WTO Youth Trade Summit Highlights Youth Contributions to Trade and Gender Dynamics, Featuring a Key Contribution from the Young African Policy Research Hub.

In a groundbreaking event held at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on November 13-14, 2023, the Youth Trade Summit on Gender stood as a transformative platform, showcasing the indispensable role of young leaders in shaping the discourse surrounding women’s economic empowerment.

The Youth Trade Summit on Gender brought over 50 young professionals from academia, governments, research, and international institutions. The summit was declared open by Anoush der Boghossian, the WTO Gender Policy Adviser, and the Head of the WTO Trade and Gender Unit, who stated that the summit is a platform to build and expand knowledge on Trade and Gender, exchange ideas with policymakers, WTO Ambassadors, and senior experts from academia and international organizations. The summit aims to maximize the voices of the next generation on how to make trade work for women, facilitating mutual learning.

Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang set the tone of anticipation and significance at the opening ceremony, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the summit. “This is the first time the WTO is organizing such a landmark event involving young people from all corners of the world. They have a crucial role to play in shaping nations,” remarked Zhang. The importance of reducing the gender gap was underscored by Xiana Méndez Bértolo, Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, who also delivered a compelling address during the opening ceremony.

Global Dialogue for Inclusive Trade Policies: A Deeper Dive into Summit Discussions.

Day One Highlights:

The summit’s first day was marked by a series of engaging discussions, starting with the launch of the research study on the role of youth in gender-equitable trade. This session set the stage for an interactive dialogue that unfolded in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join in-person or virtually, symbolizing the summit’s commitment to accessibility.

The opening session, themed ‘Including Youth Perspectives to Make Trade Policy Work for Women,’ illuminated the transformative potential of inclusive policies, emphasizing the significance of integrating the voices of young leaders into trade policies.

Contribution of the Young African Policy Research Hub during the Summit

The first day also witnessed a round table discussion of distinguished speakers moderated by Adriana Quiñones, Head of Human Rights and Development at UN Women.

In a powerful moment during the Youth Trade Summit on Gender, Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu, the founder of the representing the Young African Policy Research Hub, took center stage as one of the distinguished speakers. Ugwu addressed the first question round, where the moderator posed an opening question to all round table speakers:

What is the biggest challenge for young women today, and in your opinion, how could young women fully benefit from trade and trade outcomes?”*

Ugwu’s response added depth to the summit’s discussions, highlighting that globally, both young women and men may face financial constraints, which are common problems across genders. However, he emphasized that the most significant issue for young women today is gender bias and discrimination. The World Economic Forum Report on Global Gender Gap Report 2023 attests to the fact that women are discriminated against in economic participation, gender equality in political empowerment, and educational attainment. He eloquently advocated for a more inclusive trade landscape that actively involves and benefits young women. Key points from his address included:

Empowering Young Women in Trade: Ugwu stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young women to actively participate in trade. He advocated for mentorship programs, skill development initiatives, and targeted policies that address the unique challenges faced by young women in various trade sectors.

Support Mechanisms: Brendan also emphasized the need for robust policy and institutional support mechanisms to facilitate young women’s engagement in trade from the local to the global level. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to empower young women, encompassing education, skills development, and targeted policies. This includes access to education, financial resources, and networks that enable them to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the trade environment.

The Role of the WTO: Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu underlined the crucial role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in supporting young women. While appreciating WTO initiatives such as informal working groups, aid for trade, and the gender research hub, he called for the WTO to open more space for the integration of non-governmental organizations, especially youth-led organizations, to contribute to needs assessments and initiatives that can make a difference. He actively advocated for policies that promote gender equality, provide platforms for dialogue, and facilitate partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society to advance the cause of young women in trade.

Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu’s insightful contributions added depth to the summit’s dialogue, reinforcing the importance of addressing gender disparities in trade and empowering young women for a more inclusive future.

A closed-door interactive session brought together four WTO Ambassadors, champions of gender equality in trade, engaging in a profound discussion with young researchers and professionals. Delegates from Chile and Canada presented their work, providing diverse and global perspectives on gender in trade.

The Technical Assistance Conference on Trade and Gender immersed delegates in thematic sessions that covered critical aspects such as gender-based data, e-commerce, international investment policies, trade finance, non-tariff measures, and digitalization. Closed discussions with senior researchers and WTO Ambassadors allowed for deep exploration, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between different generations.

As the first day drew to a close, working groups were briefed on their tasks for the next day, laying the foundation for collaborative problem-solving.

Day Two Highlights

The second day of the summit showcased the dynamic engagement of delegates in closed-door working groups. These sessions were designed to encourage participants to identify real-world problems related to trade and gender, proposing innovative solutions involving both academia and government.

The Engendering DTISs – EIF session, held in a hybrid format, unveiled the findings of a study on how gender aspects are addressed in Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies. Delegates actively participated in a Q/A session, demonstrating their commitment to understanding and influencing gender-focused trade actions.

A unique “Master Chef” style session allowed working groups to present their solutions to real-world problems related to trade and gender. This interactive format showcased the creativity and innovation of the summit’s participants, reinforcing the idea that youth perspectives are not just essential but also innovative in addressing complex challenges.

The closing session, open to the public in-person and via Zoom, featured a collective plea for gender equality in trade. Summit delegates received certificates, marking the conclusion of two days of intensive dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

Looking Forward: A Global Impact

As the Youth Trade Summit on Gender concludes, the impact of these discussions is poised to resonate globally, offering a promising trajectory towards a future where young voices actively contribute to shaping trade policies that foster gender equality. The comprehensive discussions, spanning diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, have set a precedent for inclusive collaboration across generations.

Beyond the Summit: A Legacy of Inclusive Trade Policies

The summit not only provided a platform for dialogue but also inspired actionable solutions for a more inclusive and equitable global trade landscape. Delegates, including Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu, demonstrated a commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by young women, highlighting the importance of mentorship, skill development, and targeted policies.

The summit’s emphasis on data-driven insights and the integration of gender perspectives in trade policies aligns with a broader trend observed in the global landscape. Governments, as Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted, are increasingly recognizing the economic benefits of gender equality. The forthcoming Trade Policy Monitoring Report by the WTO is expected to shed light on the evolving landscape where gender considerations are becoming integral to development plans and trade policies.

Awards Ceremony and Networking: Celebrating Contributions and Building Connections

The summit also featured the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who stressed that despite all the advances women have made within the economy and society, we still have a long way to go. Research from the World Bank has shown that closing the gender employment gap could raise long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20% on average across countries. What amazes me is why we continue to miss these opportunities. The Gender Equality Pioneer Awards ceremony added a celebratory note to the summit, recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to advancing gender equality in trade. This acknowledgment serves as a catalyst for continued efforts to bridge gender gaps and promote inclusivity.

The subsequent networking event provided a unique opportunity for delegates to forge connections, fostering collaboration that extends beyond the summit. Relationships built during such events often become the bedrock for future initiatives and partnerships, amplifying the impact of the summit in the long run.

Closing Session: A Collective Plea for Gender Equality

The closing session, open to the public in-person and via Zoom, featured a collective plea for gender equality in trade. It served as a poignant reminder of the shared commitment among participants to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable global trade landscape. Summit delegates, having engaged in intensive dialogue, collaboration, and innovation over the two days, received certificates marking their active participation and contributions.

The Road Ahead: Resonating Impact and Continued Advocacy

As the Youth Trade Summit on Gender concludes, its impact is poised to resonate globally. The insights, solutions, and commitments made during the summit will likely influence future discussions on trade and gender equality. The legacy of this landmark event extends beyond the confines of the WTO, influencing policy decisions, fostering partnerships, and inspiring young leaders to actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.

In the days to come, the global community will closely watch the implementation of solutions proposed during the summit, with the hope that they will translate into tangible changes in trade policies and practices. The collective plea for gender equality serves as a rallying cry, urging stakeholders worldwide to prioritize inclusivity and actively engage the youth in the ongoing discourse on trade and gender.

Young African Policy Research Hub Extends Gratitude to WTO Gender Research Hub Team for Successful Coordination of Summit Activities

In a commendable display of collaboration and excellence, the Young African Policy Research Hub extends its heartfelt appreciation to the WTO Gender Research Hub Team for their outstanding coordination of activities during the recent summit on trade and gender.

The summit, a pivotal event in shaping the discourse on women’s economic empowerment, witnessed seamless coordination and execution of various sessions, discussions, and initiatives. The Young African Policy Research Hub acknowledges the instrumental role played by the WTO Gender Research Hub Team in ensuring the success of these endeavors.

Expressing gratitude, Brendan, the founder of the Young African Policy Research Hub, is truly appreciative of the remarkable efforts put forth by the WTO Gender Research Hub Team. Their dedication and expertise played a crucial role in orchestrating a summit that not only fostered insightful dialogue but also paved the way for actionable initiatives in the realm of trade and gender equality.

The Young African Policy Research Hub values the partnership forged during the summit and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing research, policies, and advocacy efforts. The collective impact of such collaborations holds the potential to bring about meaningful change and contribute to more inclusive and equitable global trade practices.

As both hubs work towards common goals in the field of trade and gender, this expression of gratitude serves as a testament to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving positive outcomes. The Young African Policy Research Hub remains committed to future collaborations and endeavors that promote research, policy development, and advocacy in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world.

In Conclusion: A Beacon of Change

In conclusion, the Youth Trade Summit on Gender has not only sparked conversations but has laid the foundation for a collaborative and inclusive approach to trade policies. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of diverse perspectives, youth engagement, and a collective commitment to building a world where trade is truly equitable and benefits all.

As the momentum generated by the summit reverberates globally, the youth’s role in shaping the future of trade and gender dynamics becomes increasingly evident. The summit’s success lies not only in the discussions held but in the seeds of change planted, ready to bloom into a more inclusive and equitable global trade landscape. The Youth Trade Summit on Gender serves as a beacon of change, guiding the way for future dialogues and actions that prioritize the active involvement of young leaders in shaping the intersection of trade and gender equality.