The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened applications for its 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme, a global initiative designed to engage young people in international trade discussions and strengthen their understanding of the WTO’s work.
The programme aims to connect emerging young leaders with the global trade community while encouraging them to contribute fresh perspectives on how trade can support economic development, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Launched in 2024, the Young Trade Leaders Programme was created to build a stronger link between young people and the WTO. It seeks to identify outstanding young individuals who understand how international trade can positively impact both people and the planet.
Those selected as Young Trade Leaders are expected to contribute new ideas about the role of trade in addressing global challenges. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about the WTO’s activities and help promote greater awareness of trade issues within their communities and networks.
The programme runs for one year, offering selected participants a platform to engage with experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in shaping global trade policy.
Participants will gain deeper insight into how the WTO operates and how international trade frameworks influence global economic relations. The programme also allows them to produce content on trade-related topics, including articles, blogs, podcasts, and social media discussions aimed at increasing public understanding of global trade issues.
As part of the experience, selected participants will attend a one-day in-person training session at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to or coordinate a session during the WTO Public Forum 2026, one of the organisation’s key events that brings together policymakers, academics, businesses, and civil society groups to discuss the future of global trade.
Participants will also benefit from the WTO’s existing training programmes and receive mentoring and advisory support from the WTO Secretariat. In addition, the organisation will support selected Young Trade Leaders who wish to organise WTO-related activities in their home countries.
Although the programme does not provide financial remuneration, participants will be invited to travel to Geneva to take part in the WTO Public Forum scheduled for September 2026.
To qualify for the programme, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old by the application deadline and must be citizens of a WTO member country. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong interest in international trade and possess good written and spoken English skills. Knowledge of an additional WTO working language, such as French or Spanish, will be considered an advantage.
Applicants must not currently be affiliated with the WTO, nor have a close relative working with the organisation. They are also expected to demonstrate diplomatic awareness, openness to diverse perspectives, and a commitment to promoting constructive dialogue on trade issues.
Successful candidates must be available to participate throughout the programme period from July 2026 to June 2027. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews scheduled for May 2026.
Applications must include a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages, a two-minute video introduction explaining the applicant’s interest in the programme and the impact they hope to make, and a written submission of up to 300 words addressing either how trade can better serve the next generation or the role young people should play in shaping the future of trade.
The deadline for applications is 1 May 2026. Interested applicants can apply through the official portal wto.formstack.com/forms/young_trade_leaders_2026.
