HighlightThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. The ongoing military escalation in the region has disrupted shipping flows through this narrow passage. The resulting ...
HighlightGlobal trade is being reshaped by shifting trade partnerships and policies, evolving supply chains and the search for resilient growth. This report examines two decades of trade expansion among the 10 BRICS members, revealing how economic ties are evolving and creating new opportunities for the global South.BRICS is named for its founding members,...
HighlightThe global push towards clean energy is driving a surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals such as cobalt and nickel – essential for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable technologies. Mineral-rich developing countries stand to benefit. But without targeted policies, the gains risk bypassing women.Drawing on case studies from ...
New initiatives aim to bolster resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global economy.Default image copyright and description© UNCTAD PhotoAs geopolitical fragmentation, maritime disruption and climate shocks reshape global trade, Japan and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are scaling up strategic cooperation to help developing countri...
19 February 202610:00 - 12:00 hrs. Movenpick-Mercure HotelLocation: Windhoek, NamibiaAdd to CalendarKey IssuesOn 19 February 2026, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its Extractive Commodities Section within the Division of International Trade and Commodities, will organize the launch of the report “Rapid assessment of value addition and diversifi...
17 February 202614:00 - 16:00 hrs. Intercontinental Hotel LusakaLocation: Lusaka, ZambiaAdd to CalendarKey IssuesOn 17 February 2026, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its Extractive Commodities Section within the Division of International Trade and Commodities, is organizing the launch of the report “Rapid assessment of value addition and divers...
4 – 5 May 2026Assembly Hall, Palais des NationsLocation: Geneva, SwitzerlandAdd to CalendarKey IssuesThe UNCTAD Multi-year Expert Meeting on Investment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Productive Capacity-building and Sustainable Development is a recurring UN forum where experts, governments, private sector, and academia discuss policies, challenges, ...
13 February 202610:00 - 18:00 hrs. Room XVI, Palais des NationsLocation :Geneva, SwitzerlandKey IssuesThe United Nations Cocoa Conference is a recurring international meeting, focusing on the future of the cocoa sector, regulations, sustainability and trade.The 2026 Conference is being held pursuant to a request from the International Cocoa Council, t...
Trade data is emerging as a critical tool in the global response to plastic pollution, offering new insights into plastics across their full life cycle.© UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)/Maria Durleva | A worker handles shredded plastic on a processing line at a recycling plant in Nairobi, Kenya.By the time plastic reaches landfills, and pollutes ri...
As Indonesia’s digital economy surges, a new UN assessment sets out how e-commerce growth can stay inclusive – and go green.© Shutterstock/Ahmad Saifulloh | A customer uses digital payments at a bookstore in Gramedia Kediri, Indonesia.The eTrade readiness assessment for Indonesia, released on 12 February, offers a roadmap to bolster e-com...
