UNCTAD lens: Supporting SIDS in building new development models
The short course will provide an overview of the UNCTAD strategy to support small island developing States (SIDS), which recognizes the deep-rooted structural challenges facing them, including their small size, geographic isolation, limited economic diversification and vulnerability to climate shocks. In response, the UNCTAD strategy focuses on strengthening productive capacities, promoting innovation and green industries, improving resilience to external shocks and enhancing access to quality data for decision-making. It is built on consensus that these countries deserve both the policy space to manoeuvre and the necessary support to bolster their economic trajectories. The strategy aligns with international frameworks, such as the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS and United Nations resolutions that call for tailored development assistance, better financing options and access to technology for SIDS.
Against this backdrop, the short course will also focus on how UNCTAD supports SIDS in leveraging electronic commerce (e-commerce= and the digital economy to overcome structural constraints and remoteness in SIDS, by doing research, assessing their e-trade ecosystem through assessments and strategy development, providing monitoring tools such as the e-trade reform tracker and assistance in the area of measuring of e-commerce and the digital economy. This part of the course will draw on the extensive UNCTAD experience of working with SIDS in the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa.
Simultaneously, UNCTAD also supports SIDS in addressing trade-related regulations such as technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, by enhancing transparency in and understanding and design of non-tariff measures. The integrated UNCTAD approach is holistic in terms of SIDS, not only adapting to the digital era but also reducing trade costs and regulatory hurdles, reinforcing their economic resilience and sustainable development.
At the end of this course, delegates will have gained knowledge of:
- The UNCTAD strategy for SIDS and the deep-rooted structural challenges facing them.
- Requirements for tackling geographic isolation and limited economic diversification through policies based on their economic trajectories and needs.
- Leveraging e-commerce and the digital economy to overcome structural constraints and contributing to economic development and regional and international integration.
- Deeper understanding of non-tariff measures and non-tariff barriers in the context of SIDS and their role in addressing challenges that lead to national regional and international integration.
