Call for Applications

The WTO Chairs Programme is issuing a call for applications, to expand the network of academic institutions from developing and least-developed economies currently in the Programme. The call follows on from the announcement by Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala last year that institutions would be admitted more frequently into the Programme. The target regions are Middle Africa, Western Africa, Western Asia, Oceania, and Central America and the Caribbean, which are currently under-represented by the Chairs Programme. Institutions from eligible WTO Members, acceding countries, and observer governments may apply. Future calls for applications will similarly target specific world sub-regions based on the level of representation achieved with each successive expansion.

Launched in 2010 as a capacity-building programme, the Chairs Programme is implemented through partnership agreements between the WTO and selected academic institutions. The programme supports trade-related academic activities at universities and research institutions in developing and least-developed countries. The WTO provides financial, scientific, and technical support to its partners over a period of four years in research, curriculum development, and outreach. Upon completion of this cycle, institutions remain part of the network of WTO Chairs, which today comprises a total of 35 institutions worldwide.

Chairs participating in the programme will be selected through a competitive process conducted by the WTO Secretariat with the support of the Chairs Programme Academic Advisory Board, an external body of multidisciplinary international trade experts. Eligible candidates are invited to complete their applications.

The deadline for applications has been extended to 31 May 2024. Applications already submitted may be updated within this deadline.

For further information or to update an application submitted, please contact wtochairs.enquiries@wto.org.

Additional information, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines are available in the documents below.

Call for applications (guidelines, instructions, and eligibility criteria)	English	French	Spanish
ANNEX I List of Activities	English	French	Spanish
ANNEX II Project Budget	English	French	Spanish