Michael Roberts is the Head of the Aid for Trade Unit in the Development Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Aid for Trade Initiative seeks to assist developing countries connect to the multilateral trading system. Michael recently led preparations for the 5th Global Review of Aid for Trade: "Reducing Trade Costs for Inclusive, Sustainable Growth" held from June 30 - July 2, 2015. Michael joined the WTO in 2001, starting his career in the Agriculture and Commodities Division. Between 2003 and 2009, he established and led the Standards and Trade Development Facility. Prior to joining WTO, he worked in the Russian Federation and the UK on agriculture and trade policy issues. Michael is an agricultural and development economist by training and holds degrees from University of Oxford and the University of Kent at Canterbury in the U.K.