The online course on trade negotiation techniques is the third one in UNCTAD’s trade policy e-learning series, is a self-paced, easy to follow course. It is developed to address the need for building negotiation capacities of trade officials in developing countries; but is open to officials involved in trade negotiations in all countries, including developed ones to create a common understanding of the challenges faced in negotiation processes by officials of both developing and developed countries.

The course is based on the practical guide on skills and techniques for trade negotiators prepared by Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, the course instructor. This guide will be made available on the course platform to enrolled participants. The guide and the course modules aim to offer guidance on the conduct of trade negotiations with the expectation that the typical course participant will be a diplomat or other policymaker in a developing country who has been tasked with representing the country in multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO or participating in a trade negotiation for a free trade agreement with a single trade partner.

Objectives

The course aims to enhance and strengthen the negotiation capacity of trade officials in a way that best fits to achieving their country’s sustainable development goals. After completing this course, participants will have acquired the necessary techniques and skills required for trade negotiations.

Methodology

The course, running from 9 February to 24 March 2025, consists of five modules, with pre-recorded videos prepared by the instructor. Participants are expected to follow the modules at their own pace, ideally one module per week. At the end of each module, participants need to pass a quiz to move on to the following module.

The course includes three webinars, where participants can engage in interactive discussions with Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, the principal course instructor, as well as trade experts from UNCTAD and other international organizations.

The course includes three webinars, where participants can engage in an interactive discussion with Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, the principal course instructor, as well as trade experts from UNCTAD and other international organizations.

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Webinar 1: Trade negotiations in today’s context

Trade policymaking and trade negotiations is a challenging task in all countries and presents great difficulties for officials in developing countries. This is more so in today's uncertain trading environment and multidimensional crises that the world faces.

In this introductory webinar, Prof. Craig VanGrasstek, the instructor of this course, will talk about the past, present and future of trade negotiations. He will provide insights on the international trading system in today’s context and challenges in reaching consensus in international trade negotiations.

The instructor's presentation will be followed by an interactive discussion, where participants will have an opportunity to ask questions to the instructor.