Building stronger port communities
The UN Trade and Development TrainForTrade Port Management Programme supports port communities in developing countries in building more efficient and competitive ports for the future. By creating port networks that bring together public, private, and international stakeholders, the programme contributes to increased trade flows and sustainable economic development. Its goal is to equip port professionals with the skills, knowledge, and institutional capacity needed to improve efficiency, foster cooperation, and strengthen competitiveness.
The UN Trade and Development Series on Port Management is published periodically in English, French and Spanish. Volume 14th presents case studies from the programme’s English-speaking network (2019–2024), highlighting how targeted training, knowledge exchange, and partnerships are strengthening port performance, addressing operational challenges, and supporting sustainable development across participating countries. It showcases the member ports of the TrainForTrade Port Management Programme’s English-speaking network and the most significant reform plans developed in Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Maldives, the Philippines, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Strengthening port performance through cooperation
The network promotes triangular and South–South cooperation by mobilizing TrainForTrade-certified experts to deliver course modules to fellow port members. Since 1998, the programme has benefited 6,202 port professionals from 60 countries, including 28% women, reflecting its strong commitment to inclusive capacity building. By connecting ports across Africa and Asia, the network creates opportunities for practitioners to learn directly from one another, exchange practical solutions, and tackle shared operational challenges together. This collaborative approach helps turn knowledge into action and strengthens the long-term development of participating port communities.
A network built on partnerships
Since its inception in 2007, the English-speaking network has benefited from the support of Irish Aid and Irish port partners (Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Dublin Port Company and the Port of Cork Company) as well as the ports of Las Palmas and Valencia. This network remains one of the programme’s greatest strengths. Each member brings unique expertise shaped by its geographical, economic, and socio-cultural context. Within this “big family,” as partners often describe it, every port has knowledge to share and experience to contribute, a spirit that continues to shape the UN Trade and Development Port Management Series.