Marking the organization’s 60th anniversary, António Guterres praised the new forward-looking agenda of United Nations Trade and Development and its renewed commitment to expanding advocacy for developing countries.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, inaugurated on June 12 the World Leaders Forum organized to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The inauguration featured speeches by the United Nations Secretary-General for Trade and Development, Rebeca Grynspan, the presidents and prime ministers of Barbados, Brazil, China, Comoros, Cuba, Madagascar and Timor-Leste, as well as Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin . from Switzerland, the host country. . See the statements.
The forum, which will be held until June 14 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, has also brought together more than two dozen ministers of trade and foreign affairs, as well as prominent economists, business leaders and representatives of civil society. . to chart a new course of development in a changing world.
In his keynote address, Mr. Guterres underscored the legacy of the United Nations Trade and Development in shaping a fairer global economy.
“UNCTAD’s work has not only created a legacy. It remains an inspiration for today’s debates and decisions,” he stated.
“I once again congratulate UN Trade and Development on its important history and new forward-looking agenda.”
Over the past six decades, he said, the UN Trade and Development has strongly advocated for these countries, calling for a more equitable and inclusive global trading system that boosts economic growth, reduces poverty and fosters social progress.
Essential role in the search for a prosperous and shared future.
Regarding current challenges, Guterres highlighted the impact of escalating global tensions, deepening inequalities and the worsening climate crisis in developing countries.
He said an “obsolete, dysfunctional and unfair” international financial architecture has failed to support developing countries burdened by record levels of public debt. He also emphasized that while trade can be a catalyst for economic prosperity and innovation, it can also lead to inequality and environmental degradation.
Guterres praised the efforts of the UN Trade and Development to close systemic gaps and said the organization’s mission remains crucial in the pursuit of a shared and prosperous future.
“Their role remains essential,” he said, “identifying and working to close gaps and discrepancies in the system and proposing pragmatic, evidence-based solutions.”
He added: “We must channel the courage and wisdom of those who built UNCTAD, to reimagine a world where trade is a force for shared prosperity, not geopolitical rivalry, where global supply chains are a source of green innovation and climate action, not environmental. Damage and where sustainable development is a central objective, not an afterthought.”
Source: UNCTAD
