UN Trade and Development

This week, Deputy Secretary-General Moreno is at #WTOMC14 in Yaoundé. A functioning multilateral trading system—driven by fairness, predictability & stronger dispute settlement—is crucial for development. The urgency is clear as global trade confronts rising policy uncertainty.

Global trade is expanding, but growth is uneven, according to new @UNCTAD-@WTO data. Disparities across regions underscore the urgent need for trade reform to address development priorities – providing vital insights to inform #WTOMC14 discussions. More: ow.ly/Z9HV50YzRa5

The UN Secretary General announced today the creation of a Task Force which I am very honoured to coordinate. It is for the development of a Mechanism to have safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit for humanitarian purposes through the Strait of Hormuz. This Task Force includes @UNOPS, @UNCTAD, @IMOHQ, @ICCwbo with cooperation of other #UN 🇺🇳 agencies. The disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months. Our focus is to facilitate the trade of commercial fertilisers and the movement of related raw materials. We are standing by to support this lifesaving operation. It is urgent to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and beyond including in Africa and Asia import-dependent on fertilizers. un.org/sg/en/content/…

The seaweed sector is booming, but trade governance lags. As demand surges, developing countries risk supplying raw materials while others set rules and capture value. How can green industries grow inclusively? Read more: ow.ly/Fql850YzNeq

Seaweed can power sustainable growth – from food to bio-based materials. But without clearer rules, stronger standards & more investment, its potential may go untapped. Closing these gaps can boost jobs &foster a resilient, inclusive blue economy. More: ow.ly/gVhY50YzFxr

Science, technology & innovation parks boost growth by linking research, industry & government. Success, however, depends on adaptive policies. How can developing countries design frameworks for long-term impact? Explore @UNCTAD’s new toolkit: ow.ly/Zopa50YzjL7

Developing countries face a serious barrier to progress: debt. The Borrower’s Platform – a new mechanism supported by the @UN – will offer debt-distressed countries a way to coordinate action, share knowledge & amplify their voice in the global financial system.

UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno joins global leaders at #WTOMC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to address pressing trade challenges. Stability and predictability in the multilateral trading system are vital for growth, resilience and sustainable development.

In today’s fragmented trading system, market access isn’t enough—reliability matters. Predictable trade preferences—reviewed, renewed & adjusted transparently—are key to sustaining export-led growth & industrialization in developing countries. Read more: ow.ly/86Ex50YzfIL

#WTOMC14: Services now drive over a quarter of global trade, growing twice as fast as goods. But countries needing diversification most face major access & capacity gaps. Better data, stronger skills & coordinated support are key to closing this divide. ow.ly/ivV850Yz6WS

UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno met with James Monazard, Haiti’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, on the sidelines of #WTOMC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement can unlock sustainable investment. @UNCTAD helps developing countries turn it into action through needs assessments and practical tools. Read Deputy Secretary-General Moreno’s statement at #WTOMC14: ow.ly/A5XH50YyQ8L

Landlocked developing countries can become connected countries – with the right policies, investments and strong multilateral support. Read the statement by @UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno at a high-level event ahead of #WTOMC14: ow.ly/8k4H50YyNL1

Services are the fastest-growing part of global trade and a key driver of diversification. At #WTOMC14, UNCTAD deputy chief Pedro Manuel Moreno calls for better data, analytical tools, and peer learning to help more economies benefit. Full statement: ow.ly/luFs50YyN5X

MC14 event calls for scaling up support for Trade in Services for Development initiative #ServicesTrade dlvr.it/TRhgs8

UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno meets Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill (@johahill) of @WTO ahead of #WTOMC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The ministerial conference (26–29 March) will address pressing challenges in the global trading system.

Concerns over rising oil and commodity prices are spilling beyond the strait of #Hormuz as the conflict in the Middle East continues. @UNCTAD warns that the world's least developed countries will suffer most due to pressure on food production. buff.ly/vj07bax

In 2024, 70% of #LDC exports went to 25 economies offering non-reciprocal trade preferences. To enhance their impact, these schemes should be reliable, renewed on time & aligned with the long-term development plans of beneficiary countries. Read more: ow.ly/oXrT50YyaYk

Development must be central to global trade reform as countries head into #WTOMC14. Stronger dispute settlement, predictable market access & non-discrimination are key to driving inclusive growth & prosperity. Read more: ow.ly/eHuG50Yy7h0

Less than 1% of global services exports come from least developed countries. Stronger multilateral rules in digital, financial & professional services could boost export‑led growth and inclusive development. Read more: ow.ly/6ZcI50Yy51n