The multifaceted curriculum included technical lectures, interactive sessions, and collaborative exercises. Participants explored the nexus between trade and gender, using practical tools and learning methodologies to integrate gender considerations into trade policies effectively. Key sessions delved into WTO initiatives on trade and gender, emphasizing the importance of mainstreaming gender equality across trade agendas.

Hands-on exercises were a focal point of the training, as participants worked in groups to design gender-responsive trade policies. These sessions not only reinforced the theoretical knowledge gained but also encouraged practical application and collaborative problem-solving. The resulting policy proposals were presented and critically evaluated, providing immediate feedback and insights for improvement.

Representatives hailed from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Lao PDR, Moldova, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe, resulting in a wide array of perspectives that enriched the discussions.

Kevin Jerry Vidot of Seychelles' Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Family said: “For me, the trade and gender course was very informative, empowering, and eye-opening. I learned things that before I thought were not an issue, but nowadays after this course, I know that there really is an issue. You cannot address or approach trade on its own; you need to also take into consideration and account for gender issues within that." He added: "Gender is something that we need to be aware of, and gender needs to be included in our policies if we really want a transformative agenda to move forward.”

Rochelle Graham-Barnes of Jamaica's Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport noted: “The WTO recognizes the importance of integrating two very key areas: trade and gender. Often they're separated. But now, the WTO has found that the best way to move forward, whether it's for sustainable development or economic development, is to put them together. Gender equality is important for trade and the economy in Jamaica because gender equality allows for the perspectives of men and women to be included in whatever sector it is.”

Deonah Abigail L. Miole of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines said: “The course provided us with tools on how to make gender-responsive policies and strategies, and also it gave us categories on how to define which strategies and initiatives are gender responsive or gender transformative.” She added: “In ensuring an environment that is violence-free and contributing to gender equality and equity, we also ensure effective and sustainable collaboration between men and women. This would also lead us to sustainable growth and development.”

Syed Shakeel Shah of Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office stated: “I found it very interesting, learning to put the gender lens to everything in the WTO. I think it gives a lot of new dimensions to everything and opens up a lot of space for the work of the WTO and for the members.” He added: “Once I go back and we have the next round of trade policy formulation, there will be something related to gender that I can see from here, because I'm now very well aware of the issues and how to go about them.”

The course also provided an overview of policies supporting women entrepreneurs and introduced participants to trade and gender issues related to standards and climate change as well as the trade implications of gender-based violence. Throughout the four-day programme, discussions included women's pivotal roles in natural resource management and how clean energy initiatives can amplify their involvement in trade. The sessions also highlighted Aid for Trade strategies and delved into gender-based violence issues, such as challenges at borders and poor working conditions in export sectors.

Participants also learned about the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender and initiatives such as the Standards and Trade Development Facility's Gender Action Plan for 2023-25. The Enhanced Integrated Framework was highlighted for its support of women entrepreneurs and inclusion of gender in its Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies.

The training emphasized the need to raise awareness about gender issues through WTO technical and thematic workshops and improve transparency in the notification process of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). Participants were introduced to the proposal of using current notification systems to communicate gender-related regulations, and the potential for creating new types of notifications. Networking opportunities, such as establishing focal points in various missions and alumni groups, were also discussed to foster continuous collaboration on gender mainstreaming.

The course concluded with participants developing personalized action plans to mainstream gender perspectives into national and international trade policies. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating inclusive and equitable trade practices globally, aligning with the WTO's commitment to sustainable development goals and gender equality.