A UN Trade and Development report examines why services growth in the world’s poorest countries has yet to deliver broader development.Services are now a key source of growth and jobs in least developed countries.Most service jobs remain low-productivity and informal, limiting income gains.Weak links to industry, exports, and technology hold back developm...
The calendar helps policymakers, researchers and businesses plan ahead by signalling when new, reliable statistics will be available.UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published its 2026 calendar for data releases, giving users a roadmap of when they can expect new global trade, investment and economic statistics this year.Released on 28 January, t...
Over one in eight dollars earned from trade in goods comes from information communications technologies, with 80% produced in Asia. Growth is driven by surging trade in electronic components.Trade in electronic components has surged over the last 15 yearsImports of information and communication technology goods, by category, billions of dollars, 2000–2024...
KEY ISSUESThe "Working Party" meets two to three times per year to review UNCTAD's programme plan and performance information, technical cooperation activities, evaluations, publications policy and communications strategy, as well as other topics mandated by the Trade and Development Board, which oversees the organization's activities and...
KEY ISSUESThe Trade and Development Board acts as UNCTAD's governing body in-between the quadrennial Conferences. It meets in Geneva for its annual session to oversee the activities of the organization.Key agenda items:Annual report of the Secretary-General.Report on UNCTAD assistance to the Palestinian people.Activities undertaken by UNCTAD in su...
Key IssuesAgendaDocumentsTimetableBodyThe Trade and Development Board oversees the activities of the organization. It meets in Geneva up to three times a year in executive sessions to deal with urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters.ParticipationThe session is open to all member States of Trade and Development Board.Othe...
Geopolitical tensions, trade policy shifts and weak investment continue to dampen momentum, with high debt and persistent cost pressures posing particular challenges for developing economies.© Shutterstock/stetskoThe global economy is expected to grow 2.7% in 2026, slightly below the 2.8% estimated for 2025 and well under the pre-pande...
HIGHLIGHTThe global economy has shown resilience, but the outlook remains clouded by trade tensions, fiscal strains and persistent uncertainty. Growth is expected to slow to 2.7% in 2026, below 2025 levels and the pre-pandemic average, as subdued investment and structural headwinds weigh on momentum despite easing inflation and monetary loosening.With...
Publication Link:Download Additional DocumentsTheme: Macroeconomic AnalysisSustainable Development Goals: SDG #8: Decent work and economic growthPublication Series: World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Full ReportCitation:United Nations (2026). World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026. New York.During 2025, unexpected resili...
HIGHLIGHTThis IIA Issues Note presents and analyses the latest trends and evolution of international investment treaty reform, drawing on new data from its online IIA Content Mapping database and its new IIA Facilitation Mapping database. The findings point to an investment regime in flux and marked by significant substantive changes.Tw...
