The World Trade Organization has opened nominations for the second edition of its Youth Talent Incubator Programme, a global initiative for young researchers and professionals working at the intersection of international trade, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. The programme runs from 12 October 2026 to 30 June 2027 and is being offered online at no cost to selected participants.
Key facts
- Nominations are open for the WTO Youth Talent Incubator Programme 2026–2027.
- The programme is designed for young researchers and professionals working on trade and gender.
- It will run entirely online from 12 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.
- Selected participants will receive mentoring, capacity building and networking opportunities.
- The nomination deadline is 24 September 2026 at 23:59 CET and will not be extended.
What does the WTO programme offer?
The incubator is built around three pillars: mentoring, capacity building and networking. Participants are expected to engage with experienced researchers, WTO Members and other stakeholders while strengthening technical knowledge and professional skills related to trade and gender.
The WTO says the initiative is meant to help emerging talent connect academic research with practical policy challenges and evidence-based solutions. It also draws on work that followed the WTO World Trade Congress on Gender, the 2023 Youth Trade Summit on Gender and the first incubator launched in 2024.
What does this mean for students and early-career researchers?
For students, young researchers and early-career professionals, the programme offers a route into international trade and gender policy discussions. Because institutional endorsement is required, interested candidates need to work through an eligible university, research centre, think tank, foundation or government institution rather than applying only as individuals.
The call is aimed at people aged generally 20 to 35, although the age limit may be relaxed in exceptional circumstances, including for nominees who show outstanding initiative or have taken a career break. Applicants must also demonstrate current work on trade and gender, or a clear interest in integrating those issues into their existing work.
Who can be nominated?
The WTO Gender Research Hub is seeking nominations from universities, academic institutions, research foundations, research centres, think tanks, policy research organisations, government institutions and other relevant research and policy settings. Up to 35 nominees will be selected by the Chair of the WTO Gender Research Hub.
Selected applicants are scheduled to be notified by email on 1 October 2026. The nomination deadline is 24 September 2026 at 23:59 CET, and the WTO says it will not be extended.
Why is the trade and gender focus important?
The WTO says the programme reflects growing recognition of the links between women’s economic empowerment, international trade and sustainable development. The organisation has integrated gender considerations into its work since 2017, and its Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender now represents more than 80% of WTO membership.
At the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026, the group reported outcomes including a joint statement on strengthening the global trading system through women’s economic empowerment, an achievements tracking compendium and new work on empowering women to trade through digitalisation.
Frequently asked questions
When does the WTO Youth Talent Incubator Programme run?
The second edition runs from 12 October 2026 to 30 June 2027 and is conducted entirely online. Selected participants do not need to relocate to take part.
How do candidates apply?
The call is for nominations through eligible academic or research institutions. Candidates must secure formal endorsement and submit through the designated online nomination form via a legal representative of the institution.
Where can applicants get more information?
The WTO Trade and Gender Office can be contacted at trade-gender@wto.org for questions about the programme or nomination process. The call also directs interested institutions and candidates to the WTO website for additional information.
