Fellowship•Switzerland · Geneva · Hybrid

WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme

Funding

Free

Program dates

Jul 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027

The Young Trade Leaders Programme is run by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat to foster a better understanding of the WTO’s work and international trade among young people, and to build a global network of emerging “Young Trade Leaders”. Each annual cohort is small — eight leaders from six continents in the inaugural 2024 round and seven in 2025 — selected for one year. Over the year, leaders engage remotely with the WTO, take part in an in-person training day at WTO headquarters in Geneva, and coordinate a session at the WTO Public Forum in September. It is an unpaid, non-residential leadership and networking programme rather than a salaried role or a scholarship.

Benefits & funding

  • One-year engagement with the WTO Secretariat (July 2026 – June 2027), conducted mostly remotely.
  • In-person one-day training programme at WTO headquarters in Geneva.
  • Travel to Geneva covered to attend the WTO Public Forum in September 2026.
  • Opportunity to coordinate and lead a session at the annual WTO Public Forum.
  • Mentoring and advice from the WTO Secretariat, plus access to WTO training programmes and resources.
  • A platform to publish articles, blogs, podcasts and social media content on trade.
  • Support to organise WTO-related activities in their home countries.
  • No remuneration (the role is unpaid) and no participation fee.

Eligibility

  • Aged between 18 and 28 on the application closing date.
  • A citizen of a WTO member state.
  • A strong interest in international trade and demonstrated commitment to dialogue, with diplomatic sensibility.
  • Good level of written and spoken English; French or Spanish is a beneficial asset.
  • Available to participate fully throughout the one-year programme (July 2026 – June 2027).
  • Not currently employed by, or related to, WTO staff.

Application process

  1. 1
    Complete the online application form during the open call.
  2. 2
    Submit a two-page CV, a two-minute introduction video, and a 300-word written response to one of two prompts on the future of trade.
  3. 3
    Shortlisted candidates are interviewed (interviews held in May for the 2026 cohort); selected leaders begin the programme on 1 July.

Program timeline

  1. 16 March 2026

    Applications open (2026 cohort)

  2. Application deadline

    1 May 2026 (23:59 CET)

  3. Interviews

    May 2026

  4. Programme begins

    1 July 2026

  5. WTO Public Forum in Geneva

    September 2026

  6. Programme concludes

    June 2027