Okonjo-Iweala Bids Farewell To 2023 Cohort of WTO Young Professionals

This year, the 17 young professionals selected were assigned to 13 divisions of the WTO Secretariat, where they had first-hand access to almost every aspect of the WTO’s work. Over the past 12 months, they worked with other staff to, among other things, support WTO members in implementing the outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) and in preparing for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) to be held in February 2024.

In bidding farewell to the young professionals, DG Okonjo-Iweala warmly thanked them for their active involvement in the work of the WTO.

“Your presence has been very valuable to the WTO Secretariat. Your perspectives and experiences from 17 members underrepresented in the Secretariat have enriched our work,” she said. “I have no doubt that like past alumni of this programme, you will put the expertise and knowledge that you acquired here to good use, whether you end up helping your governments engage at the WTO, helping the private sector participate more effectively in global trade or even working with civil society organizations.”

Speaking on behalf of the 2023 WTO Young Professionals, Tinotenda Mataire from Zimbabwe said: “We leave here not just with a certificate, but with an enriched understanding, a broadened worldview and a heart full of memories. This journey does not end here; it merely pivots to a new path, one that we walk with pride, purpose and the spirit of the WTO within us.”

The ceremony was attended by ambassadors and delegates from the WTO members represented by the young professionals.

Selected from over 3,500 applicants following a competitive and merit-based selection process, the 2023 YPP participants came from Barbados, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Saint Lucia, Singapore, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Togo, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.

The YPP is part of the WTO Secretariat’s efforts to increase diversity and broaden member representation. It places an emphasis on WTO members that are not currently represented at a professional level within the WTO Secretariat. The programme was launched in 2016 and is funded with members’ voluntary contributions to the WTO Global Trust Fund.

In their own words – reflections from the YPs

“This year at the WTO was a pivotal period for my career characterized by growth, team spirit and impact. Working alongside my exceptional colleagues in the Information and External Relations Division (IERD) broadened my insight into communication strategies deployed by international organizations and enhanced my knowledge on presenting trade policy developments for diverse audiences, content creation for social media and podcasts. I also developed a deeper appreciation for policy work at the multilateral level. The experience has added a new dimension to my professional abilities and expanded my network. I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the work of IERD.” – Shauna Andrea Ramdyhan (Guyana)

“Firstly, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked for the WTO and in particular, the Office of the Director General. My time here has resulted in both personal and professional development, which will undoubtedly shape the way I move forward in my career.  I was able to delve deeper into the world of trade, to better understand the linkages between trade and politics and to put to the test my communication skill by hosting Season 7 of the WTO’s podcast, Let’s Talk Trade. To all the people I met and worked with on this journey, a big thank you!” – Kimonique Powell (Jamaica)

“My experience as a Young Professional at the WTO has significantly shaped my career and personal growth. Within the Development Division, my notable contribution was towards the publication on the WTO’s Contribution to the UN High-Level Political Forum in 2023 and organizing the public exhibition launch on “Trade and the SDGs”. Assisting the LDC unit provided valuable insights into LDC trade priorities and challenges. I am grateful to all my Development Division colleagues for being very supportive.  Also, I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained in my day-to-day work at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry in Kenya.” – Magdaline Morijoi (Kenya)

“My participation in the Young Professionals Programme, as part of the Market Access Division team, was a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. I had the tremendous opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of import licensing procedures, market access, and the functionality of the Council for Trade in Goods and its subsidiary bodies. The relationships established and skills acquired have helped me to cultivate a global mindset. I end this experience with gratitude and a renewed commitment to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable international trade.” – Daniela Tibuleac (Moldova)

“During my tenure as a Young Professional, I had the privilege of contributing to the WTO’s technical assistance efforts through my work with the WTO Chairs Programme. Working closely with the Secretariat, alongside various partners on the ground, Geneva-based missions and donor agencies, has provided me with a hands-on understanding of the challenges facing developing countries and LDCs in the area of international trade. Over the past year, I’ve also gained a profound sense of purpose, and I am eager to carry forward these valuable learning experiences wherever I go.” –  Shraddha Gautam (Nepal)

“My time at the WTO has been invaluable and transformative. This year allowed me to contribute to the dynamic work of the Council and Trade Negotiations Division, especially regarding the Joint Statement Initiative negotiations on e-commerce, the Work Programme on E-commerce and the General Council. Beyond my role, I had the privilege to contribute to WTO initiatives regarding the inclusion of youth in trade, especially as a panelist during the Public Forum, a discussant for a book presentation led by the Knowledge Management Division and a guest on the Trade for Peace podcast. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from and worked alongside such experienced professionals.” – Frances Omotese Uhomoibhi (Nigeria)

“The YPP was an intellectually stimulating experience that I got the privilege to enjoy and learn from. Being a YP provided me with an invaluable experience and opportunity to learn from the inside. The array of responsibilities I’ve undertaken, ranging from contributing to coordination efforts to delivering technical assistance activities, has showcased my strategic role within the organization and provided me with a comprehensive learning experience. Moreover, this programme has given me the opportunity to engage with colleagues, learn the ropes and learn from my peers. I look forward to keeping in touch with the WTO community and putting the skills and knowledge acquired to good use.” – Gabriela de Obarrio (Panama)

“The practical skills and insights I have gained at the WTO have been invaluable. I have developed deep expertise in trade and environment issues, and through supporting the Dialogue on Plastic Pollution had the opportunity to work with various international organisations on multiple workstreams, including customs and Aid for Trade needs. I am grateful to my fellow YPs, mentor and team at the Trade and Environment Division for this whirlwind of an experience, and I am excited to take the next step in my career in trade!”  – Joan Lim (Singapore)

“I am delighted to have been the inaugural participant from South Africa in this YP programme, particularly given South Africa’s significant role as the primary African contributor to the WTO. This opportunity has improved my ability to navigate complex legal and economic aspects associated with the WTO, providing me with a deeper understanding of trade policies and agreements. Above all, I value the connections established with global trade experts, as they will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of my career in the future.” – Lungelo Prince Cele (South Africa)

“Joining the Agriculture and Commodities Division as a Young Professional is definitely one of the most unforgettable and rewarding experiences! I have obtained valuable opportunities to participate in the meetings where members discuss existing agricultural-related measures and endeavour towards a more transparent and less trade-distorted mechanism. I have also had the privilege to work closely on members’ domestic support data, which enriches my understanding of agricultural subsidies and the potential issues arising from the shifts in global trade structure. I am enthusiastic about applying my experience to contribute to fostering more open and inclusive international trade in the future.” – Jessica Wang (Chinese Taipei)

“Through this Young Professionals Programme, I was involved in the trade policy reviews of various WTO members, such as Chad (CEMAC), Eswatini (SACU), Morocco and China. This experience has sharpened my analytical skills and knowledge of the trade policies review mechanism and the multilateral trading system. The useful guidance received from my supervisors is invaluable and I am extremely grateful. It is an honour and privilege to be part of this programme.” – Léleng Kebalo (Togo)

“The Young Professionals Programme has been an extremely rewarding experience. A year with the Legal Affairs Division (LAD) enabled me to improve my knowledge of substantive and procedural matters related to the WTO dispute settlement system, and helped to polish the skills which are critical for a dispute settlement lawyer. I am grateful to my supervisor, LAD and the YPP coordination team for their guidance and support. I also wish all the best to my Young Professionals fellows. As a cohort, we have been efficient in contributing to the improvement of the Programme. Among other things, we managed to organize and host the first ever YPP session at the 2023 WTO Public Forum. This is a decent legacy for the next YPs generation.” – Olesia Kryvetska (Ukraine)