The course traditionally starts with an introduction to the WTO and its basic principles. It then focuses on the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. Participants are rapidly engaged in simulation exercises which allow them to develop practical knowledge and skills throughout the various steps of the dispute resolution. An update on recent developments in the area of the ongoing negotiations on the Dispute Settlement Understanding in the context of the “Doha Development Agenda?concluded this one-week long training.

Though the group of participants was composed mainly of government officials from developing countries, least-developed countries and economies in transition, some developed countries were also represented as this particular training activity was organized under Art. 27.3 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, which foresees that training is to be provided to all WTO Members. A complete list of participants is attached.

For the first time, this course was conducted only in English. From a logistic point of view, the course was easier to organize since no interpretation was required. The interaction among participants also went smoother than in a trilingual course because there were no language barriers between them.

The WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation will organize similar courses in October and in November 2003 in French and in English. A course in Spanish will take place in 2004. This training on dispute settlement is one of the numerous activities organized by the WTO ITTC. Currently 30 government officials participate to the three-month 25th Regular Trade Policy Course. On Monday 14th July a three-week course entitled “Pre-Cancun Course on WTO?will be held in French for French-speaking African countries.
 

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30 June ?4 July 2003

5th Specialized Course on WTO Dispute Settlement Rules and Procedures