JOB/TC/14  
 
19 December 2017  
(17-7087) Page: 1/6 
   
 
WTO TRAINING ACTIVIT IES IN GENEVA AND RE GIONAL TRADE POLICY  
COURSES IN 2018: DAT ES AND OTHER INFORMA TION  
1   INTRODUCTION  
1.1.   This communication sets out information on the Global Training Activities in Geneva and the 
eight-week long Regional Trade Policy Courses to be conducted in 2018. Its aim is to facilitate the 
planning of government officials' participation in the trade -related training activities to be 
conducted by WTO in 2018. The tr aining calendar outlined below includes both face -to-face and 
activities available through E -Learning courses. It will be subject to revisions as supplementary 
information becomes available or circumstances change during the year.  
1.2.   Detailed information on course  titles, delivery language and dates are provided in annexes I 
and II included at the end of this communication. Annex I lists the activities available to 
"generalists" (see below) at different levels of learning through face -to-face courses held in 
Geneva and in the regions for the eight -week long trade policy courses or through the 
Internet -based E -Learning platform called ECampus ( https://ecampus.wto.org ). Annex II contains 
similar information for learning ac tivities aimed at "specialists".  
1.3.   For courses organised per region, other than the eight week long trade policy courses, 
details will be published as they become available on the page of the WTO website corresponding 
to the Global Trade -Related Technical A ssistance Database (GTAD) and Trade -Related Technical 
Assistance (TRTA).  
1.4.  The ITTC encourages government officials from beneficiaries of WTO Trade -related Technical 
Assistance to take advantage of the wide range of training opportunities planned for their b enefit 
during 2018.  For each training activity, in accordance with existing procedures, a letter of 
invitation will be sent out to the Permanent Missions of the targeted beneficiaries detailing the 
activity's title, delivery language and dates, application  requirements and other relevant 
information . 
2  WTO'S PROGRESSIVE LE ARNING 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 pa rticipants' 
autonomy in order to build and sustain long -lasting human and  institutional capacities in 
beneficiary Members. This in turn aims to allow beneficiary Members to participate more effectively 
in the rules -based Multilateral Trading System. In 201 8, the PLS will continue to play a key role 
in ensuring that government officials and other stakeholders progressively build their knowledge 
about the WTO Agreements and related obligations, formulation of trade policies, and the conduct 
of trade negotiati ons.1 
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 genera l responsibility for WTO issues.  
 "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.  
                                                
1 Further details on the PLS may be found in the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2018 –
19, WTO document WT/COMTD/W/227/Rev.1, 23 October 2017.  JOB/TC/14  
 
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  2.3.   The generalist learning path  consists of three PLS levels (see Ann ex I):  
  PLS Level 1 (basic). 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 onli ne course "Introduction 
to the WTO". However, 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 unde rstanding of the 
main provisions of the WTO Agreements and negotiations. The main face -to-face training 
offered to generalists at this level take the form of Regional Trade Policy Courses (RTPCs).2  
These are eight -week long courses organised by region and  include revision segments and 
mandatory graded examinations. Alternatively, generalists 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 bearing. The one course available to 
generalists at this level is the 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 discussions 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 Annex 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 one WTO Agreement (or on a limited number of related ones). At this PLS level, 
participants may take part in one of the several specialized courses avai lable through the 
ECampus platform.  
• 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 current ly planned at level 3 are face -to-face and include 
several courses on specific topics in Geneva.  
3  OTHER WTO TRAINING A CTIVITIES  
3.1.   In addition to the courses listed in Annexes I and II, the WTO also offers other training 
activities ranging from PLS levels 1 t o 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 and Focus 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.  
3.2.   In addition, the E -Learning programme includes a tailor -made course based on individual 
needs and interests through the selection of particular modules covering WTO agreements and 
areas in PLS levels 1 and 2, including all modules from  the online courses set out in Annexes I and 
II. Participants can also take a test on WTO subjects and will get a tailored recommendation based 
on their skills. The E -Learning programme also includes courses such as "The WTO in 10' " and 
"Agriculture in 10 ' ", which provide basic training on the WTO and the Multilateral Trading System 
using a learning -by-doing approach.  
                                                
2 RTPCs are  termed Intermediate Trade Policy Courses (ITPCs) in the Biennial Technical Assistance and 
Training Plan 2018 –19. JOB/TC/14  
 
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  3.3.   The ECampus also continues to be enhanced to serve as the WTO hub for technical 
assistance activities, offering new services to beneficiar ies such as alumni websites to develop 
communities and networks. Participants also have the opportunity to exchange views and 
experiences through the E -Learning Chat Sessions, News and Discussion Forum.  
4  KEY CONSIDERATIONS T O BENEFIT FROM WTO T RAINING  
4.1.   The ITTC wishes to remind beneficiaries of the vital importance of meeting the criteria spelt 
out in an invitation letter, where applicable, to qualify for a specific WTO training activity. Among 
others, such criteria may require that a completed application f orm be signed by both the 
candidate and the nominating national authority and submitted via the relevant 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, can didates are selected based on the 
principle that prerequisites are obligatory to move through the levels 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 prerequisites 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 qualified 
candidates. In these cases, a selection process is carried out to piece together a well -balanced 
group of participants taking into consideration b oth the backgrounds of individual candidates as 
well as systemic considerations.  
4.3.   It is important to note that E -Learning training activities function both as a training tool and 
as a selection tool, with successful participants in these courses becoming e ligible to attend certain 
face-to-face training activities.  
4.4.   All eligible candidates may benefit from the training activities offered through the ECampus 
platform, with no limit in the number of participants who may enrol in a particular course. E -
Learning  material may be freely obtained through the ECampus Course Catalogue, with 
participants able to start their course at their convenience and to organize their study pace 
according to what fits them best. However, participants must register and submit a nom ination 
form in order to participate in a monitored course, access the module exams and obtain a WTO 
certificate. Online registration for E -Learning courses is open throughout the year at 
https://ecampus.wto.org/ . 
4.5.   As in the past, due consideration will be given in 2018 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 2018 –19, efforts will be made t o expand the availability of 
course -offerings in all three WTO languages in activities held in Geneva and, as a result, the 
delivery language of an activity may vary from that indicated in Annexes I and II.  
5  ANNEXES I AND II3 
5.1.  These two annexes incorporate a selection of key activities and are not comprehensive; in 
particular, they do not include requests related to specialist regional seminars and national 
technical assistance. In going through 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 time throughout the year and, thus, they are 
not associated with par ticular dates.  
  All E-Learning courses are available in English, French and Spanish except as noted.  
_______________  
                                                
3 Information on  all training activities is available on the WTO website at: 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/train_e/ course_details_e.htm . JOB/TC/14  
 
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  ANNEX I  
2018 Training Calendar for Generalists*  
 
LEVEL 3  
 
Face -to-face:   
 Advanced Trade Policy Course (E), 5 February – 29 March  
 Advanced Trade Policy Course (S TBC), 4 June – 27 July  
 Advanced Trade Policy Course (E TBC), 8 October – 30 November  
 
 
 
 
LEVEL 2  
 
Face -to-face:  
 RTPC for French -Speaking Africa: Côte d'Ivoire (F), 19 February – 13 April  
 RTPC for CEECAC countries: Kazakhstan (E), 30 April – 22 June  
 RTPC for English -Speaking Africa: Mauritius (E), 14 May – 6 July  
 RTPC for Asia -Pacific: Thailand (E), 1 October – 23 November (TBC)  
 RTPC for Arab and Middle East countries (E) (TBD)  
 RTPC for Latin America (S) (TBD)  
 RTPC f or the Caribbean (E) (TBD)  
E-Learning:  
 The Multilateral Trade Agreements  
 The WTO and Trade Economics: Theory and Policy  
 Legal Underpinnings  
 
 
 
 
LEVEL 1  
Face -to-face:  
 Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs  (E), 9 – 27 April (TBC)  
E-Learning:  
 Introduction to the WTO  
 
 
 
* E=English, F=French, RTPC= eight -week long Regional Trade Policy Course, S=Spanish, TBC= 
to be confirmed, TBD= to be determined.  JOB/TC/14  
 
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  ANNEX II  
2018 Training Calendar for Specialists*  
 
LEVEL 3  
 
Face -to-face:  
 Sustainable Development Goals: Implementation at the crossroads between health, trade  
and intellectual property – Joint Technical Symposium by the WHO, WIPO and the WTO (E),  
26 February  
 Joint WIPO/WTO Advanced Course on Intellectual Property for Governme nt Officials (E),  
12- 23 March  
 Advanced Thematic course on TBT (E), 12 – 23 March  
 Course on Import Licensing Procedures (E), 16 – 20 April  
 Workshop on the notification of Q uantitative Restrictions (E), 24 – 26 April  
 Advanced Workshop on Agriculture Notifi cations (E), 24 – 27 April  
 Heads of Investigating Authorities Activity (E), 26 – 28 April  
 Workshop on LDC Priority Needs (Intellectual Property) (E), 7 – 8 June  
 Advanced Thematic Course on WTO Dispute Settlement (S), 11 – 15 June  
 Thematic Seminar on Compet ition Policy, Trade and Development (E), 12 – 14 June  
 Advanced Thematic Course on Trade and Environment (E), 25 June – 6 July  
 Follow -up to the 2016 Advanced Thematic Course on SPS (E), 4 – 13 July  
 Advanced SPS Thematic Workshop (E . F, S ), 9 – 10 July  
 Advanced Course on the Economic Analysis of Trade Policy (E), 30 July – 3 August  
 Advanced Thematic course on GATS (E), 17 -21 September  
 Advanced Thematic Course on Regional Trade Agreements and the WTO (E),  
17 – 21 September  
 Course on Trade in Value Added  and Global Value Chains with emphasis  on Africa (E),  
24 – 28 September  
 Advanced Thematic Course on SPS (S), 22 October – 9 November  
 Advanced Global Workshop on Government Procurement (E), 12 – 16 November  
 Thematic course on Trade in Services Statistics f or LDCs (E), 27 November – 1 December  
 Thematic Workshop on Trade and Public Health (E), TBD  
 WIPO -WTO Colloquium for IP teachers (E), TBD  
 Workshop on Trade in Goods and Electronic Commerce (E), TBD  
 Workshop on Trade in Knowledge Products (E), TBD  
 
 
 
  JOB/TC/14  
 
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LEVEL 2  
 
Face -to-face:   
 Development dimension of the MTS and enhancing LDC participation (E/F), 11 – 15 June  
 Seminar on WTO Accessions Rules (E), TBD  
 Workshop on Mainstreaming Trade in the SDGs (E), TBD  
E-Learning:  
 Accession to the WTO  
 Agriculture in the WTO  
 A Short Trip to TRIPS  
 Copyrights in the WTO  
 Made in ...: Understanding Rules of Origin  
 Market Access for Goods and Non -Agricultural Market Access  
 Patents in the WTO  
 Regional Trade Agreements  
 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
 Technical Barriers to Trade in the WTO  
 The WTO Dispute Settlement System  
 Trade and Environment  
 Trade and Development  
 Trade Finance and the WTO  
 Trade in Services in the WTO  
 Trade Remedies and the WTO  
 Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights  
 Transparency and the WTO: Notifications Obligations  
 WTO Market Intelligence Online  
 
 
 
 
LEVEL 1  
Face -to-face:  
 Introductory Trade Policy Course for LDCs  (F TBC), 9 – 28 April (TBC)  
E-Learning:  
 Introduction to the WTO  
 
* E = English, F = French, S = Spanish, TBC = activity to be confirmed/decided, TBD = dates to 
be determined (possible time period between parentheses)  
 
 
 __________