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UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on implementing the Sevilla Commitment on financing for development
The Sevilla Commitment represents a comprehensive, agreed high-level agenda for the reform of the global financial architecture and mechanisms to finance sustainable development into the future. As the world deals with increasing challenges, ranging from economic instability and climate change to trade tensions and eroding multilateralism, the need to implement this commitment is more pressing than ever. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-implementing-sevilla-commitment-financing-development-and…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on regionalism
Multilateral negotiations face increasing fragmentation driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of unilateral trade-restrictive measures. In this challenging environment, regional and megaregional initiatives offer a pragmatic and flexible alternative, particularly for countries seeking to maintain momentum on trade liberalization and economic cooperation. Originally conceived as complementary to multilateralism, regional trade agreements provide dynamic platforms for cooperation among geographically and economically like-minded countries. They can contribute to expanding markets, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering inclusive development. The long-standing support of UNCTAD for regional integration, including through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Global System of Trade Preferences, continues to be instrumental in advancing on this path. Discussions at this round table will explore how open regionalism can respond to the present trade challenges through offering the predictability and certainty needed for sustainable economic growth. To guide the…
UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on reimagining trade
International trade is critical for economic growth in developing countries, driving job creation, investment and public revenue to finance development, among others. Trade policy can also be leveraged to promote broader development goals such as poverty reduction, social inclusion and economic diversification. However, the predictability of the trade policy paradigm within the international trading system has been gradually eroded by the need to respond to growing imbalances, shocks and shifting policies. Such developments disproportionately affect developing countries. Discussions at this round table, including to guide the future work of UNCTAD in reimagining an international trade system with development at its core, will address how trade policy can adapt to emerging global realities and promote development beyond export growth. Two subpanels will explore the role of domestic policies and the importance of a supportive international framework. Find out more: https://unctad.org/unctad16/ministerial-roundtable-reimagining-trade-broader-path-development…
UNCTAD16 opening ceremony
The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) will take place from 20 to 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, the conference will convene ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organizations, representatives of civil society, the private sector, youth and renowned experts to engage in high-level dialogue on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, finance and debt, investment, development and the digital economy. Website: https://unctad.org/unctad16…
UNCTAD16 press conference: Launch of the Sevilla Forum on Debt
Born from the commitments made at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) and launched during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), the Sevilla Forum on Debt marks a new chapter in creating fairer, more sustainable solutions for developing countries. Speakers: António Guterres, UN Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Watch the press conference held on 22 October 2025: https://www.unognewsroom.org/story/en/2877/unog-rush-presser-22oct2025 https://unctad.org/meeting/unctad16-press-conference-launch-sevilla-forum-debt Follow live #UNCTAD16: https://unctad.org/unctad16 #ShapingTheFuture…
UNCTAD16 South-South Cooperation Forum
The forum offered an opportunity to take stock of the evolution of South–South cooperation and to discuss future priorities in the context of rapid technological change, environmental concerns and rising uncertainties that reshape development prospects.