. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/BFA/W/191 
4 November 2009 
 
 (09-5493) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration Original: English 
  
 
JOINT PROPOSAL ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF DIVERSIFICATION  
OF THE WTO SECRETARIAT 
 
By Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, India, Pakistan, South Africa
 
 
 
1. We appreciate the efforts by the WTO Secretariat to improve the diversification of its 
composition.  However, based on the statistic s provided by the Secretariat on its website 
(http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/secre_e/intro_e.htm ) by October 9, 2009, diversification 
obviously remains a serious systemic issue.  Na tionals from developing Members, which constitute 
more than two thirds of WTO Membership, amount to  only one fifth of the total Secretariat staff.  
And nationals from the top eight Members, those with  most nationals in the total Secretariat staff, 
amount to nearly 70 per cent and they are all developed ones.  
2. While recognizing that merits should be one, but  not the only one, of the key elements to 
consider applications, we believe that diversification must remain a long-term and key element in the 
WTO secretariat recruitment policy and concrete me asures must be taken to constantly improve the 
situation.  Relevant practices of other internati onal organizations will provi de important experiences 
for us to share:  
(a) Under the item of “Nationalities” of the recent Vacancy Announcement D2013 of 
WIPO published on 16th November 2009, it is clearly indicated that:  “ Other 
qualifications being equal, preference is given  to candidate who are nationals of one 
of the Member States of WIPO and the candidates from regions of the world from which the number of WIPO staff is insufficient .”  
(b) The Statement of Diversity of IMF on January 4, 2008 pointed out that:  “ An IMF 
staff that reflects the diversity of its membership will enhance legitimacy and 
understanding of the Fund’s role, and st rengthen the Fund’s ability to serve its 
member countries .” (http://www.imf.org/external/hrd/diversity.htm
). 
(c) The recruitment policy of the United Nations University reads:  “ While recruiting 
only the most able and technically compet ent candidates, we strive for balance in 
gender and nationality representation.  We do not set country or gender quotas, but we do try to ensure that the diversity of  UN member states is reflected in the 
composition of our staff.  Where competi ng candidates exhibit equal merit, preference 
is given to candidates from developing countries or regions and every effort is made to achieve a balanced gender distribution within the organisation. ” 
(http://www.inweh.unu.edu/vacancies.htm
)  
(d) The Diversity & Inclusion of the World Bank Group  reads:  “ Diversity & Inclusion 
are at the heart of how we define excellence…Our diversity is our comparative 
advantage as a global knowledge and d evelopment organization…We do not just 
recognize our diversity; through inclusion, we  mobilize it.  We are working to create 
an inclusive and respectful work environmen t where we demonstrate that we fully WT/BFA/W/191 
Page 2  
 
  value the contributions of all staff…Divers ity & Inclusion are key to our success as a 
global development organization. ” 
(http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTHRJOBS/0,,contentMDK:205
22369~menuPK:1353275~pagePK:64262408~ piPK:64262191~theSitePK:1058433,0
0.html )  
3. We urge the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA) to initiate a 
permanent process of discussion on the issue of diversif ication in various formats.  To facilitate such 
discussion, we suggest that the following measures be taken: 
(a) To instruct the Secretariat to prepare a th orough evaluation of the diversification issue 
and report to the CBFA by March 1st 2010.  Such report should also include 
recommendations on how to improve the situation; 
(b) To include diversification as a permanent item on the agenda of the CBFA for formal 
discussions complemented by other forms of consultation; 
(c) To instruct the Secretariat to report separately on the diversification issue annually at 
the last CBFA meeting, including information on the state of play, measures taken 
and effects; 
(d) To report on the diversification issue to the General Council annually at its last 
meeting, including recommendations for the General Council to take necessary 
actions.  
4. Finally, this joint proposal remain open for all other interested Members to co-sponsor. 
 
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