WTO Opens Applications for Youth Talent Incubator Programme 2026–2027

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has opened nominations for the second edition of its Youth Talent Incubator Programme.

It is offering young researchers and professionals an opportunity to develop expertise in international trade, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

The programme, which will run from October 12, 2026, to June 30, 2027, is designed to equip emerging researchers and professionals with practical knowledge, mentorship and international networks while strengthening the connection between research and trade policymaking.

The initiative is being implemented by the WTO Trade and Gender Office and the WTO Gender Research Hub and builds on the Youth Trade Summit on Gender held in 2023. The first edition of the incubator was launched in 2024 and ran for more than 11 months, combining mentorship, applied policy research, training and networking.

What the Programme Offers

The 2026–2027 edition will focus on three major areas:

• Mentoring: Participants will engage with experienced researchers and experts working on trade and gender issues.
• Capacity building: Young professionals will strengthen their technical knowledge, research capabilities and understanding of trade-related policy challenges.
• Networking: Participants will connect with WTO Members, global experts and other international and regional stakeholders.

The programme will also encourage participants to develop new perspectives and practical policy recommendations on issues linking international trade, gender equality and women’s economic participation.

Who Can Be Nominated?

The opportunity is targeted at young researchers and professionals aged 20 to 35 whose current work focuses on trade and gender or who intend to incorporate these issues into their existing research or professional work.

Eligible candidates may come from:

• Universities and academic institutions
• Research centres and foundations
• Think tanks
• Policy research organisations
• Government institutions
• Other relevant research and policy environments

Candidates are expected to submit a motivation letter and secure formal endorsement from their academic or research institution.

Importantly, this is a nomination-based programme, meaning prospective participants should work with an eligible institution to complete the nomination process rather than treating it as a standard individual application.

Programme Format

The second edition will be delivered entirely online and free of charge, allowing selected participants to take part without relocating.

Up to 35 nominees will be selected for the programme, with successful candidates expected to be notified by email by October 1, 2026.

Application Deadline

The deadline for nominations is September 24, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

The deadline will not be extended, so interested candidates and their institutions are encouraged to begin the nomination process early.

Why It Matters

With gender-responsive trade policies becoming an increasingly important part of the global trade agenda, the WTO says the programme is intended to help build the next generation of researchers and professionals capable of contributing evidence, research and practical policy solutions.

For young academics, researchers and government professionals interested in the intersection of trade, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, the incubator offers an opportunity to gain international exposure while building relationships with experts and policymakers in the field.

Application: Interested candidates should seek nomination and institutional endorsement before submitting through the designated WTO application process.

For enquiries, the WTO Trade and Gender Office can be contacted through trade-gender@wto.org.