The world comes together at the United Nations, taking bold actions to protect consumers and promote fair competition in an increasingly digital and globalized economy.
But persistent policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and signs of slowing global growth pose risks for trade in the second half of the year.
Stronger competition enforcement, along with more upskilling and better infrastructure and support for start-ups are vital to ensuring the digital boom benefits all.
Turning ambition into action will require systemic reform of trade, investment and finance to meet today’s development challenges.
Since 2010, developing countries’ debt has grown twice as fast as that of advanced economies. Today, 3.4 billion people live in countries spending more on interest payments than on health or education.
Rising debt burdens are threatening the world’s already fragile path to sustainable development, warns the UN ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.
The conference will return to the city where the 1st UN Conference on Trade and Development was held in 1964, sixty years ago.
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Launching the World Investment Report 2025, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan warns that foreign direct investment is drifting away from the countries and sectors most in need.
Foreign investment flows to the region were down 12% in 2024, but sectoral and country-level gains signal underlying resilience and long-term potential.
