The 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), held from 20 to 23 October 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, concluded with the adoption of a political declaration and the Geneva Consensus outcome document:
- The Geneva Consensus for a just and sustainable economic order: Political declaration
- The Geneva Consensus: Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development
Together, the two documents reaffirm UNCTAD’s mandate and set the direction of its work for the next four years.
The conference took place against a complex global backdrop of subdued economic growth and persistent inequalities within and among countries.
Economies – particularly the most vulnerable – are struggling with compounding pressures, including increasing challenges to trade, limited fiscal space, weak investment levels, unsustainable debt burdens, growing digital divides and fragile productive capacities.
Against this backdrop, member states reaffirmed their shared commitment to trade and development, sustainable development and a stronger multilateral system.
Countries agree on the Geneva Consensus
The political declaration reaffirms the fundamental belief that development must leave no one behind and commits to building a just and sustainable economic system.
It outlines member states' shared priorities for trade and development, reaffirms UNCTAD's mandate and gives guidelines for the work of the organization in the coming four years through its three pillars of consensus-building, research and analysis and technical assistance.
We count on UNCTAD… to support our countries in the implementation of our joint commitment for a just and sustainable economic system for a new era.
A stronger UNCTAD for a prosperous world
The Geneva Consensus charts UNCTAD’s path forward with strong support for the organization as well as concrete mandates that lay out a clear and actionable roadmap for the organization in the years ahead.
Member states call on UNCTAD to continue evolving in response to profound global changes and to become more responsive, rapid and relevant. They recognize that, in paving the way to 2030 and beyond, UNCTAD’s three pillars should work together to realize the aims and aspirations of the membership.
UNCTAD with its integrated approach to trade and development issues, is uniquely positioned to support member States in addressing these challenges.
Looking ahead, the Geneva Consensus positions UNCTAD to help countries translate shared commitments into practical action across trade, investment, finance, technology and sustainable development.