World Trade Organization (WTO)
Aid for Trade (AfT) Eighth Global Review 2022 side event (session information)
From 27 (Wednesday)-29 (Friday) July, the Aid for Trade (AfT (Note) ) Global Review will be held in hybrid format, hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The event will discuss and share knowledge from various perspectives on the role of trade in the context of various crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring food and energy prices, and the war in Ukraine. This side event is a joint session by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
(Note) It is a general term for assistance to developing countries in the field of trade, including capacity building and infrastructure provision. It aims to improve the trade-related capacity of developing countries for economic development and poverty reduction.
Anyone who is interested in this session is welcome to attend by pre-registering (capacity limited). Please click on the link below to register.
1. Outline of the event
(1) Dates
27 (Wednesday)-29 (Friday) July 2022
(2) Agenda
The specific agenda and an outline of each session is posted on the AfT page of the WTO website
. During the conference, WTO Members and International Organizations will sponsor sessions related to
- Supporting women's economic empowerment
- How environmentally sustainable development can contribute to the desired development outcomes
- Digital connectivity
2. Session by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and ITC
(1) Schedule
The session will be held on 27th, July 2022 from 10:30-11:30 in Geneva time (17:30-18:30 in Japan time)
(2) Program
- 17:30-17:40
- Introduction from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and ITC
(Mr. OKOCHI Akihiro, Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Ashish Shah, Director, Division of Country Programmes, International Trade Centre) - 17:40-18:00
- Presentation from ITC
(Mr. Ikuru Nogami, Advisor, Office of the Director, Division of Country Programmes, International Trade Centre) - 18:00-18:10
- Presentation from SIMAD University
(Mr. Mohamed Muse Hassan, Director, SIMAD iLab4 (Somalia)) - 18:10-18:30
- Q&A Session
(3) Title
Enhancing digital trade through ICT skills training and job creation for youth
(4) Objective
Digital trade has been all the more important for sustainable economic development during and post pandemic. To share its benefits globally, Japan recognizes the necessity of addressing digital gap across the world and has actively provided assistance in this area through bilateral schemes and in cooperation with international organizations.
In the case of Somalia, a multifaceted crisis of COVID-19, natural disasters and security challenges has posed serious economic and social challenges to its people. Durable solutions have been needed to support affected populations to break the cycle of dependency and vulnerability by providing income generating opportunities.
The International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Digital Skills for Jobs project, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to establish online freelancing as a viable job option for young populations in Somalia. This session presents how the project is supporting the Somali youth to improve their livelihoods and self-sufficiency through an innovative, market-based approach with the use of digital technology.