The Center for World Trade Studies of Universitas Gadjah Mada (PSPD UGM) is the only Indonesian university entity participating in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair Programme. This annual forum fosters collaboration among universities, academics, and research institutions in developing countries.
This year, PSPD UGM was represented by a Professor of International Relations, Poppy Sulistyaning Winanti, who delivered a presentation on the internationalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in global trade at the WTO Chair Programme held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Jul. 2 to 5, 2025.
“Since 2010, PSPD UGM has joined the WTO bidding process. There are 39 universities worldwide participating, and from Indonesia, only UGM is included,” said Professor Winanti on Thursday (Jul. 24).
The WTO Chair Programme (WCP) Annual Conference provides a platform for experts to analyze and evaluate the economic conditions of developing countries as a reflective step toward WTO policies.
Through the Center for World Trade Studies, UGM contributes to the programme by focusing on three flagship topics: the dynamics of global trade and governance, international competition, and fair and sustainable trade. These themes are implemented through various activities aimed at strengthening world trade at the micro, regional, national, and global levels.
One key initiative is the Journal of World Trade Studies (JWTS), which has collaborated with the WCP since 2010. This international journal critically examines the global trading system at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Published twice a year, JWTS has released eight volumes to date. In addition, PSPD UGM has conducted in-depth research on the circular economy through a community-based approach, published in the book Ekonomi Sirkular dalam Gagasan Universal dan Praktik Lokal (Circular Economy in Universal Ideas and Local Practices).
According to Professor Winanti, PSPD UGM’s programmes within the WCP primarily integrate government, academia, communities, and the private sector. Building strong and fair global trade, she emphasized, must begin from the grassroots level.
MSMEs, as one of the backbones of the national economy, still require stronger support, not only to survive amid domestic economic challenges but also to scale up to the global stage.
“We see that the WTO, as an organization with authority over international trade policies, certainly requires feedback to ensure that its policies align with global developments,” said Professor Winanti.
The gathering of experts from around the world, she added, broadens perspectives and insights into the political and economic conditions as well as the trade challenges faced by each country.
The 2025 WCP Annual Conference also welcomed five new universities from the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Qatar, Togo, and Vanuatu.
WTO Deputy Director-General Zhang underlined the importance of the forum in opening opportunities for collaboration and supporting the development of academic institutions worldwide.
“The forum is expected to enhance the role of academia in driving policy change and fostering multilateral cooperation among stakeholders involved in international trade,” said Director-General Zhang.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographs: Poppy Ismalina