UNCTAD 16: Shaping the Future of Global Trade and Development
Geneva, Switzerland, October 23, 2025 — The 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) commenced in Geneva with the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development.”
The four-day conference, scheduled from October 20 to 23, brought together ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organizations, representatives from civil society, the private sector, and youth, as well as renowned experts. Participants engaged in high-level discussions on global trends and policy perspectives in trade, finance and debt, investment, development, and the digital economy.
The quadrennial conference is UNCTAD’s top decision-making body, uniting 195 Member States to evaluate urgent trade and development issues, consider policy options, and formulate multilateral responses.
Delegates took part in over 40 high-level sessions, ministerial roundtables, and events aimed at creating resilient supply chains, promoting fair finance, enhancing productive investment, and fostering an inclusive digital economy.
Discussions focused on how countries can address current uncertainties while laying foundations for sustainable growth that benefits everyone.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin of Switzerland emphasized the importance of finding consensus through diverse perspectives to achieve fair and lasting development.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan warned that uncertainty, debt, and declining investment are severely affecting the world’s poorest countries. She noted that major shifts in trade patterns and technology present opportunities for greater inclusion and resilience.
Leaders at UNCTAD16 called for a fundamental shift in the development mindset. Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, urged for trade to uplift and empower rather than divide and exclude.
Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, highlighted the building momentum and encouraged participants to embrace it with clarity and collective resolve, aiming for a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.
Hosted at the historic Palais des Nations, the quadrennial summit brought together heads of state, ministers, global business leaders, civil society, youth representatives, and academic experts for high-level dialogue on the future of trade and development.
Key highlights included:
- Ministerial Roundtables on implementing the Sevilla Commitment, focusing on inclusive policy frameworks and sustainable growth strategies.
- General Debates addressing global economic shifts, digital transformation, and climate-resilient development models.
- Opening Remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, emphasizing the urgency of reforming global trade systems to serve developing nations better.
- Strategic Planning for UNCTAD’s future work programme, setting priorities for the next four years.
UNCTAD 16 reaffirmed the importance of multilateral cooperation to tackle inequality, foster innovation, and ensure that trade becomes an actual engine of sustainable development. The conference served as a platform for bold ideas, collaborative action, and renewed commitment to a fairer global economy.
Source: UNCTAD
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