News

By Claudia Contreras, Jeanelle Clarke, Carlos Razo, UNCTAD Economists

The world’s poorest nations face many obstacles, including soaring debt, export marginalization, energy poverty and climate vulnerability.

UNCTAD’s rapid assessment of the war’s impact on trade and development shows a rapidly worsening outlook for the world economy, with the situation especially alarming for African and least developed countries.

Empowered by UNCTAD’s training, she endured pandemic-induced disruptions with persistence, hard work and business acumen, emerging stronger from the crisis.

Graduation presents an opportunity for the countries to develop strategies that can position the textile and clothing sector higher up the global value chain.

By Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD

But the world’s largest free trade area needs measures to boost productivity and expand opportunities.

By Paul Akiwumi, Director for Africa and Least Developed Countries, UNCTAD

Productive transformation must be inclusive and sustainable to build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic and avoid a “lost decade” of development.

World leaders say inaction over the climate crisis, COVID-19 and the plight of the world’s most vulnerable is at our own peril. Action must incorporate trade’s best aspects.