The UNCTAD Multi-year Expert Meeting on Trade, Services and Development is a recurring forum where experts from governments, academia, and the private sector discuss how services trade, particularly in infrastructure and digital services, can drive economic diversification and sustainable development — especially for developing countries — by sharing best practices, identifying policy needs, and fostering international cooperation.
These meetings aim to help nations build robust service sectors, attract investment, and leverage services for inclusive growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leveraging UNCTAD's pillars of work: research, technical assistance and consensus-building.
The topic for the 12th session will be confirmed at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board to be held in Geneva from 4-6 February 2026.
Participation
This meeting is open to all member States of UNCTAD. Other organizations, including specialized agencies, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations in the general and special categories, as well as academia, research institutions and the private sector, may participate as observers.
