Speaking ahead of the 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), the secretary-general underscored the meeting’s importance amid mounting global uncertainty and inequalities.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva today, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan set the stage for the upcoming 16th UN Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD16), emphasizing its critical importance at a time of mounting global economic uncertainty.
Hosted by the Government of Switzerland and taking place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from 20 to 24 October, UNCTAD16 will bring together ministers from nearly 100 countries, heads of international organizations, Nobel laureates, economists, investors, civil society and business leaders. It’s the largest UN gathering on trade and development in four years.
'A pivotal moment'
Ms. Grynspan stressed that the conference, held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development,” comes at a pivotal moment for multilateralism and the global economy.
“Trade, finance, investment, and technology are no longer separate issues,” she said. “They are interconnected, and together they define whether we achieve truly sustainable development.”
Four urgent challenges
Secretary-General Grynspan outlined four urgent challenges:
- Trade fragmentation and policy uncertainty are threatening development progress.
- Public debt burdens are preventing countries from investing in health and education.
- Global investment flows remain misaligned with development needs.
- Digital and AI technologies risk widening inequality unless developing countries can participate fairly.
Signs of resilience
Despite these challenges, Ms. Grynspan pointed to signs of resilience, including strong trade growth in 2025. She called for bold, cooperative solutions to restore trust in global systems and ensure no country is left behind.
“UNCTAD16 offers a unique opportunity to reshape the global economic agenda – and to make sure that transformation works for all,” she concluded.