The 16th session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) presented an opportunity to weigh policy options and craft multilateral responses that foster resilient supply chains, fairer finance, productive investment, and an inclusive digital economy. Discussions focused on how, amidst today’s uncertainties, countries can lay foundations for sustainable growth that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, the Conference brought together ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organizations, representatives of civil society, the private sector, youth, and leading experts to deliberate on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, finance and debt, investment, development and the digital economy. Themed, ‘Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development,’ UNCTAD 16 convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20-23 October 2025.

Ministerial roundtables discussed the following topics:

As its outcome, the Conference adopted the ‘Geneva Consensus for a Just and Sustainable Economic Order’ and a political declaration. The declaration reaffirms that development must leave no one behind and commits to building a more inclusive global economy.

On trade, countries reaffirm the centrality of a rules-based, open, transparent, and equitable multilateral trading system (MTS), recognizing that quality trade in services is the new frontier for development.

On investment, acknowledging the decline and uneven distribution of global investment flows, Member States call for investment facilitation measures and policy frameworks that lower the cost of capital and urge support for domestic and international ecosystems that can multiply foreign investment.

On the digital economy,countries underscore that technological advances are creating opportunities and divides, urging UNCTAD to support developing countries in building skills, infrastructure, and frameworks to harness the digital economy.

On debt and FfD, following up on the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), Member States agree to establish a Borrowers’ Forum – a new space for developing countries to build collective capacity, share experiences, and strengthen their voice in global debt discussions.

On support for vulnerable countries, Member States commit to strengthening their support for least developed countries (LDCs), including through a dedicated graduation support programme. They call for tailored support for small island developing States (SIDS) facing soaring transport costs amidst the climate crisis. For landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), they commit to continuing work on trade facilitation and transit corridors.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan welcomed the Geneva Consensus, underscoring its political significance. “This is what multilateralism looks like – not perfect, not easy, but possible. Always possible,” she said.

In addition, UNCTAD 16 launched the Sevilla Forum on Debt – a new platform to advance dialogue to support developing countries as they tackle sovereign debt challenges.

Switzerland announced new funding of CHF 4 million to support UNCTAD’s work on e-commerce and the digital economy in developing countries. Saudi Arabia confirmed it will host the second UN Global Supply Chain Forum November 2026. Qatar confirmed it will host the 9th World Investment Forum (WIF) in 2026.

A subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the quadrennial conference is the highest decision-making body of UNCTAD where Member States assess current trade and development issues, formulate global policy responses, and set the organization’s work priorities for the next four years. [UNCTAD 16 Opening Press Release] [UNCTAD 16 Closing Press Release] [UN News Story] [DESA Press Release]