Homage to David Kleimann

Looking back at the different classes of the MILE Programme at the WTI, I was privileged working with a great number of talented students from all over the World. Many of them went on to distinguished careers and keep working in the field of international economic law and policy. Some were outstanding and unforgettable, justifying all the effort made in training the next generation of trade lawyers, economists and political scientists. David was among them, and will remain among them. He was a fellow of MILE 7, and we stay with fond memories of a student who fully lived up to his expectations and promises. David became an influential thinker in the World of academia, NGOs and government. His work on ASEAN trade agreements, the role of EU Parliament in trade policy and more recently on the interface of trade and climate change leaves a mark. In these critical times, we shall miss his clear and thoughtful mind, his talent to advance complex issues and working towards a better and fairer world. It is sad and  hard to accept that his time was up much too early, his talent lost, so needed today . But his spirit lives on, and continues to inspire all who worked along with him and carry his torch to the future. Farewell David, and thank you.

Thomas Cottier, former managing Director of the World Trade Institute