16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

The 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) has opened at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, bringing together heads of state, ministers, Nobel Laureates, international organizations, civil society, and leading experts under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.”

Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD from 20 to 23 October 2025, the four-day conference serves as a key platform to address pressing global challenges and chart a collective path forward. Held every four years, UNCTAD conferences help refine the organization’s mandate in response to shifts in the global economy and development landscape.

UNCTAD16 convenes at a pivotal moment marked by rising sovereign debt, intensifying climate pressures, widening inequalities, and deep uncertainty in global trade and investment. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to move beyond dialogue, encouraging nations to turn discussion into strong policy actions to make the global economy more inclusive and sustainable.

With participation from 195 member states, UNCTAD stands as one of the most representative and influential bodies in the international trade and development arena. Its broad membership gives it unparalleled convening power, enabling countries to collaborate on solutions that work for everyone, particularly for those most vulnerable to economic disruption.

The conference’s sessions and high-level dialogues will explore critical topics including trade resilience, digital transformation, investment in sustainable development, and strategies to ensure that globalization benefits all.

Viewers can follow the proceedings live via UN Web TV, and the full conference programme is available on the UNCTAD website.