Launched in 2006, the UNCTAD BioFuels Initiative provides countries with access to sound economic, legal and trade policy analysis, capacity building activities and consensus building tools. The Initiative is committed to be flexible and based on specific national circumstances and needs. It attempts to share lessons from successful cases, as well as to illustrate problems encountered by developed and developing countries alike in dealing with the technical, policy and economic aspects of biofuels. It provides policy guidance, ideas and examples on how to address possible shortcomings that countries might face when engaging in this new market.

UNCTAD BioFuels Initiative works closely with other intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector. It participates in the activities carried out by UN-Energy; on the Nairobi Framework of Activities; on the Global Bio-Energy Partnership (GBEP); and on the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB).