There are three types of membership:

1. Core university membership:

This is open to universities that are involved in post-graduate teaching and research on trade and development with a particular focus on policy. Being a member also requires commitment from the institution and a willingness to share information and engage actively in Vi activities.

You will need to fill in an application form providing UNCTAD with details about your institution, its teaching and research, and to outline what your institution can contribute to the Vi network. Applications will be reviewed by an UNCTAD selection committee. If their decision is positive, you will then sign the Terms and Conditions of the Virtual Institute network. When this process is complete we will send you user names and passwords for using this website.

Download an application form [en] [fr]

Download terms and conditions of membership [en] [fr]

2. Affiliate membership

This is open to other univeristies in the same country as a core university member. Membership needs to be first discussed with the core university member, before approval by UNCTAD.

Benefits include many of the services available to Core university members, as well as participation in Vi activities, such as annual meetings and workshops.

3. Associate membership

This category of membership is open to any individual who is interested in UNCTAD issues subject to meeting certain basic requirements. Associate members can access all public documents on the Vi site and contribute to debates. They also receive the quarterly Vi Newsletter. You will need to register on this website (in the column to the left of this text) and if your application is approved you will be sent username and password details via email.

Benefits of membership

Membership will be of interest to you if you are involved in designing, developing and delivering courses or conducting research related to key issues on the international economic agenda (trade, investment, finance, business administration, law and associated subjects); and if you are involved in policy-related research or advocacy.

All members are part of a network of trade and development specialists sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas, and benefit from:

* Access to original teaching materials and research
* Access to a range of services offered exclusively to members (see 'services' menu)
* Benefit from the experiences and feedback of other members
* Receive personalized support from UNCTAD
* Be able to promote their institution and its training and research activities