UNCTAD

UNCTAD's new "A World of Debt Dashboard" reveals the global debt crisis, providing critical data on how rising debt and interest payments are straining budgets and impacting development.

Iraqi Port of Basra's waterfront crowded with people and infrastructure.

In October 2023, Iraq launched software to digitize customs clearance processes, reduce fraud risks, and ease cross-border trade. The digital tool allows traders to complete all paperwork online.

fishing boat in port

Global trade in marine fisheries and aquaculture offers big opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG Pulse 2024 report reveals mixed progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the urgent need for data-informed actions to address disparities and accelerate global development efforts.

UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report 2024 advocates for a shift to a circular digital economy to mitigate the growing environmental impact of digitalization, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity.

The latest UNCTAD Global Trade Update reveals that in the first half of 2024, global trade growth was driven by increased exports from China, India, and the US, while Europe stagnated and Africa declined.

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) faced a 2% decrease in 2023, with a deeper decline exceeding 10% for the second consecutive year, driven by trade tensions and economic slowdowns.

woman with notepad at a dock

Celebrations of the 60th anniversary of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) culminate in the Global Leaders Forum from 12 to 14 June. The event unites world leaders to catalyze new development thinking and actions needed to advance prosperity for all in an increasingly diverse and challenging global economy. For six decades, UN Trade and Development has stood as a staunch advocate for developing countries, providing crucial support through cutting-edge research and analysis, technical cooperation, and consensus-building.

UN has sounded an urgent alarm about the soaring global debt crisis, stressing the critical need for immediate action to alleviate its impact on developing nations and foster progress towards sustainable development goals.

UN Global supply chain forum 2024

The inaugural United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum, hosted by UNCTAD and Barbados convened over 1,000 participants to address escalating disruptions in global supply chains.

The surge in demand for critical energy transition minerals amid the climate emergency underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices and global collaboration to address commodity dependence and achieve net-zero emission targets by 2030.

Despite record levels in 2022, the $4 billion drop in Official Development Assistance for developing countries underscores a critical gap in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 17 targets, particularly affecting the world's least developed nations.

Climate change-induced cocoa price hikes are affecting chocolate lovers globally, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

A shipping yard

UNCTAD's Global Trade Update emphasizes the resilience of international trade amid challenges, projecting growth opportunities and a rebound in 2024, especially in sectors like transportation equipment and electric vehicles.

hands counting money

Remittances, totaling over $830 billion globally, serve as a lifeline for countless families in developing nations, making substantial contributions to poverty alleviation. These funds have a direct and positive impact on household incomes, empowering recipients to fulfill basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. By easing financial burdens and enhancing living standards, remittances play a pivotal role in lifting families out of poverty and building economic resilience within communities. The importance of remittances in developing countries is underscored by UNCTAD's economist Bruno Antunes, as highlighted in the Weekly Tradecast episode