Set for November 2026, the will unite world leaders in Saudi Arabia to boost trade resilience and build sustainable, inclusive logistics systems. .
UNCTAD
The 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development is being held from 20 - 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. Hosted by Switzerland and , the conference brings together governments, Nobel Laureates, international organizations, civil society and renowned experts to discuss global trends and policy perspectives on trade, investment, development and digital economy. Check the and follow the conference on .
Global seaborne trade is projected to grow by just 0.5% in 2025, as rerouting contribute to mounting uncertainty in the maritime transport sector.
The marks a pivotal step toward ocean sustainability, curbing harmful subsidies while supporting developing nations and global food security.
UNCTAD’s latest reveals that systemic uncertainty, driven by shifting policies and geopolitical instability, is reshaping global trade, raising costs, and disproportionately harming developing economies.
outlines a clear vision for landlocked developing countries to enhance trade opportunities through regional cooperation, digital readiness, and targeted reforms.
As global plastic trade surpasses $1.1 trillion, of rising environmental harm and calls for trade reforms, investment in sustainable alternatives, and a unified global treaty to curb pollution.
Over two-thirds of developing countries remain reliant on , risking instability and missed opportunities without urgent economic diversification.
A small number of digital giants now control nearly half of global digital market sales, about increasing market concentration.
Despite a headline rise in 2024, UNCTAD warns that global FDI is in decline for the second year, exposing a widening disconnect between capital flows and development needs.
The latest from examines the ocean economy – a vital driver of global trade now under growing pressure from environmental and geopolitical shocks.
The will unite global leaders to address urgent ocean challenges, drive sustainable use, and protect livelihoods dependent on marine ecosystems and trade.
Afghanistan’s adoption of the has revolutionized humanitarian logistics by slashing paperwork, accelerating customs clearance, and enhancing transparency for faster, more efficient aid delivery.
With global demand for copper set to soar 40% by 2040, that supply shortfalls could derail clean energy and digital transitions unless smarter trade, investment, and recycling strategies are urgently adopted.
UNCTAD forecasts global growth will slow to 2.3% in 2025, , as escalating trade tensions and record-high policy uncertainty trigger financial volatility and erode business confidence worldwide.