Rebeca Grynspan closes UNCTAD16 with a call for renewed hope and multilateral action
23 October 2025 — Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), delivered the closing statement at the UNCTAD16 Closing Ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland. Leaders from around the world gathered to shape a more equitable and sustainable global economy — adopting the Geneva Consensus and renewing UNCTAD’s mandate to drive inclusive, resilient, and transformative development. In her remarks, Ms. Grynspan celebrated the adoption of the conference’s outcome document and highlighted UNCTAD16 as “a conference of renewal — of our mandate, of your commitment, and of our shared purpose.” She reaffirmed member states’ commitments on trade, investment, digital transformation, debt and financing for development, and tailored support for least developed, landlocked, and small island states — emphasizing that “this is what multilateralism looks like — not perfect, not easy, but possible.” Photo Credit: UN Trade and Development/Sergio Martinez
