In a special briefing the Secretary General of UNCTAD, the UN leading trade body, will offer the latest analysis on global foreign direct investment, impact of global trade tensions and the debt situation of developing countries.
Through the World Investment Report 2025 UNCTAD alerts of sharp declines in foreign direct investment in developing countries amid global trade tensions/uncertainty, rising debt and shrinking aid.
| When: | Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00-13:30 CEST |
| Where: | Press Centre at FFD4 Seville (Spain) or follow online |
| Speakers: |
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Global leaders at FFD4 are debating a new vision for development that brings value to people and respect for the planet at a time when the global economy is being reshaped by deepening geopolitical tensions, escalating trade fragmentation, and mounting industrial policy competition.
These pressures, combined with rising debt burdens and heightened financial uncertainty, are undermining investor confidence and redrawing the global investment landscape.
Trade remains a key driver of economic growth and a lifeline for development finance—generating jobs, attracting capital, and providing much-needed foreign exchange. But in today’s fragmented economy, these lifelines are fraying with a high cost for developing countries.
Explore:
- On Investment: World Investment Report 2025 here
- On trade: Global Trade Update April 2025 here
- On debt: A World of Debt here
- On Rebeca Grynspan here
Video:
The debt crisis is holding back development. We need a new global deal
EN https://vimeo.com/1097517931
SP https://vimeo.com/1097806045
FR https://vimeo.com/1097814854
About UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD is the UN’s leading body on trade, finance, investment, digital economy and development. It supports developing countries to access the benefits of a global economy more fairly and effectively, through research, policy advice, and technical assistance.
Every four years, UNCTAD convenes the UN’s global Conference on Trade and Development - the leading forum for shaping global trade and development agendas. The next Conference will take place in Geneva in October 2025.
Information contact in Seville:
Amalia Navarro, UNCTAD Chief of communications - +4176 283 17 63 - amalia.navarro@unctad.org
Note to Editors: Spokespersons are available for interviews in ENG, ESP and FR.
Additional background information and quotes can be provided upon request.