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UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan meets with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on the sidelines of the 39th Session of the African Union Summit. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration and UN Trade and Development’s support to advance the African Union’s agenda, including regional integration, trade, sustainable development and economic transformation across the continent. flickr-55096869684.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan participates in the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, convening leaders from the AU’s 55 member states. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (1963–1999), the African Union serves as the continent’s principal body for advancing integration, cooperation and sustainable development. On the margins of the Summit, the SG met with H.E. Mr. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, to discuss national economic priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Their exchange focused on regional integration, digital trade, trade negotiations, the green economy and investment facilitation, reinforcing UN Trade and Development’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable growth. flickr-55095894605.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan participates in the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, convening leaders from the AU’s 55 member states. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (1963–1999), the African Union serves as the continent’s principal body for advancing integration, cooperation and sustainable development. On the margins of the Summit, the SG met with H.E. Mr. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, to discuss national economic priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Their exchange focused on regional integration, digital trade, trade negotiations, the green economy and investment facilitation, reinforcing UN Trade and Development’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable growth. flickr-55095520301.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan meets with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on the sidelines of the 39th Session of the African Union Summit. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration and UN Trade and Development’s support to advance the African Union’s agenda, including regional integration, trade, sustainable development and economic transformation across the continent. flickr-55096972910.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan participates in the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, convening leaders from the AU’s 55 member states. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (1963–1999), the African Union serves as the continent’s principal body for advancing integration, cooperation and sustainable development. On the margins of the Summit, the SG met with H.E. Mr. Gamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, to discuss national economic priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Their exchange focused on regional integration, digital trade, trade negotiations, the green economy and investment facilitation, reinforcing UN Trade and Development’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable growth. flickr-55094642557.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan participates in the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from 13–15 February 2026 at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and Rosewood Munich. The MSC convenes heads of state and government, ministers, and global leaders to debate the most pressing foreign and security policy challenges at a time of mounting geopolitical instability and strains on the rules-based international order. On 13 February, the SG spoke at the session “Debt Crisis”, addressing the global debt challenges facing developing economies and their implications for stability, development and international cooperation. flickr-55093946960.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan participates in the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from 13–15 February 2026 at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and Rosewood Munich. The MSC convenes heads of state and government, ministers, and global leaders to debate the most pressing foreign and security policy challenges at a time of mounting geopolitical instability and strains on the rules-based international order. On 13 February, the SG spoke at the session “Debt Crisis”, addressing the global debt challenges facing developing economies and their implications for stability, development and international cooperation. flickr-55093788048.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn more: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/Conor Boers flickr-55092473627.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn more: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/Conor Boers flickr-55093722090.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn More: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/ Andie Riedel flickr-55092530602.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn More: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/ Andie Riedel flickr-55093617263.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn more: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/Conor Boers flickr-55092473652.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn More: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/ Andie Riedel flickr-55093776410.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn more: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/Conor Boers flickr-55093626824.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn more: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/Conor Boers flickr-55093722100.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, delivers the opening remarks at the United Nations Cocoa Conference on 13 February 2026, during the opening plenary meeting (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.). He spoke alongside H.E. Mr. Aly Touré, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). The Conference, convened at the request of the International Cocoa Council and transmitted to the UNCTAD Secretary-General by the Executive Director of the ICCO, focuses on the future of the cocoa sector, including sustainability, trade and regulatory frameworks. The 2026 Conference aims to present and advance a successor agreement to the International Cocoa Agreement, 2010. Held alongside a Special Session of the International Cocoa Council, the meeting will culminate in the opening for signature and provisional application of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2026 by potential Contracting Parties. Learn More: <a href="https://unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/meeting/united-nations-cocoa-conference-2026</a> Photo Credit: UN Trade &amp; Development/ Andie Riedel flickr-55093776480.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088162176.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088162201.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088427859.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088162131.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088531800.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088427954.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088427964.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088370193.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088531895.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088162066.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088370228.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088428074.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088162101.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan speaks at the launch of the LDC 2025 Report at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 10 February 2026. The event highlighted the growing role of services in least developed countries (LDCs) and examined whether services can become a genuine driver of structural transformation. The launch featured contributions from Junior Davis, Officer-in-Charge of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), and Matfobhi Riba, Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development. The report finds that while services now account for around half of economic output in the average LDC, their expansion has yet to deliver broad-based development. Most service jobs remain low-skill, and LDCs account for just 0.16 per cent of global exports in digitally deliverable services. It concludes that services can support development only when closely linked to manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors, and when backed by investment in digital skills and infrastructure, active trade and investment policies, regional cooperation and stronger multilateral support. As UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underscored: “Services can reinforce industrialization, expand trade and enhance competitiveness, but only when supported by coherent national strategies and an enabling global environment. Without both, the same forces that create opportunity will deepen exclusion.” Photo credit: UN Trade and Development/William Albors. More info: <a href="https://unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/publication/least-developed-countries-report-2025</a> flickr-55088428079.jpg