ILEAP recognizes that in order for developing countries to compete effectively and equally in international trade negotiations, they need more than access to the advice of dedicated professionals. They must also develop their own capacity to act for themselves, including the ability to negotiate effectively, to define and assess options, to identify the appropriate experts, and to evaluate their performances. Increasing the supply of experts in developing countries is a priority component of all ILEAP activities.

Another critical aspect of ILEAP’s capacity-building program is to develop capacity in the preparation of, among others, background policy papers, policy papers with country-specific content, briefing notes, and draft proposals. Case studies will further facilitate an increase in the knowledge and information base of developing countries, with the aim of formulating policy or negotiation positions. Policy papers, briefs, and proposals are produced by ILEAP’s network of trade and law professionals and junior professionals/research assistants in both developed and developing nations. The goal of involving junior professionals/research assistants is to cultivate the capacity of the next generation of trade policy experts.

Capacity-building activities include:

• Workshops that gather intermediate and senior negotiators and analysts for negotiation skills training;
• Workshops for stakeholders to contribute to the negotiation process, country or region specific policy dialogues;
• Wide dissemination of ILEAP policy papers;
• Fellowships and exchanges; and
• Maintenance of a comprehensive website providing access to ILEAP’s activities and outputs

Related meetings and workshops