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The UNCTAD16 opened on October 20 in Geneva, convening global leaders to chart a four-year mandate for inclusive and resilient economic growth amid mounting trade and financial uncertainty
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The four-day conference gathers ministers, global leaders, civil society, and private sector representatives from 195 member states
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Delegates will set a four-year mandate and explore policy options on trade, investment, debt, the digital economy and supply chain resilience
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UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan warns of rising uncertainty, debt, and falling investment, especially for the poorest countries
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres: To deliver a major address on Oct. 22
The 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) opened on October 20 in Geneva, convening trade and economic leaders to chart a four-year mandate for inclusive and resilient economic growth amid mounting trade and financial uncertainty.
Running from October 20 to 23, the four-day global forum brings together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and experts from 195 member states to discuss strategies on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, finance and debt, investment, development and the digital economy.
The conference theme, “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development,” reflects UNCTAD’s focus on adapting to a fast-changing global economy, the UN agency said in a press release.
UNCTAD16 serves as the organization’s highest decision-making body, setting its four-year policy mandate on trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy. More than 40 high-level sessions and ministerial roundtables will address topics such as supply chain resilience, fair finance, sustainable investment, and inclusive digitalization.
In her opening address, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan warned that uncertainty, debt, and declining investment continue to weigh heavily on developing economies. At the same time, she underscored that emerging trends, from cleaner technologies and new trade patterns to artificial intelligence – offer a path toward renewed inclusion and resilience.
“We’ve come here to shape the future, together, so that trade, investment and technology work for people, not the other way around,” Grynspan said.
Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin urged delegates to find consensus “by looking at the diverse points of view and ensuring that we stimulate the economy with a view to achieving fair, inclusive and lasting development.”
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to address the conference on October 22, as world leaders continue discussions on shaping the global economic agenda for the coming decade.
Global leaders echoed calls for reform and collective action.
Timor Leste President José Ramos-Horta urged a rebalancing of global commerce rules, decisive action on debt, and climate justice in trade and investment. Vietnam Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính called for bold reforms to multilateral trading and financial systems.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised UNCTAD’s “transformative response” in implementing the Bridgetown Covenant and urged the organization to forge new global consensus on trade and development.
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that progress in trade and development is vital to restoring confidence in global governance.
“(A) more equitable global economy is essential to demonstrating that multilateralism still works for all,” Baerbock said.
Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, concluded the opening by calling for “clarity, courage, and collective resolve,” adding that UNCTAD16 should serve as “a space for bold ideas, innovative partnerships, and renewed determination to build a resilient and inclusive future for all.”
