About the World Trade Organization’s Chair Programme
Background
The World Trade Organization (WTO) initiated a Chairs Programme in 2010. The intention was to expand the capacity of academic and research institutions in the developing world in the area of international trade. The programme supports research, curriculum development, and outreach activities. Fourteen institutions were initially selected as WTO Chairs. Phase II of the programme was launched in 2014. Seven new institutions were added to the programme. On the 18 December 2020 the World Trade Organization issued a call for applications for Phase III. Over 120 institutions applied. Of these, 17 institutions were ultimately added to the network. The National University of Lesotho (NUL) is among them. It has joined a prestigious network that currently comprises of 36 institutions from across the globe.
WTO Phase III Chairs:
Objectives of the WTO Chairs Programme
The objectives of the WTO Chairs programme are to, broadly:
- Promote research in trade-related matters and to highlight the policy relevance of such research;
- Support the development and delivery of courses on international trade and provide teaching support;
- Encourage outreach activities;
- Collate information and promote knowledge sharing on international trade;
- Establish a network of engaged international trade academics and researchers
For more information, visit the World Trade Organization’s Chair website at this link: