The WTO Chairs Programme aims to support and promote trade-related academic activities by universities and research institutions in developing and least-developed countries. Fourteen institutions were selected as WTO Chairs for a four-year term in 2009. An additional seven institutions were selected for Phase 2 of the Programme in 2014.
Following a call for applications for Phase 3 of the Programme issued on 18 December 2020, over 120 applications were received by the WTO. A selection process resulted in 17 institutions being chosen to join the network of WCP Chairs. This further diversifies the Programme's representation across the globe, with the network now comprising 36 universities.