The UN Trade and Development chief calls for collaborative action from the Group of 20 to safeguard global growth and shared prosperity.
Trade and innovation have driven growth, but mounting climate risks, weak governance and underinvestment threaten the sector’s future and the lives of 600 million people worldwide.
As the G20 presidency moves from Indonesia to India, Brazil, and now South Africa, the Global South has been at the forefront of shaping international trade and economic cooperation.
The new live version of the Handbook of Statistics provides timely, reliable data on global trade and development trends to help policymakers navigate an uncertain economic landscape.
Dependence on commodities, high debt, and weak infrastructure make African economies more vulnerable. Stronger and more diversified trade networks can enhance their resilience and drive growth.
Stronger intra-regional trade, strategic investments and bolder economic reforms are crucial to unlocking the vast potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
A sharp drop in international project finance raises concerns about sustainable development funding and highlights the need for countries to diversify strategies to attract and sustain investment.
Foreign direct investment was down by an estimated 8% in 2024, challenging progress on the Sustainable Development Goals that heavily rely on international project finance.
UN Trade and Development’s 16th quadrennial conference (UNCTAD16) will focus on driving economic transformation for a more sustainable future.
By Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
