All Photos

21 October 2025 — Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), addressed the UNCTAD16 Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as countries facing deep structural challenges that hinder their development due to historical, economic, and geographical factors. Today, 44 LDCs remain highly vulnerable to global shocks, climate change, and tightening financial conditions. The meeting provided a platform for LDC ministers to unite around shared priorities and a common vision, culminating in the adoption of a ministerial declaration as part of the UNCTAD16 Outcome — reinforcing international support for resilience, sustainable growth, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. flickr-54884220836.jpg

21 October 2025 — Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), addressed the UNCTAD16 Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as countries facing deep structural challenges that hinder their development due to historical, economic, and geographical factors. Today, 44 LDCs remain highly vulnerable to global shocks, climate change, and tightening financial conditions. The meeting provided a platform for LDC ministers to unite around shared priorities and a common vision, culminating in the adoption of a ministerial declaration as part of the UNCTAD16 Outcome — reinforcing international support for resilience, sustainable growth, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. flickr-54884220806.jpg

21 October 2025 — Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), addressed the UNCTAD16 Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as countries facing deep structural challenges that hinder their development due to historical, economic, and geographical factors. Today, 44 LDCs remain highly vulnerable to global shocks, climate change, and tightening financial conditions. The meeting provided a platform for LDC ministers to unite around shared priorities and a common vision, culminating in the adoption of a ministerial declaration as part of the UNCTAD16 Outcome — reinforcing international support for resilience, sustainable growth, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. flickr-54884441313.jpg

21 October 2025 — Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), addressed the UNCTAD16 Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as countries facing deep structural challenges that hinder their development due to historical, economic, and geographical factors. Today, 44 LDCs remain highly vulnerable to global shocks, climate change, and tightening financial conditions. The meeting provided a platform for LDC ministers to unite around shared priorities and a common vision, culminating in the adoption of a ministerial declaration as part of the UNCTAD16 Outcome — reinforcing international support for resilience, sustainable growth, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. flickr-54883345977.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346002.jpg

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: "Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development." Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. flickr-54870972077.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346017.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884441328.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884506800.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884506840.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884506870.jpg

In this photo: Matthew Wilson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados, United Nations,  World Trade Organisation and Other International Organisations in Geneva The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54870972072.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884441518.jpg

In this photo: Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Indonesia The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54872081114.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884221061.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884461074.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346197.jpg

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54872064363.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884461114.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346322.jpg

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. flickr-54872128925.jpg

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54872080999.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884441633.jpg

In this photo: Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Government of Zimbabwe The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54872128910.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346352.jpg

The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. flickr-54872128895.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884254136.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54883346362.jpg

In this photo: Michal Baranowski, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Government of Poland The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) runs from 20–23 October 2025 in Geneva. The conference theme is: &quot;Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.&quot; Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, it convenes global leaders, experts, changemakers, and civil society for dialogue on trade, investment, development, and the digital economy. More info, live stream &amp; full programme: <a href="https://unctad.org/unctad16" rel="noreferrer nofollow">unctad.org/unctad16</a> flickr-54872128865.jpg

21 October 2025 — At a high-level panel during UNCTAD16 in Geneva, experts and policymakers discussed strategies to strengthen productive capacities and financial sustainability in developing countries. With available finance falling $4 trillion short of annual needs, and many nations burdened by high debt servicing costs and sluggish export earnings, participants emphasized the urgent need to expand productive capacities to build resilience and achieve inclusive growth. The event, opened by Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explored mechanisms such as debt swaps for productive capacities and the role of UNCTAD’s new Productive Capacities Index and Sustainable Development Financial Assessment Framework in supporting evidence-based policymaking. Speakers: H.E. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia Prof. Xiaowen Fu, Head of Department, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Senior Advisor on Economic Transformation in Africa, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr. Gilson Pina, National Director for Planning, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Cabo Verde flickr-54884545485.jpg