Background

The programme responds to the growing need for gender-focused expertise in trade. The Youth Trade Summit on Gender 2023 highlighted the importance of integrating gender into trade policy and engaged young voices in shaping actionable goals.

Developed in collaboration with the WTO Gender Research Hub, the Youth Talent Incubator Programme focuses on providing mentorship, capacity building, and networking opportunities through practical policy engagement. The programme also supports youth delegates in fulfilling their 2023 Youth Trade Summit on Gender Pledges, guiding them in realizing their commitments to gender-responsive trade. For more details, see the programme’s concept note.

Objectives

The programme aims to:

• advance the conversation on trade and gender by exploring new dimensions
• bridge the gap between research and policy through actionable recommendations
• cultivate future experts by offering mentorship, skill-building and networking opportunities.

Programme structure

• Pillar 1: Mentorship
  Personalized career mentorship sessions led by experienced professionals, with activities such as idea labs, role-playing scenarios, one-on-one mentoring, and career story sharing.
• Pillar 2: Capacity building
  Practical training in economic research, policy drafting, and effective communication on trade and gender through targeted workshops.
• Pillar 3: Networking
  Virtual networking, peer exchanges, and career sessions connecting participants with experts, fostering collaboration, and building professional networks in trade and gender.

More information on the programme's schedule and its activities is available here.

Participant experiences and expert insights

Firsthand perspectives from programme participants and Gender Research Hub members on the impact of the Youth Talent Incubator Programme are available here.  "Participant Voices and Expert Insights" provides reflections from participants and experts on career growth, mentorship, and the importance of youth engagement in trade and gender.

Stay informed

For more updates from the WTO Trade and Gender Office, reach out to us at [email protected].