WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme 2026 is a one-year youth leadership initiative of the World Trade Organization (WTO) designed to help young people develop a stronger understanding of international trade and the work of the WTO.
The programme is aimed at young people aged 18 to 28 with a strong interest in international trade and creates a global network of young trade leaders.
There is an important current-status update: applications for the 2026 programme have already closed. The official application deadline was 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CET, and the WTO subsequently announced the seven selected participants on 1 July 2026.
About the WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme
The Young Trade Leaders Programme was established in 2024 to strengthen links between young people and the WTO.
The programme seeks exceptional young people who understand how trade can benefit people and the planet. Participants bring fresh perspectives on international trade and the WTO while learning about the organization’s work and contributing to its mission.
Each cohort participates in the programme for one year. The 2026 cohort started on 1 July 2026 and will serve through June 2027.
Who Was Eligible to Apply?
For the 2026 competition, applicants needed to meet several requirements.
They had to:
- Be between 18 and 28 years old on the application closing date.
- Have a strong interest in international trade.
- Be a citizen of a WTO member.
- Have no current affiliation with the WTO and no relative currently affiliated with the WTO.
- Demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English.
- Regard knowledge of French or Spanish as an additional asset.
- Be comfortable with diplomacy, different perspectives and constructive dialogue.
- Commit to participating fully throughout the one-year programme.
Programme Benefits
Selected Young Trade Leaders receive opportunities to participate in a range of WTO-related activities.
WTO Training
Participants can access training courses organized by the WTO, helping them develop their knowledge of international trade and the organization’s work.
Mentoring and Advice
Young Trade Leaders can receive advice and mentoring from the WTO Secretariat, providing an opportunity to learn from professionals working within the organization.
International Trade Content
Participants can publish articles, blogs, podcasts and social media content on trade-related subjects, giving them a platform to communicate their ideas about international trade.
Geneva Training
The programme includes an in-person one-day training programme at the WTO in Geneva.
Public Forum Participation
Young Trade Leaders can contribute to or coordinate a session during the WTO’s annual Public Forum.
Activities in Participants’ Home Countries
The WTO can provide support when Young Trade Leaders organize WTO-related activities in their home countries.
Geneva Opportunity
Geneva plays an important part in the programme.
For the 2026 cohort, selected leaders were invited to travel to Geneva for the 2026 WTO Public Forum in September, where they attended a full-day workshop and participated in Forum activities.
The Geneva component provides an opportunity to interact with WTO officials, trade experts and other participants.
Is the Programme Fully Funded?
The WTO does not describe the Young Trade Leaders Programme as a paid fellowship.
The official 2026 call states that selected leaders will not receive remuneration. However, they are invited to travel to Geneva to participate in the WTO Public Forum.
Therefore, it is more accurate to describe the programme as a youth leadership and international trade development programme, rather than a salaried internship or scholarship.
Application Requirements
For the 2026 application, candidates were required to submit:
CV
A CV of no more than two pages was required.
Two-Minute Video
Applicants had to submit a two-minute video introducing themselves, explaining their interest in the programme and describing the impact they hoped to make as a Young Trade Leader.
Written Contribution
Applicants were also required to submit a written contribution of up to 300 words, choosing one of two questions:
How can trade better serve the next generation?
or
What role should young people play in shaping the future of trade?
Selection Process
The WTO Secretariat reviews applications and shortlists candidates.
For the 2026 programme, shortlisted candidates were invited to interviews in May 2026.
The competition was highly selective. The WTO reported that the seven selected Young Trade Leaders were chosen from more than 1,300 applications from around the world.
2026 Application Timeline
The 2026 application cycle followed this schedule:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 1 May 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Interviews | May 2026 |
| Programme start | 1 July 2026 |
| Geneva Public Forum activities | September 2026 |
| Programme duration | One year |
Current Status
The 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme is no longer accepting applications.
The WTO’s official programme page now states that the 2026 call has closed, while the organization has already announced the seven members selected for the 2026 cohort.
Therefore, a post describing the 2026 programme as currently open for applications would be inaccurate as of September 2026.
The 2026 Young Trade Leaders
The WTO selected seven participants for the 2026 cohort:
Piyush Acharya — United States
Karen Bailón — Ecuador
Noppon Chhim — Cambodia
Nor Fekri — Morocco
Eve Ang Yee Leng — Singapore
Samuel Petrás — Slovak Republic
Akshat Sharma — India
The participants come from different academic and professional backgrounds, illustrating the programme’s broad approach to youth engagement in international trade.
About the WTO
The World Trade Organization deals with the global rules of trade between nations.
Its work focuses on helping trade flow more smoothly, predictably and freely while providing a framework for international trade relations.
The Young Trade Leaders Programme forms part of the WTO’s efforts to engage young people and strengthen understanding of international trade among the next generation.
How to Follow Future Opportunities
The WTO’s official Young Trade Leaders Programme page is the best place to monitor future application rounds.
Official WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme:
WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme
WTO Young Trade Leaders information:
WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme – Concept and Benefits
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Trade Organization |
| Programme | Young Trade Leaders Programme |
| Cohort | 2026 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Age | 18–28 |
| Nationality | Citizens of WTO members |
| Main focus | International trade |
| Location | Global programme with activities in Geneva |
| Geneva component | WTO Public Forum |
| Remuneration | No remuneration |
| Languages | English required; French/Spanish an asset |
| 2026 deadline | 1 May 2026 |
| Current status | Applications closed |
| Selected participants | 7 |
| Applications received | 1,300+ |
Final Thoughts
The WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme is a valuable leadership and professional-development opportunity for young people interested in international trade, global economic policy and multilateral cooperation.
Participants gain access to WTO training, mentoring, trade-related content opportunities and engagement with the WTO’s annual Public Forum in Geneva.
However, the 2026 application cycle has already closed. The official deadline was 1 May 2026, and the WTO has already selected the seven members of the 2026 cohort.
For future cycles, prospective applicants should monitor the official WTO Young Trade Leaders page and prepare a concise CV, a strong motivation video and a thoughtful written response addressing the role of young people and the future of international trade.
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