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Dr. John Hancock

Thesis Advisor in International Trade and Global Economic Governance

Dr. John Hancock
Faculty Type
Core Teaching Faculty
Professional Experience
  • Thesis Advisor, Geneva School of Diplomacy
  • Head of Policy Development and Strategic Planning, World Trade Organization
  • Former Coordinator, WTO Aid-for-Trade Initiative
  • Former Representative of the WTO to the IMF and World Bank
  • Former Principal Advisor in the Office of the WTO Director-General
  • Former Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Trade Ministers
  • Former Adjunct Professor, International University in Geneva
  • International lecturer and keynote speaker on trade and global governance
Education
  • PhD in Modern History, Cambridge University
  • BA in History and Economics, Dalhousie University

Biography

Dr. John Hancock is a senior policy expert in international trade, global economic governance, and multilateral affairs, with extensive experience at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. 

Throughout his career at the WTO, he has held several senior leadership and advisory positions, including Head of Policy Development and Strategic Planning, Coordinator of the WTO Aid-for-Trade Initiative, Representative to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and Principal Advisor in the Office of the Director-General. 

His work has focused on international trade negotiations, WTO reform, global investment policy, and trade-related development initiatives. He has represented the WTO in international forums including the G20 and BRICS trade and investment discussions, while also contributing to policy development involving the IMF, World Bank, and international development institutions. 

Prior to joining the WTO, Dr. Hancock served as Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s trade ministers, where he oversaw policy development, communications strategy, and international trade-related initiatives. 

Alongside his policy and diplomatic work, Dr. Hancock has taught and lectured internationally, including at Cambridge University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, and the University of Toronto. He has also contributed extensively to public policy discussions through publications, keynote speaking engagements, and international commentary on trade, globalization, and international affairs. 

At the Geneva School of Diplomacy, Dr. Hancock contributes expertise in international trade, multilateral negotiations, global governance, and international economic relations.