Why academic institutions matter in global trade

They also help in the analysis and discussion of relevant topics and concerns for trading communities.

These programmes also create bridges among and between scholars around the world and with the WTO Secretariat.

We seek to transfer ownership to partner institutions and supporting programmes that have a long-term perspective, are sustainable, and embody a multiplier effect.

In the end, the WTO secretariat recognises that it can only contribute in a marginal way, as it only possesses limited resources.

It is only through national universities and research centres, that the population at large can access academic education, and that specialised training for trade officials in particular, can be effectively provided.

In 2009, we launched the WTO Chairs Programme, which aims at supporting academic institutions and associated individual scholars from developing countries in course preparation, teaching, research and outreach activities.

Fourteen Chairs were allocated on the basis of a competitive bidding process.

Network of institutions

While we provide direct support to academic institutions from developing countries, the participation in the WTO Chairs Programme will increasingly be open to scholars and academic institutions from developed countries as well. Our aim is to create a network of academic and research institutions to share knowledge and experience.

The WTO Chairs Programme provides financial support for a period of four years to beneficiary institutions, and facilitates continuous interaction between such institutions and their homologues and other think tanks around the world.

It will provide students and other stakeholders with a deeper understanding of trade policy issues, disseminate research and information, promote discussion on international trade and trade cooperation, and provide analytical input into the formulation and implementation of trade policy.

Lamy is the WTO director- general.