Least Developed Countries (LDCs) continue to face persistent structural challenges that limit their effective integration into global trade. While the multilateral trading system offers important flexibilities and support mechanisms, many LDCs remain highly vulnerable to external shocks, structural trade imbalances, limited productive capacity, and technological gaps.
At the same time, the global trading landscape is undergoing profound transformation. Emerging industrial and trade policies, geopolitical tensions, digitalization, and renewed debates on development within the multilateral trading system are reshaping international trade dynamics.
Against this backdrop, the upcoming represents a critical opportunity to advance development-oriented priorities. This information session will provide LDC trade experts with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of these issues, exchange views with policy specialists, and strengthen preparedness for upcoming negotiations
The session aims to:
Enhance analytical and policy understanding
Provide LDC experts with updated insights on development challenges, market access opportunities, and policy flexibility within the multilateral trading system.
Address graduation-related challenges
Examine trade-related implications of LDC graduation and explore possible support measures to ensure smooth transitions.
Examine systemic reform and policy space
Assess ongoing WTO reform discussions from a development perspective and consider implications for LDC policy space.
Promote knowledge exchange
Facilitate interactive dialogue between UNCTAD specialists and LDC delegates to share analysis, experiences, and practical policy insights.
The session is expected to contribute to:
- Greater clarity on policy space considerations for LDCs
- Enhanced understanding of graduation-related trade challenges
- Improved awareness of analytical tools and research produced by UNCTAD
- Stronger dialogue between LDC delegates and trade policy experts
Organized by the Permanent Mission of Nepal (LDC Chair at UNCTAD) and the Permanent Mission of The Gambia (LDC Group Coordinator at the WTO) in cooperation with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Participation and registration
The session will be conducted in person in meeting room S1 at the WTO office and through a remote platform in English.
Delegates from Least Developed Countries intending to participate online are kindly invited to request the connection link by email from the meeting organizers.
