JOB/TC/ 17 
 
23 January 2023  
(23-0543)  Page: 1/8 
    
 
 
WTO TRAINING ACTIVITIES IN GENEVA AND REGIONAL TRADE POLICY  
COURSES (RTPC)  IN 20 23 
DATES AND OTHER INFORMATION  
 
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.   This communication sets out information on the WTO Secretariat Global Training Activities and 
Regional Trade Policy Courses  (RTPCs)  scheduled to be conducted in 2023. Its aim is to facilitate the 
planning of government officials' participation in WTO trade-related training activities. The training 
calendar outlined below includes both face -to-face activities and e-Learning  courses. It is subject to 
revisions as circumstances change during the year or supplementary information becomes available.  
This information will be made available on the page of the WTO website corresponding to  Building 
Trade Capacity – Technic al Assistance and Training .1 
1.2.   Detailed information on course  titles, delivery language and dates are provided in annexes I , 
II, and III  included at the end of this communication. Annex I lists  activities available to "generalists" 
(see below) at different levels of learning through face -to-face courses held in Geneva , in RTPCs , or 
through the e-Learning  platform .2 Annex II contains similar information for learning activities aimed 
at "speciali sts" and held in Geneva . Annex III lists e-Learning  activities that are outside of the 
Progressive Learning Strategy framework.  
1.3.   For courses organised per region, other than RTPCs , details will be published as they become 
available on the page s of the WTO website corresponding to Technical Assistance and Training . 
1.4.  The Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation ( ITTC) encourages government officials 
from beneficiaries of WTO Trade -related Technical Assistance to take advantage of the wide range 
of trai ning opportunities planned for their benefit during 2023. For each training activity, in 
accordance with existing procedures, an announcement will be made online and/or a letter of 
invitation will be sent out to the Permanent Missions of the targeted benef iciaries detailing the 
activity's title, delivery language and dates, application requirements and other relevant information . 
2  WTO'S PROGRESSIVE LEARNING STRATEGY  
2.1.   The WTO training activities are structured around WTO's Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS). 
The PLS seeks to promote increasing levels of learning and the development of participants' 
autonomy in order to build and sustain long -lasting human and  instituti onal capacities in beneficiary 
Members  and Observers . This in turn aims to allow beneficiaries to participate more effectively in  the 
rules-based Multilateral Trading System. In 20 23, the PLS will continue to play a key role in  ensuring 
that government off icials and other stakeholders progressively build their knowledge about the WTO 
Agreements and related obligations, formulation of trade policies, and the conduct of trade 
negotiations.3 
 
1 Updated i nformation on  training activities is available on the WTO website at:. https://tams.wto.org  
2 Available at  https://www.learning.wto.org . 
3 Further details on the PLS may be found in the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2022–
2023, WTO document WT/COMTD/W/ 260/Rev.1, 2 December 20 21. JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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  2.2.   Taking into account  the spectrum of beneficiaries, the PLS foresees two learning paths - one 
for "generalists" and another for  "specialists":  
• "Generalists" are officials that require a broad knowledge of the WTO to conduct their work 
and have general responsibility for WTO i ssues.  
• "Specialists" are officials that require in -depth knowledge in a specific WTO area 
or Agreement and are working on , or dealing with , related specific issues.  
2.3.   The generalist learning path  consists of three PLS levels (see Annex I):  
• PLS Level 1 (basi c). This level offers generalists an initiation to the role, structure and 
functioning of the WTO, as well as to its economic and legal underpinnings. e-Learning  
courses are the mainstay for training at level 1, especially the online course "Introduction t o 
the WTO". In view of the particular needs and interests of LDCs, a face -to-face "Introductory 
Trade Policy Course for LDCs" is also offered in Geneva.  
• PLS Level 2 (intermediate). This level provides a comprehensive understanding of the main 
provisions of  the WTO Agreements and negotiations. The main face -to-face training offered 
to generalists at this level take s the form of Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs). These 
are eight -week long courses organised in seven region s and include revision segments an d 
mandatory graded examinations. They cover the WTO Agreements and regional trade policy 
issues and focus on strengthening participants' autonomy through their ability to use WTO 
information resources, in particular the WTO Legal Texts. Alternatively, gene ralists may take 
advantage of level 2 e-Learning  courses, in particular the online course "The Multilateral 
Trade Agreements".  
• PLS Level 3 (advanced). This level addresses horizontally trade policy issues on which one 
or several WTO Agreements  may have a b earing. The course available to generalists at this 
level is the eight-week long face-to-face Advanced Trade Policy Course (ATPC). The ATPC is 
the most comprehensive advanced WTO training product available under the PLS.  It includes 
a series of interactive  sessions focussing on case studies, simulations and exercises, and 
roundtable s that foster the sharing of experiences and best practices as well as debating 
present -day trade topics.  
2.4.  The specialist learning path  consists of the following PLS levels (see A nnex II):  
• PLS Level 1 (basic). Specialists also take advantage of the courses offered to generalists at 
level 1, as described above.  
• PLS Level 2 (intermediate). For specialists, this level offers a thematic approach focusing on 
a particular WTO Agreeme nt (or a limited number of related ones). At this PLS level, 
participants may take part in one of the several specialized courses available through the 
e-Learning  platform  or face -to-face. 
• PLS Level 3 (advanced). This level is proposed to specialise on one sub -sector or one aspect 
of a single WTO Agreement, or to concentrate on one or several implementation issues. All 
activities for specialists currently planned at level 3 are face -to-face and include several 
courses on specific topics in Geneva.  
3  OTHER WTO TRAINING ACTIVITIES  
3.1.   In addition to the courses listed in Annexes I , II, and III, the WTO also offers other training 
activities ranging from PLS levels 1 to 3 in Geneva and the regions. The courses in Geneva include 
Introduction and Focus Activities, intended for Geneva -based delegates, non -governmental 
organizations, WTO  staff members, interns working in the Secretariat , and interested officials from 
other international organizations. Based on demand from Geneva -based WTO delegates, 
Introduction Activities may  be designed to  target particular WTO Agreements or issues, and to allow 
for more in -depth focus and exchange of  views and perspectives, as well as networking.  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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  3.2.   The e-Learning  programme also includes courses outside of the PLS framework  which provide 
basic training on WTO and the Multilateral Trading System topics . 
4  KEY CONSIDERATIONS TO BENEFIT FROM WTO TRAINING  
4.1.   The ITTC wishes to remind beneficiaries of the vital importance of meeting the criteria spelt 
out for a specific WTO training activity , where applicable, to qualify to take part in it . Among others, 
such criteria may require that a completed application form be signed by both the candidate and the 
nominating domestic authority and submitted via the relevan t mission to the WTO. Compliance with 
any stated application deadlines is of the utmost importance.  
4.2.   In order to ensure the effectiveness of the PLS, candidates are selected based on the principle 
that prerequisites are obligatory to move through the level s of PLS activity. Prerequisites reflect the 
pedagogical needs of each training activity and may take the form, for example, of having previously 
taken certain WTO courses and/or  having specific knowledge or professional experience. Meeting 
the relevant pr erequisites is essential but not sufficient for a candidate to be selected to take part in 
face-to-face training activities. As the number of applicants typically exceeds the places available 
for such activities, it is often not possible to retain all qual ified candidates. In these cases, a selection 
process is carried out to piece together a well -balanced group of participants taking into 
consideration both the backgrounds of individual candidates as well as systemic considerations.  
4.3.   All eligible candidate s may benefit from the training activities offered through out the year  in 
the e-Learning  platform, with no limit on the number of participants who may enrol in a particular 
course. e-Learning  course material may be freely obtained through the e-Learning  platform upon 
registration , with participants able to start their course at their convenience and to organize their 
study pace according to what fits them best. However, government officials from beneficiaries must 
be nominated by their government and submit  a nomination form to have unrestricted access to the 
e-Learning  platform  (including access to all training materials and activities  and a WTO certificate  
upon successful completion of a course) .4 
4.4.   As in the past, due consideration will be given in 20 23 to offering when appropriate additional 
places to participants from all Members on a self -funded basis. In line with the Biennial Technical 
Assistance and Training Plan 2022–2023, efforts will be made to continue expand ing the availability 
of course -offerings in all three WTO languages in activities held in Geneva . As a result, the delivery 
language of an activity may vary from that indicated in Annexes I , II, and III . 
5  ANNEXES  
5.1.  The annexes incorporate a selection of key activities and are not comprehensive; in particular, 
they do not include requests related to regional seminars for specialist s and to technical assistance  
activities requested by individual governments . In going t hrough the annexes, these additional 
points should be kept in mind:  
• Dates shown for face -to-face courses are tentative and may change.  
• Face-to-face courses are delivered in English, French or Spanish, as indicated.  
• e-Learning  courses are available at any t ime throughout the year and, thus, they are not 
associated with particular dates.  
• All e-Learning  courses are available in English, French and Spanish , except as noted.  
5.2.  Finally, please also note that t he WTO Secretariat may modify, postpone  or cancel any of the 
activit ies in the annexes in cases such as event s of force majeure, if funding cannot be secured in 
time, if an insufficient number of eligible candidates register for participation, or for any other 
reason s that render the execution of the activity impracticable.  
 
_______________  
 
4 Updated i nformation on  e-Learning courses is  available at: http s://www.learning.wto.org  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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  ANNEX I  
2023 Training Calendar for Generalists*  
 
LEVEL 3  
 
Face -to-face:   
• Advanced Trade Policy Course (E), 30 January  – 24 March ** 
• Advanced Trade Policy Course ( F), 5 June – 28 July (TBC)** 
• Advanced Trade Policy Course ( E), 16 October – 8 December  (TBC) ** 
 
 
 
 
LEVEL 2  
 
Face -to-face:  
• RTPC for CEECAC WTO Members and Observers : Kazakhstan (E), 13 March – 5 May 
• RTPC for Latin American WTO Members and Observers: Mexico  (S), 15 May – 7 July  
• RTPC for Caribbean WTO Members and Observers:  Trinidad and Tobago (E), 
17 July – 8 September  
• RTPC for English -Speaking Africa n WTO Members and Observers : Mauritius (E), 
18 September  – 10 November  
• RTPC for French -Speaking Africa n WTO Members and Observers  (F), 16 October – 8 December  
(TBC)  
e-Learning : 
• Mainstreaming Trade: The Fundamentals *** 
• Mainstreaming Trade in Action *** 
• The Multilateral Trade Agreements  
• The WTO and Trade Economics: Theory and Policy *** 
• WTO Legal Underpinnings *** 
 
 
 
 
LEVEL 1  
Face -to-face:  
• Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs  (E), 24 April – 12 May (TBC)  
• Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs ( F), 18 September – 6 October  
e-Learning : 
• Introduction to the WTO  
 
* E = English, F  = French, RTPC  = Regional Trade Policy Course, S  = Spanish, TBC  = to be 
confirmed, TBD  = to be determined.  
** Eligible candidates should have successfully completed a Level 2 Regional Trade Policy Course  or 
the e-Learning course on The Multilateral Trade Agreements . 
*** Eligible candidates should have successfully completed the e-Learning course on Introduction 
to the WTO  or a Level 1 Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs.  
**** These courses are in the process of being uploaded on the new e -Learning platform at the time 
of preparation of this document.  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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  ANNEX II  
2023 Training Calendar for Specialists*  
 
LEVEL 3  
Face -to-face:  
• Workshop on LDC Priority Needs and Technology Transfer Measures  (E, F), 14-16 March  
• Joint WIPO -WTO Advanced Course on Topical Intellectual Property  Policy Issues (E), 
20-31 March  
• Advanced Global Workshop on Government Procurement Agreement (E/F/S),   
17 April – 12 May (Virtual)  
• Workshop on QR Notification (E), 24 -26 April 
• Course on Trade and Gender (E), 2 -5 May  
• Workshop for Heads of Antidumping Investigation Authorities (E), 4-5 May 
• Follow -up to the 20 22 SPS Transparency Champions Course SPS ( E), 8-11 May 
• Advanced Course on the Economic Analysis of Trade Policy (E), 20-28 June  
• Workshop on Implementation of A rt. 67 TRIPS  (E, TBC) , June ( 2 days, TBD) 
• Thematic Seminar on Competition Policy, Trade and Development (E/F/S) , 5-7 July or 10 -12 
July (TBD)  
• Course on Trade and Gender (F), 17 -20 July  
• Advanced Thematic C ourse on GATS (E), 18-22 September  
• Workshop  on Import Licensing Notification  Requirement s (E), 26-28 September  
• Advanced Workshop on Agriculture Notifications  (E), 3-5 October (Virtual ) 
• Course on Trade and Gender (S), 23 -26 October (Virtual)  
• Advanced Global Workshop on Government Procurement  Agreement  (E/F/S), 30 October  – 
3 November  
• Measuring Trade in Services and Applied Regimes  (E, TBC) , October ( 3 days, TBD) 
• SPS Course Advanced /Transparency/Other (E, TBC) , November  (15 days, TB D) 
• Thematic Workshop on Trade and Health  (E, TBC) , October -November (5 days, TBD) 
• WIPO -WTO Co lloquium for IP teachers (E), November  (10 days, TBD) 
• Advanced Thematic Course on WTO Dispute Settlement ( E), 27 November – 1 December  
• Course on Trade in Value Added and Global Value Chains (E), 11-15 De cember  
• Seminar on IP and Knowledge Flows in a Digital Era  (E) (3 days, TBD)  
• Second Symposium for IP Judges  (E) (4 days, TBD)  
 
• Symposium on Illicit Trade (E), May (2 days, TBD)  
• WHO-WIPO -WTO Trilateral Technical Workshop on Public Health, IP and Trade (E/F/S), June 
(1 day, TBD)  
• Course on Trade and Gender for Geneva -based delegates (E/F/S), 14 or 21 June (TBD)  
• SPS Committee Workshop (E/F/S), 10 July (TBC)  
• SPS Committee Thematic Ses sion (E/F/S), 11 July  (TBC)  
• SPS Committee Thematic Session (E/F/S), 14 November  
• WTO Agriculture Symposium (E/F/S) , 5-6 December  
• 10th Trilateral Symposium on Trade and Health Themes  (E/F/S ), November -December  (1 day, 
TBD) 
• WTO Information Seminar on International Trade Policy for Journalists (TBC) (TBD)  
  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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LEVEL 2  
 
Face -to-face:  
• Training on WTO Rules in Accession Negotiations (E), 6 -10 March  
• Workshop on the Information Technology Agreement (E), 14 -17 March  
e-Learning : 
• A Short trip to TRIPS ** 
• Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
• Agriculture in the WTO  (E) 
• CITES and the WTO: Enhancing Cooperation for Sustainable Development ** 
• Copyrights in the WTO ** 
• Cotton, International Trade and the WTO – Cotton Course Series – Course 1 (E)  
• Fast track to anti-dumping: Short Course on anti -dumping in the WTO (E) ** 
• Fast track to GATS: Short Course on Trade in Services (E) ** 
• Fast track to Safeguard Measures - Short Course series (E) ** 
• Fast track to Subsidies and Countervailing Measures in the WTO - Short Cour se series (E)  
• Made in ...: Understanding Rules of Origin  – Part 1  
• Market Access for Goods and Non -Agricultural Market Access Negotiations ** 
• Patents in the WTO ** 
• Regional Trade Agreements and the WTO ** 
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  (F/S)** 
• SPS Course series 1 – Overview of the SPS Agreement and Committee (E)  
• SPS Course series 2 – The SPS Agreement and Science (E)  
• SPS Course series 3 – Trade Facilitating Operational Provisions of the SPS Agreement (E)  
• SPS Course series 4 – Implementation, Adminis tration, and Enforcement (E)  
• Technical Barriers to Trade in the WTO ** 
• The WTO Dispute Settlement System  (E)** 
• Trade and Circular Economy  
• Trade and Environment  
• Trade and Development  in the WTO ** 
• Trade Facilitation Agreement  
• Trade Finance and the WTO  
• Trade i n Services in the WTO ** 
• Trade Remedies and the WTO ** 
• Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ** 
• Transparency and the WTO: Notifications Obligations ** 
• WTO Accession  
• WTO Market Access Intelligence Online ** 
 
  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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LEVEL 1  
Face -to-face:  
• Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs  (E), 24 April – 12 May  
• Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs  (F), 18 September – 6 October  
e-Learning : 
• Introduction to the WTO  
 
* E = English, F  = French, S  = Spanish, TBC  = activity to be confirmed/decided, TBD  = dates to be 
determined  
** These courses are in the process of being uploaded on the new e -Learning platform at the time 
of preparation of this document.  
  JOB/TC/1 7 
 
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  ANNEX II I 
2023 Training Calendar (Other)  
 
 
e-Learning : 
• Agriculture Information Management System ** 
• The Agriculture Xpress ** 
• Customs Valuation – What is it all about? – Micro Course series (E)  
• Documents Online E -Subscriptions ** 
• GATS Modes of Supply Made Easy: Mode 4 – Micro Course series  
• Introduction to Evaluat ions: Managing Project Evaluations – EIF Micro Course series  
• Preparing and Managing Project Evaluations – EIF Micro Course series  
• Quick view on the Circular Economy – Micro C ourse series ** 
• The Committee on Trade and Development in the WTO – Micro Course se ries 
• Underutilization of Trade Preferences: Blame it on the Rules of Origin? – Micro Course series  
• What are the Notification Obligations: What, Why, Who, When, and What? – Micro Course 
series  
• What are the Objectives of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA )? – Micro Course series  
• What is the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  about? – Micro Course 
series  
• Why are Copyright and Related Rights Protected ? – Micro Course series  
• Why are Intellectual Property Rights Protected? – Micro Course seri es 
• WTO in 10' ** 
 
* E = English, F  = French, S  = Spanish  
** These courses are in the process of being uploaded on the new e -Learning platform at the time 
of preparation of this document.  
 
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