Global supply chains are a critical component of the international trade system, and their effective functioning is essential for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent multiple crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of global supply chains -- underscoring the need for a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive system.
The Global Supply Chain Forum responds to a call by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, during the 15th UNCTAD ministerial conference to place a particular focus on helping to build resilient supply chains for developing countries.
This commitment is contained in the Bridgetown Covenant adopted at the conference.
It also responds to the Bridgetown Initiative, which outlines the urgent and decisive steps required to tackle an unprecedented combination of crises.
Format
The Forum will be a platform to advance the global dialogue on trade and development and to identify concrete actions and recommendations to improve the functioning of the global supply chain.
The Forum will provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, best practices, and lessons learned on strengthening the global supply chain and ensuring it can withstand future shocks and challenges.
It will feature high-level keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
Global Supply Chain Forum 2024
This first Forum, scheduled to take place in 2024 in Barbados, will focus on critical issues such as resilience, climate change, connectivity, digitalization, and inclusiveness of vulnerable country groups such as small islands developing States, land-locked developing countries and least developed countries.
Objectives
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1Facilitate better understanding and awareness of supply chain issues for participants and members.
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2Promote and further develop UN solutions to supply chain challenges.
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3Generate additional projects and fund-raising for UNCTAD and other UN agencies in order that they may provide practical help to member States to create resilient and sustainable supply chains.
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4Negotiate an outcome document with concrete recommendations on actions to address supply chain challenges.
Location
Address
The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC)
Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, BB11093,
Barbados, West Indies
