recommendations to our government in the future,” he said. “We also hope to bring to the attention of our various institutions the importance of providing up to date information on the implementation of our national trade policies and programmes to the WTO.”

Sponsored by the governments of France and Ireland, the FIMIP Programme was launched in 2001 with the aim of giving the small missions in Geneva more support through the WTO to assist them in following WTO-related work. The retained candidates work at the Geneva-based permanent missions of the beneficiary members and may represent their country in the various bodies within the WTO. Nineteen government officials participated in this year's FIMIP Programme.

Ireland's Deputy Permanent Representative Clare McNamara praised the participating officials for successfully completing their intensive internship programme and hoped they would contribute to enhanced trade capacity on their return home and, perhaps, by returning to Geneva in the future.  She said: “Ireland’s policy on international development, our Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States and our Strategy for Africa to 2025 motivate our long-standing support to the French-Irish Mission Internship Programme.”  

Ms McNamara underlined Ireland’s commitment to help developing countries, especially LDCs, to build their domestic and international trade capacity and infrastructure so they can access the economic benefits of expanded regional and global trade opportunities.

Etienne Oudot de Dainville, Permanent Representative of France to the WTO, welcomed this programme which contributes to the training of a network of true WTO experts, at the service of their country of origin, using the richness of an intercultural experience to help build long-lasting links.

Phone Myint Naing, from Myanmar, who spoke on behalf of the FIMIP trainees, said: “We gained more experience than we expected. This programme is an excellent platform that pushes the trade-related young generation, like us, to seize the situation where we can see the world, where we can extend the international network, where we can explore the international practice of the multilateral trading system.”

Five interns participated in the RCI Programme this year. The programme aims to provide support to the mission of the  beneficiary members selected to coordinate a WTO regional grouping. Selected interns are based in the mission of a regional coordinator for the period of the coordination mandate and for a maximum of one year. The RCI Programme is funded by the WTO Global Trust Fund.

On behalf of the RCI interns, Eric Ambassa from Cameroon gave insights into their valuable experiences: “Ce séjour à Genève est sans équivoque notre plus riche expérience professionnelle. Elle nous a en réalité permis d’être au cœur du système commerciale multilatéral, et prendre part aux travaux de la Ministérielle 12 qui a connu, il faut le rappeler, un succès retentissant.”

The Young Professionals Programme offers qualified young professionals from developing and LDC WTO members the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on trade and WTO work. The selected young professionals are assigned to specific divisions within the WTO Secretariat, according to needs and priorities of the organization and young professionals' areas of interest.  

Twelve professionals were chosen from 7,096 candidates to take part in the 2022 programme. The programme was launched in 2016 and is funded by the WTO Global Trust Fund.

Russell Campbell, from Trinidad and Tobago, spoke on behalf of the Young Professionals. “The qualifier ‘Young’ in Young Professional might mislead the uninformed into the belief that during our time at the WTO we were merely students, nascent workers, eager and on the cusp of maturity but not yet ready for the rigours of full service. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

He said the Young Professionals have functioned as Secretariat staff and embraced the full breadth of the WTO's work, applying their energies to advancing the critical service that the WTO provides its members and the people of the world.

Reflections on their experiences by participants:

The Netherlands Trainee Programme

“I have gained so much insight into the function of the WTO, the multilateral trading system and trade policy. My objectives have been satisfactorily achieved. Not only have I learnt from the division's work, training opporunities, meetings of WTO committees, councils and the General Council, but also I've acquired practical knowledge from discussing and interacting with my colleagues and experts with regards to trade policy, current issues affecting global trade, among other things. It's a life-changing experience for me. I am confident that these priceless experiences will assist me to contribute enormously to the future trade and development work in my organization and my nation.” Teera Tso Hanz (Cambodia)

“My journey through the Netherlands Trainee Programme has been a career and character-building experience. The exposure that I gained at the WTO Secretariat in terms of facilitating both regular work and negotiations in a multilateral setting was invaluable. The programme also provided an opportunity to build useful networks among colleagues at the Secretariat and fellow trainees. The numerous meetings and discussions with other institutions and interns have broadened my outlook on the multilateral trading system. My capacity to deliver on my country's trade agenda has been greatly enhanced. I now look forward to making a difference in the multilateral trade discipline on behalf of Kenya.” Alice Tumbo (Kenya)

The French-Irish Mission Intern Programme

“Participer à ce stage a été pour nous une riche expérience professionnellement comme personnellement. La qualité des informations reçues lors des formations dispensées par les différents experts de l’OMC, ainsi que les échanges avec les institutions collaboratrice de l’Organisation, ont considérablement renforcé notre connaissance du système du commerce international.” Claudia Razafiarinoro (Madagascar)

“I, personally, would like to describe the outcome of this internship as an extremely rewarding experience. The programme was an eye opener with a great amount of experience and knowledge. The training activities, experience and exchange of knowledge and ideas across trade policy, negotiation processes at the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system (MTS) in general are unquantifiable. As a FIMIP intern working with the mission, I had helpful learning opportunities on different thematic areas of the WTO and hope to contribute positively towards promotion of the MTS. It is an honour and privilege to be part of this great programme and thanks to the WTO and the sponsors (France and Ireland) for the opportunity.” Mohammed Wakil Bukar (Nigeria)

Regional Coordinator Internship

“The RCI Programme is a good experience and I really enjoyed it! It gave me opportunities to explore all the important WTO meetings, such as the General Council, TRIPS Council, Committee on Customs Valuation, Committee on Agriculture, Budget and Finance, Market Access etc, and learn from the discussions. I had the privilege to take part in the retreats organised by the WTO, especially the WTO Fisheries Retreat and the WTO Agriculture Retreat, knowing that these retreats are important for the Pacific in addressing fisheries issues in relation to the MC12 outcomes and agriculture, especially in regards to the food security crisis. The experience is amazing, building courage and confidence.” Jonah Taravaki (Vanuatu)

Young Professionals Programme

“The practical knowledge I have gained as a YP at the WTO is invaluable. This year has allowed me to immerse myself in the negotiations on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and contribute to key WTO events, such as the 12th Ministerial Conference, Aid for Trade Global Review and the Public Forum. I am extremely grateful for this unique opportunity to work in an incredibly supportive environment alongside exceptional professionals.” Assem Shakirtova (Kazakhstan)

“During my tenure, I had the privilege to contribute to the multifaceted and dynamic work of the Trade and Environment Division, both in the areas of technical barriers to trade (TBT) and trade and environment. I had a unique opportunity to broaden my knowledge on linkages between trade, on the one hand, and climate change, public health and digital issues, on the other, and to expand my expertise in WTO dispute settlement.” Anastasiia Koltunova (Ukraine)

“It's been quite a fruitful and engaging year. Particular highlights for me were playing a key role within the communications team during major events such as the 12th Ministerial Conference, Aid for Trade Global Review and the 2022 Public Forum. I look forward to applying the insights and lessons learned in my future endeavours.” Matilda Frimpong (Ghana)

“Through this Young Professionals Programme (YPP) at the Development Division of the WTO Secretariat, I contributed to the WTO’s work in supporting developing countries — especially LDCs, LLDCs and small island developing states (SIDS) — tackle trade bottlenecks and build resilience in a world of “polycrisis”. A work achievement that I take great pride in and an opportunity that I am grateful for. During my year as a YPP, I delved into trade and development issues and gained a broad spectrum of knowledge in WTO agreements and development-related provisions, sustainable development, multilateral partnerships and cooperation and Aid for Trade. As my YPP year winds down, I pause to say “thank you” to all and continue on my learning and growth journey, determined to grow to the fullest extent possible.” Mialy Nomenjanahary (Madagascar)