A decade of partnership and connecting the dots for an inclusive digital economy
Closing the digital divide remains one of the most pressing development challenges of the decade. Many developing countries, and especially the least developed among them, continue to face structural barriers to using and benefiting from e-commerce and the digital economy. At the same time, multilateralism is under strain, and the risk of fragmented, duplicated, or competing efforts in digital development is growing. Coordinated, multi-stakeholder action is needed more than ever to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital transformation.
Launched in July 2016 at the 14th Ministerial Conference of UNCTAD in Nairobi, the eTrade for all initiative brought together 15 partner organizations around a shared goal: helping developing countries benefit from e-commerce and the digital economy in a sustainable and inclusive way.
A decade on, the initiative has grown into a network of 35 partner organizations spanning UN entities, regional development banks, intergovernmental organizations, civil society bodies and national agencies. It provides developing countries with practical resources through its information hub, connects a community of practitioners across partner organizations, and creates space for dialogue on the opportunities and challenges of digitalization at the leadership level. The initiative has been formally recognized by the UN General Assembly through resolution A/RES/77/150 as an effective model for e-commerce capacity building within the multilateral system.
High Level Dialogue- eTrade for all@10
This high-level dialogue marks the initiative's 10th anniversary and offers an opportunity to reinforce the commitment of its member and set priorities for the next chapter.
The event will bring together high-level representatives from member States, partner organizations and other key stakeholders in the digital economy for a high-level dialogue, followed by a networking reception.
The dialogue aims to explore the relevance and effectiveness of global partnerships such as eTrade for all, and the lessons they offer for multilateral cooperation on digital development, including the Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — and seek renewed commitment to a partnership fit for the next chapter.
Who may attend
The event is open to permanent missions of UN member States, eTrade for all partner organizations, donor governments and beneficiary countries. Registration is mandatory for security clearance at the Palais des Nations, via INDICO.
More information on the initiative:
