World Bank Was Largest Provider of Net New Financing to 78 Most Vulnerable Countries WASHINGTON, December 3, 2025—Developing countries paid out $741 billion more in principal and interest on their external debt than they received in new financing between 2022 and 2024—the largest gap in at least 50 years, according to the World Bank’s latest I...
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered opening remarks via video message at the 8th ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference (AHP-8) held in Ha Long City, Viet Nam. In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao commended the ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity for their efforts to strengthen and expand the AHP as one of ASEAN’s flagship initia...
Watch the live webcast of the press conferenceThe global economy has proved resilient this year but underlying fragilities remain, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook.The Outlook projects global growth slowing from 3.2% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026, before picking up to 3.1% in 2027.GDP growth in the United States is projected to decline from ...
ForewordWhen we discuss international trade, we typically speak of supply chains – networks of factories, farms, ports and transport routes that move goods across borders. But there is another architecture lying beneath this visible flow, one less discussed yet equally powerful: the architecture of balance sheets.Trade is not just a concatenation of...
Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly, yet many countries remain without the infrastructure, skills, and governance systems needed to capture its benefits. At the same time, they are already feeling its economic and social disruptions. This uneven mix of slow adoption and high vulnerability may trigger a Next Great Divergence, wh...
Riyadh, 24 November 2025 - The twenty-first session of the UNIDO General Conference marked the successful launch of the FairShare Programme, UNIDO’s global initiative designed to strengthen sustainable supply chains across all industries and sectors. The panel session during the launch event placed particular emphasis on the fashion industry, buildin...
IntroductionThe global economy has proved more resilient than expected this year, supported by improved financial conditions, rising AI-related investment and trade, and macroeconomic policies. However, underlying fragilities are increasing. Labour markets are showing first signs of weakening despite the OECD unemployment rate steady at 4.9%, with job vaca...
Through stronger global partnerships, the Pacific’s small island states are unlocking new trade and investment opportunities.Pacific nations are forging new trade ties as global partners strengthen cooperation. The International Trade Centre (ITC) is deepening partnerships across the Pacific, working with local small businesses and institutions to compete...
Food processing and global trade flows: What are the trends?2 December 2025By Eriya Chea, Siramane Coulibaly, Mateo Ferrero, Chen Lu, Thomas Verbeet and Erik WijkströmEconomies around the world are increasingly adopting public health policies aimed at improving nutrition and reducing the onset of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabet...
Riyadh, 28 November 2025 - The 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference concluded after five days of intensive deliberations with Member States having reached consensus on a range of important resolutions after constructive debate characterized by cooperation, compromise and respect for diverse voices.UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller addressing...
