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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-55088370098.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-55088428084.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-55088427894.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, holds a bilateral meeting at the Palais des Nations in Geneva with Hon. Mr. Mod K. Ceesay, Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment of The Gambia. The meeting brought together Ms. Nan Li Collins, Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise (DIAE), and Mr. Patrick Osakwe, Director a.i. of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), alongside a Gambian delegation including H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations in Geneva; Mr. Alhajie Mbye, Commissioner of Customs, Gambia Revenue Authority; and Mr. Momodou Mbenga, First Secretary of The Gambia Mission in Geneva. Photo Credit: UN Trade and Development/Andrea Riedel flickr-55081200570.jpg

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, holds a bilateral meeting at the Palais des Nations in Geneva with Hon. Mr. Mod K. Ceesay, Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment of The Gambia. The meeting brought together Ms. Nan Li Collins, Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise (DIAE), and Mr. Patrick Osakwe, Director a.i. of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC), alongside a Gambian delegation including H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations in Geneva; Mr. Alhajie Mbye, Commissioner of Customs, Gambia Revenue Authority; and Mr. Momodou Mbenga, First Secretary of The Gambia Mission in Geneva. Photo Credit: UN Trade and Development/Andrea Riedel flickr-55081035663.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conor Boers flickr-55078051518.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948307.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948272.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077849916.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212130.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078051568.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948467.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212225.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948417.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077850056.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948507.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077850146.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212280.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948567.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077850161.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212370.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078051823.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078051843.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212425.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077850316.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55077850371.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078212495.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078051943.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55078109439.jpg

UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan delivers the opening remarks (via recorded video) at the 78th Executive Session of the Trade and Development Board, held from 4–6 February 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The opening plenary included the adoption of the agenda and a substantive discussion on “Interdependence and development strategies in a globalized world,” drawing on the Trade and Development Report 2025 and its overview. Presentations were delivered by Ms. Anastasia Nesvetailova, Head of the Macro-Economic and Development Policies Branch, followed by statements from regional groups and member States. The Trade and Development Board oversees UNCTAD’s work and convenes executive sessions to address urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters, reinforcing UNCTAD’s mandate to support development-centred global economic governance. Photo Credit: UN trade and development/Andrea Riedel, Conors Boers. flickr-55076948877.jpg