Next Generation Trade Facilitation 2026

Introduction: 

The Online Course on Next Generation Trade Facilitation 2026, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), will explore trade facilitation measures that can enhance trade digitalization and support sustainable development. It will highlight good practices and recommendations for further progress. 

The course is developed based on the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation (www.untfsurvey.org) and relevant reports, particularly the latest Global Report 2025.[1] It will introduce trade facilitation measures that go beyond the basic compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), including those promoting digital trade facilitation, as well as the inclusion of women and SMEs in international trade for inclusive and sustainable development. Moreover, the course will address emerging priorities in next-generation trade facilitation, such as green trade facilitation, facilitating cross-border e-commerce, and leveraging emerging technologies for trade digitalization. 

Course format: 

This course consists of self-paced e-learning and interactive live sessions. Self-learning includes 9 mandatory video modules (10-15 minutes each), readings, online quizzes, and optional materials. Three 60-minute live sessions will be organized for deeper discussions with distinguished experts. Optional quiz explanation sessions will be provided to help participants understand selected difficult quiz questions.

Participants will be required to undertake the self-paced course before participating in the live sessions. The self-paced course materials were developed by the United Nations Regional Commissions – ECA, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, and ESCWA. 

Please find the detailed course programme under the ‘DOCUMENTS’ tab.

Estimated time for the completion of the course: 15-20 hours (over 19 days). 

UN certificate: 

Participants who pass the online quizzes, attend the live sessions, and complete the course evaluation survey will receive free online traceable course certificates from ESCAP.

Deadline for registration: 10 May 2026. Seats are limited, register now.

[1] https://www.untfsurvey.org/report

for more information, please contact

Trade, Investment and Innovation Division +66 2 288-1234 [email protected]