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UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on harnessing artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming economies and societies, presenting opportunities to advance on sustainable development. However, many developing countries face difficulties in benefiting from these opportunities due to inadequate digital infrastructure, limited data access and the lack of necessary skills. Strategies and policies to leverage artificial intelligence in order to accelerate sustainable development are urgently needed. Developing countries also need to be prepared to address the possible economic and social downsides posed by artificial intelligence. In addition, artificial intelligence needs to be governed in the public interest to ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably, as noted in the Pact for the Future. Discussions at this round table, drawing on Technology and Innovation Report 2025, will explore national artificial intelligence strategies and global cooperation, to make artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial for all. The discussions will also contribute to achieving related objectives of the Global Digital Compact. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-inclusive-and…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on implementing the Sevilla Commitment on financing for development
The Sevilla Commitment represents a comprehensive, agreed high-level agenda for the reform of the global financial architecture and mechanisms to finance sustainable development into the future. As the world deals with increasing challenges, ranging from economic instability and climate change to trade tensions and eroding multilateralism, the need to implement this commitment is more pressing than ever. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-implementing-sevilla-commitment-financing-development-and…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on investment and entrepreneurship
UNCTAD, in World Investment Report 2025, delivers an urgent warning: productive international investment is shrinking, with the greatest impact on developing countries. This decline is driven by rising uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, increasing trade barriers and heightened scrutiny of foreign capital. At the same time, long-term structural shifts, particularly technological change, are transforming global value chains. Investment in sectors critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is decreasing. Yet opportunities are emerging, particularly in sectors driving the green and digital transitions. In this context, investment and entrepreneurship policies are central and mutually reinforcing tools with which to address these challenges. Discussions at this round table will explore how such policies can align with sustainable development objectives; highlight strategies to unlock investment, foster enterprise competitiveness and promote scalable solutions and partnerships that direct investment to where it is most urgently needed; and aim to chart a bold, inclusive multi- stakeholder action…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on regionalism
Multilateral negotiations face increasing fragmentation driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of unilateral trade-restrictive measures. In this challenging environment, regional and megaregional initiatives offer a pragmatic and flexible alternative, particularly for countries seeking to maintain momentum on trade liberalization and economic cooperation. Originally conceived as complementary to multilateralism, regional trade agreements provide dynamic platforms for cooperation among geographically and economically like-minded countries. They can contribute to expanding markets, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering inclusive development. The long-standing support of UNCTAD for regional integration, including through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Global System of Trade Preferences, continues to be instrumental in advancing on this path. Discussions at this round table will explore how open regionalism can respond to the present trade challenges through offering the predictability and certainty needed for sustainable economic growth. To guide the…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on reimagining trade
International trade is critical for economic growth in developing countries, driving job creation, investment and public revenue to finance development, among others. Trade policy can also be leveraged to promote broader development goals such as poverty reduction, social inclusion and economic diversification. However, the predictability of the trade policy paradigm within the international trading system has been gradually eroded by the need to respond to growing imbalances, shocks and shifting policies. Such developments disproportionately affect developing countries. Discussions at this round table, including to guide the future work of UNCTAD in reimagining an international trade system with development at its core, will address how trade policy can adapt to emerging global realities and promote development beyond export growth. Two subpanels will explore the role of domestic policies and the importance of a supportive international framework. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-reimagining-trade-broader-path-development…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on supply chains and trade logistics
Regional and global supply chains are increasingly exposed to disruptions stemming from diverse factors, including pandemics, geopolitical developments, shifting trade policies and climate-driven extreme weather events. These disruptions present significant challenges for trade, transport and logistics systems, with far-reaching implications for the sustainable development prospects of the most vulnerable developing countries. Concerted and collaborative efforts and response measures, such as improved coordination, investment in sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure, strengthened policy support and trade facilitation are needed to mitigate and respond and adapt to disruptions, ensuring that supply chains are sustainable, inclusive and resilient for the future. Discussions at this round table addressed key challenges and potential solutions and opportunities, and identified policy priorities for enhancing supply chain resilience and sustainability in developing countries. They will inform discussions at the second Global Supply Chain Forum, to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026, in collaboration with the Saudi Ports Authority…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on the digital economy
Digitalization is evolving at a high speed, reshaping economies, trade and development paths. Digitalization offers significant opportunities related to innovation, efficiency and new business models, yet is also deepening existing divides in access to digital technologies and data and in digital capabilities. At the same time, the environmental footprint of digital growth is coming under increased scrutiny. UNCTAD is influencing related policy debates. Its work on data governance contributed to the decision by Member States to establish a dedicated working group under the Commission on Science and Technology for Development. UNCTAD is also co-leading the implementation of the Global Digital Compact in the areas of inclusive digital economy and data governance. In addition, in 2025, UNCTAD is the chair of the United Nations Group on the Information Society. Discussions at this round table will explore how to ensure that the evolving digital economy becomes a driver of both inclusiveness and…
UNCTAD16 opening ceremony
The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) will take place from 20 to 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, the conference will convene ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organizations, representatives of civil society, the private sector, youth and renowned experts to engage in high-level dialogue on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, finance and debt, investment, development and the digital economy. Website: https://unctad.org/unctad16…
UNCTAD16 press conference with Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan (13 October 2025)
PRESS CONFERENCE: UN Conference on Trade and Development to convene in Geneva amid major trade shift As the global economy undergoes tectonic shifts in trade, finance and technology, global economic and development leaders will gather in Geneva this month to chart a path through mounting uncertainty and fragmentation. Ahead of the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan outlined how countries can navigate record debt, disrupted supply chains, volatile investment flows and accelerating digital transformation. Hosted by Switzerland, UNCTAD16 (20-23 October, Palais de Nations) will bring together minsters of trade and finance, heads of international organizations, Nobel laureates and leading economists to explore ways to make them global economy more predictable, inclusive and sustainable. “Development is not a luxury, it’s a necessity”, Ms. Grynspan says. “We need to rebuild trust in an economy that works for everyone.” UNCTAD16 website: https://unctad.org/unctad16 Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unctad/albums/72177720329632941/…
UNCTAD16 press conference: Launch of the Sevilla Forum on Debt
Born from the commitments made at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) and launched during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), the Sevilla Forum on Debt marks a new chapter in creating fairer, more sustainable solutions for developing countries. Speakers: António Guterres, UN Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Watch the press conference held on 22 October 2025: https://www.unognewsroom.org/story/en/2877/unog-rush-presser-22oct2025 https://unctad.org/meeting/unctad16-press-conference-launch-sevilla-forum-debt Follow live #UNCTAD16: https://unctad.org/unctad16 #ShapingTheFuture…
UNCTAD16 South-South Cooperation Forum
The forum offered an opportunity to take stock of the evolution of South–South cooperation and to discuss future priorities in the context of rapid technological change, environmental concerns and rising uncertainties that reshape development prospects.
UNCTAD16: Statement by Jamaica (national and on behalf of Caricom countries)
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), which provided an opportunity for member states, country groups and accredited organizations to present their views on the conference’s substantive issues. Website: https://unctad.org/unctad16…
United Kingdom – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
United Republic of Tanzania – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
Uruguay – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
Uzbekistan – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
Vanuatu – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
Venezuela – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).
Viet Nam – statement at the UNCTAD16 General Debate
Delivered during the General Debate of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16).