The 60th anniversary of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will be marked by the Global Leaders Forum themed “Charting a New Development Course in a Changing World” from June 12-14 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

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Amid cascading global crises—disruptions in trade, soaring debt, and the impacts of climate change on developing nations—this milestone offers a chance to reflect on lessons learned and set a new path forward, according to UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.

The Global Leaders Forum will explore new strategies for development, emphasizing an integrated approach to trade, finance, technology, investment, and sustainability. High-profile participants include UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, along with six heads of state and 28 ministers of Trade and Foreign Affairs. Civil society representatives, leading economists, and international organizations will also participate.

Moving Forward with Innovative Development Perspectives

The forum aims to inspire new development perspectives to tackle the complexities of “polyglobalization,” characterized by increasing economic diversity and decentralization amid rising global interdependence. Discussions will prioritize the needs of developing nations, particularly least developed countries, small island developing states, and landlocked developing countries. Key topics include:

– Effective industrial policy for trade and development
– Shaping a digital future for people and the planet
– Preparing for future economies: Urgent options and actions
– Reshaping foreign direct investment and global value chains for development
– Repositioning in the changing global context

Six Decades of Advocacy and Change

For sixty years, UNCTAD has championed developing countries, offering vital support through research, technical cooperation, and consensus-building. In anticipation of its 60th anniversary, the organization rebranded as “UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD),” emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the voice of developing economies in global trade and policy dialogues.

Charting a New Development Course

Established in 1964 to ensure the inclusivity of globalization, UNCTAD continues to uphold its mission amidst the evolving global landscape. Over the past six decades, the rise of the Global South, the digital economy’s growth, and significant reductions in global poverty and hunger have marked substantial progress. However, increased inequalities, economic volatility, and the growing threat of climate change pose significant challenges, particularly for the nations least responsible for these crises.

Global economic governance structures have lagged behind these shifts, creating contradictions within globalization. “As we adapt to changing times, charting a new development course provides a framework for building a future that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable,” said Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.

The Global Leaders Forum seeks to address these issues and inspire a collective vision for inclusive prosperity in a complex global environment.