Participants from institutions such as the University of the West Indies (Barbados), Carleton University (Canada), the University of Newcastle (United Kingdom), and others engaged in interactive sessions, site visits, and networking events across Geneva. One of the of the key highlights included a mock negotiation session, where students practiced their negotiation skills in a realistic, high-pressure environment, mirroring trade negotiations on key global issues. Students were thus allowed to develop their abilities on how to navigate complex international trade debates.
In addition to the negotiation skills exercise, students toured major trade organizations and international trade law firms starting with the International Trade Centre (ITC), as well as Sidley Austin LLP, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Gaining insights into the daily operations of these major trade organizations was a unique opportunity for students specializing in international trade.
The programme also featured tailored sessions on topics such as trade and the environment, the role of developing countries in WTO dispute settlement, and career advice from seasoned professionals. Thought leaders from organizations such as the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS), and the WTO’s Trade and Environment Division shared their experiences and perspectives on pressing global trade challenges, emphasizing sustainability and new regulatory developments. Students were also given the opportunity to present their own research on global trade issues in an engaging forum, receiving feedback from peers and experts alike.
The week culminated with a highly anticipated visit to the WTO, during which students participated in panels on dispute settlement and rule-making, and attended meet & greets with their respective government’s Mission to the WTO and their representatives. The visit ended on a high note as the Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala took some time to exchange a few words with the students being the next generation of trade negotiators. Finally, the tour concluded with a farewell social gathering in downtown Geneva, solidifying friendships and professional networks built during the week.
As solidified with its latest edition, the JUST programme continues to serve as a vital platform for the next generation of trade leaders, equipping them with essential skills, experiences, and unique connections to kick-start their careers in international trade. We look forward to the 2025 edition!
