UNITAR and FAO are offering a free four-week online course on agriculture in international trade agreements for professionals in selected Asian and Pacific countries. Apply by 1 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is offering a free online course titled Agriculture in International Trade Agreements (Asia and the Pacific).
The four-week course is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of international agricultural trade rules, World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and regional trade agreements. It will run from 16 November to 11 December 2026 and will be delivered entirely online in English.
The training is particularly intended for professionals involved in agricultural policy, trade negotiations and the implementation of trade policies in selected countries across Asia and the Pacific.
Participants who successfully complete all required activities and assessments will receive a certificate of completion. Places are limited, and applicants will be selected by FAO and UNITAR, with particular consideration given to geographical distribution and gender balance.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Agriculture in International Trade Agreements (Asia and the Pacific) |
| Organizers | UNITAR and FAO |
| Course type | Professional training |
| Delivery mode | Online e-learning |
| Duration | Four weeks |
| Start date | 16 November 2026 |
| End date | 11 December 2026 |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Course fee | Free |
| Certificate | Issued upon successful completion |
| Selection | Application-based |
| Official website | UNITAR |
| Contact email | pft-elearning@unitar.org |
Tasks
The course aims to improve participants’ knowledge of international regulatory frameworks governing agricultural trade and how these frameworks affect national trade policies.
Participants will study the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, including market access, domestic support, export competition and implementation. They will also learn about non-tariff measures and related WTO agreements covering sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation and technical barriers to trade.
The final module examines regional trade agreements, including provisions on tariffs, tariff-rate quotas, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, export restrictions, export duties and rules of origin.
The programme combines self-paced learning materials with readings, case study exercises, discussion forums and assessment tests. International experts will facilitate the course and incorporate practical examples into the learning activities.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Who Should Apply?
The course is primarily designed for professionals working in:
- Ministries of Agriculture.
- Ministries of Economy and Trade.
- Other relevant government authorities.
- Public institutions involved in agricultural and trade policy development.
- Private-sector organizations and academic institutions working on trade-related issues.
Priority will be given to policymakers and practitioners who influence agricultural trade and professionals who can share information and technical advice with their respective organizations or communities.
Eligible Countries
The course is targeted at applicants from the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Lao PDR
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Viet Nam
Applicants should note that this is a targeted regional training programme rather than a general course advertised as open to every country worldwide.
The supplied course announcement does not specify a formal degree requirement or a minimum number of years of work experience.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants are expected to have a better understanding of international trade regulations and the mechanisms used to implement them.
They should also be able to discuss the importance of non-tariff measures in agricultural trade, understand relevant WTO agreements and identify trends in regional trade agreements.
The training also aims to help participants compare agricultural trade provisions in regional agreements with those established under multilateral trade frameworks.
Additional Information
Course Fees and Certificate
The course is free of charge. Selected participants will not be required to pay a course registration fee according to the official course information provided.
Participants who successfully complete all required course tasks and assessments will receive a certificate of completion.
Because places are limited, submitting an application does not guarantee admission. FAO and UNITAR will select participants while considering factors such as geographical distribution and gender balance.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 1 November 2026.
The course begins on 16 November 2026 and ends on 11 December 2026. Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline to allow time for the selection process.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the UNITAR website.
Access the official UNITAR website and locate the course titled Agriculture in International Trade Agreements (Asia and the Pacific) in the training events catalogue.
Step 2: Review the course details.
Confirm the eligibility conditions, course schedule, application requirements and registration instructions.
Step 3: Submit your application.
The course is application-based, meaning applicants must apply and be selected before participating. Follow the instructions provided on the official course page.
Step 4: Await the selection outcome.
FAO and UNITAR will assess applications and allocate the limited places available for the course.
For enquiries, applicants can contact the course focal point at pft-elearning@unitar.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UNITAR and FAO agricultural trade course free?
Yes. The course is offered free of charge.
2. When does the course begin?
The course begins on 16 November 2026 and ends on 11 December 2026.
3. What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 November 2026.
4. Is the course conducted online?
Yes. It is delivered through UNITAR’s e-learning platform and uses self-paced study materials, readings, case studies, discussion forums and assessments.
5. Which countries are targeted by the course?
The course targets Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.
6. Who should apply?
The course is designed primarily for policymakers and professionals working in agriculture, economy and trade ministries, relevant government authorities, the private sector and academia.
7. Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete all required tasks and assessments will receive a certificate of completion.
8. Does submitting an application guarantee a place?
No. Places are limited, and FAO and UNITAR select participants based on the programme’s selection considerations.
9. What topics does the course cover?
Topics include the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, non-tariff measures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade and agricultural provisions in regional trade agreements.
10. How can applicants ask questions?
Applicants can email the course focal point at pft-elearning@unitar.org.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNITAR and FAO course offers a useful professional development opportunity for policymakers and other professionals working on agricultural trade in selected Asian and Pacific countries. Its focus on WTO rules, regional trade agreements and non-tariff measures may help participants better understand the international frameworks shaping agricultural trade policy.
The course is free, delivered online and includes a certificate for participants who successfully complete all required assessments. However, admission is subject to selection, and the training is specifically targeted at the countries listed in the official announcement.
Interested applicants should review the official course information and complete their applications by 1 November 2026.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external training and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNITAR or FAO and does not manage course admissions. Applicants should verify eligibility, application procedures and course details through the official provider.
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