The World Trade Institute (WTI) is the leading interdisciplinary academic institution dedicated to advanced teaching and research in international trade and investment regulation, economic globalization, and sustainability. As a center of excellence at the University of Bern, the WTI bridges the disciplines of law, economics, and political science to address the complex challenges of a globalized world.
Founded in 1999 by Prof. Em. Dr. Thomas Cottier, following the conclusion of the Uruguay Round and the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the WTI was established to educate future global leaders and strengthen research in areas increasingly central to global governance and everyday life.
The Institute hosts a diverse international community of students, researchers, faculty, and staff. It maintains a close partnership with the Institute of European and International Economic Law, with which it shares premises, fostering rich academic collaboration.
As a center of excellence at the University of Bern, WTI bridges law, economics, and political science to address the pressing challenges of global governance. It hosts a dynamic, international academic community and maintains a strong institutional partnership with the Institute of European and International Economic Law, fostering impactful collaboration and innovation.
History
The institute was founded upon the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the advent of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. It was established in 1999 to train future practitioners and researchers from all over the world and to strengthen research capacities in areas that have an increasing impact on people's lives. The financial crisis in 2008 showed the importance of not only a stable and open multilateral trading system under the auspices of the WTO but also organisations and agreements promoting regional integration.
