World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially welcomed the 10th cohort of the WTO Young Professionals Programme (YPP), marking a decade since the initiative was launched to strengthen diversity and build trade expertise among developing and least-developed economies.
The induction ceremony, held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, brought together WTO officials, ambassadors from member states, and the 10 young professionals who will serve across various WTO Secretariat divisions throughout 2026.
The Young Professionals Programme, established in 2016, is designed to enhance representation within the WTO while equipping emerging trade experts with hands-on experience in global trade policy, negotiations, and governance.
Since its inception, the programme has supported 128 young professionals, selected from developing countries and Least-Developed Countries (LDCs).
This year’s cohort emerged from a highly competitive selection process that attracted nearly 6,500 applicants worldwide.
Trade Stability Under Pressure, Says Okonjo-Iweala
In her remarks, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the growing challenges facing the multilateral trading system, noting that unilateral trade actions continue to test global cooperation.
“Despite these pressures, 72 per cent of global trade is still conducted under WTO rules,” she said, stressing the organization’s continued relevance at a time of global economic uncertainty.
With the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled to take place in Cameroon, the Director-General emphasized the urgency of reform and collective action to build a stronger, more responsive trading system.
“We are here to deliver results — results that benefit people and the planet, and demonstrate how trade cooperation can foster growth, certainty, and resilience for all members,” she added, encouraging the young professionals to actively contribute ideas and engage across divisions.
Voices from the 2026 Cohort
Speaking on behalf of the new participants, Parandzem Mikayelyan of Armenia described the group as a reflection of the WTO’s global character.
“Our diversity embodies the essence of the WTO — a place where different perspectives come together to strengthen a rules-based trading system that promotes shared prosperity and equity,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the WTO leadership for creating an enriching learning environment and warmly welcoming the new cohort.
Several ambassadors from WTO member states represented in the programme also addressed the ceremony, praising the YPP for nurturing future trade leaders and improving inclusiveness within the multilateral trading system.
Countries Represented in the 2026 Programme
The 2026 Young Professionals come from:
- Armenia
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Grenada
- Hong Kong, China
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- Senegal
- Thailand
Each participant will work within key WTO divisions, contributing to areas such as trade negotiations, legal affairs, agriculture, intellectual property, trade and environment, fisheries subsidies, technical cooperation, and data analysis.
Building the Next Generation of Trade Leaders
As the WTO prepares for critical reform discussions ahead of MC14, the latest Young Professionals are expected to play a supporting role in shaping policy work that directly impacts global trade, development, and livelihoods.
The programme continues to stand as one of the WTO’s flagship capacity-building initiatives, aimed at ensuring that the future of global trade governance reflects the voices and expertise of all regions.
