Application process for the 54th Regional Course in Egypt

The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) secretariat is pleased to announce that the next regional course on key issues on the international economic agenda, which is designed for Arab economies, will be hosted by the Institute for Diplomatic Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt. The course will be held on 18 – 22 October (online) and 25 – 29 October 2026 (in person). 

The course will focus on the links between trade, investment, finance, and development, including response to multiple shocks. Its aims are as follows:

 (a)    To enhance understanding of the relationship between trade, investment, finance, and development and their link to country development strategies and building resilience.

(b)    To enhance understanding of current economic debates, the SDGs and what this implies for policymakers in developing countries.

(c)     To provide participants with knowledge and skills that will prepare them for negotiations, as well as to design and implement trade and development policies. These tools are designed to meet the needs and interests of their countries.

The syllabus will draw on the perspective of UNCTAD, its analytical work and lessons learned from its technical cooperation activities and will be enriched by the competence and expertise of representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia. Experts from Egypt will share national experiences in promoting and managing trade, investment, finance, development, among other topics.

The course is aimed primarily at mid-level government officials in ministries and institutions dealing with trade, investment, finance, development, and technology issues who are involved in the formulation and implementation of national trade and development policies. Depending on the availability of places in the course, other applicants, such as university-level academics, may be considered. Kindly be reminded that previous participants, who have completed the UNCTAD P166 course in the past, cannot be nominated again.

The course will be given in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Arabic during the In-person week of the course (25 – 29 October).

In the interest of efficiency, the application process includes two parts. First, UNCTAD member States from the Arab region are invited to present, by 4 September 2026, the names and email addresses of qualified candidates to the secretariat through their permanent mission in Geneva. Second, these candidates will be contacted by the secretariat to complete an application online; the application process must be completed by 11 September 2026. It is therefore advisable that this information be submitted as soon as possible. Member States of successful candidates will be notified of the decision of UNCTAD following the selection committee meeting to be held on 18 September 2026.

Member States are encouraged to nominate more than one candidate per country. The selection committee will take into consideration all applications, provided that the candidates meet the eligibility criteria.

UNCTAD will provide airplane tickets according to applicable United Nations policies and provide hotel accommodation for all participants who travel from other countries in the region, in addition to sufficient funds to cover miscellaneous expenses. Similarly, local participants will receive a daily allowance to cover miscellaneous expenses. Selected participants will be responsible for obtaining adequate travel and medical insurance and a valid visa for travel to Egypt prior to their arrival.