WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme 2026

The World Trade Organization Young Trade Leaders Programme 2026 is a one‑year youth leadership and engagement initiative designed to connect young people worldwide with international trade, the WTO’s work, and global economic policy. The programme aims to build a network of “Young Trade Leaders” who understand how trade can benefit both people and the planet and who bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the role of trade in sustainable development. Participants are selected based on their interest in international trade and their capacity to contribute constructively to discussions about trade issues. While selected leaders do not receive a salary, they gain significant opportunities for professional development and exposure to global trade policy. The programme offers participants an enhanced understanding of the WTO and the multilateral trading system, opportunities to produce trade-related content such as articles, blogs, podcasts, or social media pieces to elevate youth voices on trade topics, and the chance to participate in an in-person one-day training at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows also have the opportunity to coordinate or contribute to sessions at the WTO’s annual Public Forum, access existing WTO training programmes, receive mentoring from Secretariat staff, and obtain support for organizing trade-related activities in their home countries. Eligibility for the programme generally requires applicants to be between the ages of 18 and 28 at the closing date, hold citizenship of a WTO member state, demonstrate a strong interest in international trade, and have good written and spoken English, with knowledge of French or Spanish considered an asset. Overall, the Young Trade Leaders Programme 2026 promotes youth engagement in trade policy dialogue and empowers young leaders to contribute meaningfully to discussions on trade, sustainable development, and global economic challenges. Through practical exposure, networking, and content creation, participants develop skills that support future careers in international relations, economics, public policy, and related fields.