News

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 Trade imbalances, concentrated gains and outdated rules must be addressed without sacrificing those least responsible.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.

Soaring interest payments are squeezing budgets, forcing governments to choose between repaying creditors and funding essential services.

Exporters from developing countries often face higher tariffs on finished goods than on raw materials, discouraging value addition, industrial growth and job creation.

The conference will explore the drivers of the current debt-driven development crisis, and how to improve resilience and risk management amid growing global uncertainties.

But momentum slowed in the second half of the year, and uncertainty looms for 2025 as shifting policies reshape the global landscape.