Director-General Roberto Azevêdo met with the 2019 WTO Young Professionals on 25 November to thank them for their good work and contributions as they approach the end of their year at the organization. The participants in this year’s group said the values and skills learned and consolidated at the WTO will guide them throughout their careers.
The 2019 group included professionals from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong China, Liberia, Macao China, Maldives, Namibia, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. Launched in 2016, the WTO Young Professionals (YP) Programme is part of the Secretariat’s efforts to increase diversity and broaden the representation of the membership.
DG Azevêdo noted that the third edition of the programme has been successful in many ways. For participants, the YP Programme offers a unique look into the work of the WTO, not only the regular work in areas such as monitoring, research and trade disputes but also major events on the WTO calendar such as the Aid for Trade Global Review and the Public Forum.
“The knowledge you have developed – as well as the contacts you make – can help you seize new professional opportunities,” DG Azevêdo said. “No matter where you are, I hope you will share this knowledge, put it to good use, and help your governments engage in the WTO.”
“This programme helps to strengthen the diversity at the Secretariat,” he added. “This is very important in an organization like the WTO, where inclusivity and diversity are at the core of our activities.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Fabiana Fong from Macao China said the past year has “taught us about the importance of capacity building. We have more knowledge on the WTO and better understanding on how this system works. We have learned how to cooperate and engage with our colleagues and delegates.”
“I feel as certain today as I did a year ago that, if young people from underrepresented regions like us are given an opportunity to serve the international community, we will step up and deliver,” she added.
Source: wto.org