From 1 to 3 July, Prof. Gavkhar Sultanova, Head of the Center for Economic Diplomacy of the Institute for Advanced International Studies, participated in the WTO Chairs Programme 2026 Annual Conference, organized by the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

The WTO Chairs Programme Annual Conference serves as an important international platform for academic and expert dialogue among WTO Chairs, the WTO Secretariat, international research institutions, and universities. The conference addressed key issues related to the development of the multilateral trading system, WTO reform, the digital transformation of international trade, inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the role of applied research in supporting evidence-based trade policy.

The programme included thematic sessions on the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, the forthcoming World Trade Report 2026, digital trade and regulatory frameworks, partnerships within the WTO Chairs Programme, curriculum development in international trade, and WTO technical assistance mechanisms. Particular attention was given to strengthening cross-regional research cooperation and expanding dialogue between academia, experts, and international organizations.

The participation of the Head of the Center for Economic Diplomacy of IAIS contributed to strengthening professional and academic links with WTO representatives, members of the WTO Chairs Programme network, and research institutions from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The materials, expert insights, and outcomes of the discussions will be used in the Institute’s research, educational, and expert-analytical activities, particularly in the areas of international trade, economic diplomacy, digital trade, and Uzbekistan’s integration into global trade and economic processes.