News

By Rachid Bouhia, Economist, UNCTAD, and Emily Wilkinson, Researcher, ODI

Drawing on a powerful new database that tracks and traces the plastic life cycle, UNCTAD shows where countries can apply trade policy pressure to reduce pollution.

Guidelines to help governments, companies and consumers benefit from sustainable trade in precious plants and animals now include elements such as climate resilience and marine biodiversity.

A new call to action urges countries to make BioTrade a lever for recovery and resilience in the wake of the pandemic.

The project is a point of convergence for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, and a driver for a blue and green recovery from COVID-19.

UNCTAD15, the UN trade and development body's fifteenth quadrennial conference, will take place under the theme “From inequality and vulnerability to prosperity for all” as the world seeks solutions for a global new normal.

The coronavirus pandemic hits developing countries at a time when they have already been struggling with unsustainable debt burdens for many years, as well as with rising health needs. UNCTAD calls for $1 trillion in debt relief.

Written by Robert Hamwey, UNCTAD Economic Affairs Officer

UNCTAD coordinates activities to link trade with the sustainable use of biodiversity and maximize benefits.

Developing countries seek to rejuvenate and leverage their cooperation to make progress on the global goals.