The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora () is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that the international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. With 185 Parties and strong partnerships, CITES has worked for five decades to make wildlife trade sustainable, legal, and traceable. It has helped build a world where people and wildlife coexist and thrive together, while advancing sustainable development.
Trade and Commerce
This year, Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (27 June) comes at a time of shifts in global trade and just ahead of two major development conferences in and . These enterprises are crucial for job creation and local development, especially for women and vulnerable groups. They face challenges such as limited financing and tough operating conditions. Climate change and supply chain disruptions worsen their struggles. Addressing the funding gap, supportive policies, skills training, and easier registration are vital for their success.
The latest from examines the ocean economy – a vital driver of global trade now under growing pressure from environmental and geopolitical shocks.
Not long ago, we were deep in a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has now eased a bit but geopolitics remain tense and the global economy is still struggling to recover.
But rather than moving towards more open trade, many countries are becoming more protectionist. Adding to the unease, countries are threatening to slap huge tariffs on major trading partners.
In the current climate, there are fears that escalating tariffs could lead to trade wars - a scenario with grim prospects for many developing countries. For more on the ins and outs of tariffs, tune in to the UNCTAD’s with Emily Blanchard, former Chief Economist at the U.S. State Department and Associate Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
UN Trade and Development's promotes sustainable biodiversity conservation, fostering economic development through responsible trade practices while benefiting local communities and aligning with global agreements like the (CBD) and (CITES).
looks at trade, industrial policy and the role of the private sector in promoting the interests of developing countries with special guest John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, UN Trade and Development convened government leaders, top economists and other experts in Geneva earlier this year to chart a new course for development in a changing world.
For a deeper look at the forum and how the private sector can support inclusive development, to global business leader and advisor John Denton from the ICC.
A highlights the rising global hunger crisis, urging urgent action and emphasizing how trade can stabilize food systems and reduce vulnerabilities.
by talks to Richard Baldwin – professor at IMD Business School and an expert on globalization – for his insights on the big economic shifts from manufacturing to services and what they mean for developing countries.
Services have proven to be resilient to crises in recent years and are growing rapidly — offering opportunities to developing countries for growth in jobs, incomes, investment and trade.
Tune in for more on these big shifts from Richard Baldwin, whom the Financial Times calls "one of the most important thinkers in this era of global disruption".
Tanzanian entrepreneur Nicholaus Noah successfully addressed new non-tariff barriers in Ghana through the new mobile app by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), leading to policy reversal and smoother trade for his sisal exports.
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.
Global trade in marine fisheries and aquaculture offers big opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The latest 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.
Celebrations of the culminate in the 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, has stood as a staunch advocate for developing countries, providing crucial support through cutting-edge , , and consensus-building.
UNCTAD's 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.
The 51³Ô¹Ï Conference on Trade and Development () is calling for more awareness raising and regulatory frameworks to ensure AI benefits everyone. While AI holds promise for personalizing products and services and optimizing customer support, there are concerns over fair, responsible and ethical use of AI. Currently, global tech giants control most of the data flows and revenues from digital services, posing a threat to fair competition and aggravating existing technology divides. Public policies need to guide innovation and the design of AI to mitigate human biases and ensure that AI-powered goods and services reach vulnerable populations.