Maritime transport moves over 80% of goods traded worldwide. Country-level seaborne trade data is vital for shaping better transport, trade and investment policies.
Stronger policy coordination and regional trade are urgently needed, with the world economy on a recessionary trajectory, driven by escalating trade tensions and persistent uncertainty.
Already grappling with low growth and mounting uncertainty, vulnerable and small economies, whose activities have a negligible effect on trade deficits, should be exempt from new tariff hikes.
AI’s rapid rise risks deepening divides, with development concentrated in major economies and firms. Strategic investment and inclusive global governance are key to ensuring its benefits are widely shared.
Strategic investments, inclusive governance and global cooperation are key to ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all, rather than reinforcing existing divides.
While the need for trade reform is clear, UNCTAD stresses that the solution must come through dialogue and negotiation. Trade imbalances, concentrated gains and outdated rules must be addressed without sacrificing those least responsible.
These countries generate 40% of global GDP but are home to 60% of the world’s poor. UNCTAD’s chief urges debt relief and trade reform to help them escape the middle-income trap.
A higher GDP doesn’t guarantee shared benefits or sustainable growth. To better measure real progress, UNCTAD combines it with data on living conditions, equality and the environment.
Projects are demonstrating early potential for water-intensive sectors to transition to eco-friendly production while sustaining trade-driven growth.
The 14th International Debt Management Conference renewed urgent calls for global financial system reforms to ensure debt supports development rather than undermining it.
