The Trade Ties Debate: The World Trade Institute celebrates two students making it to the final of the Geneva Debate

The World Trade Institute is pleased to congratulate Li Chen (Ken) and Paul Rit on reaching the finals. Their performance demonstrated analytical skill, and commitment to informed public debate. Their achievement reflects the quality of the Geneva Debate initiative and highlights the valuable role young researchers and debaters can play in shaping discussions on international trade.

The Geneva Debate has continued its impressive evolution in recent years, growing from internal debates at the Graduate Institute to becoming a regular contributor to major international discussions. Its collaboration with the WTO Public Forum began when Dmitry Grozoubinski of the Geneva Trade Platform explored ways to bring younger voices into global trade conversations. Following a successful debate on the EU’s CBAM in 2023, the team returned in 2024 to engage with the topic of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. This debate involves an excellent exchange with the Graduate Institute and the World Trade Institute in Bern, marking a meaningful step in strengthening dialogue between academic institutions and global policy forums for upcoming trade scholars.