UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 2% to $1.3 trillion in 2023 amid an economic slowdown and rising geopolitical tensions, according to the World Investment Report 2024 released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) today. The decline exceeds 10% when excluding the large swings in investment flows in a few European conduit economies. The downturn in project finance affected sustainable development, with new funding for Sustainable Development Goals sectors dropping over 10%, particularly in agrifood and water. Business facilitation and digital government solutions can address low investment by creating a transparent and streamlined environment. Full report: unctad.org/wir2024

Seaweed, a versatile marine macroalgae, is increasingly recognized for its diverse contributions to development, environmental sustainability, food security, and gender empowerment. Valued at approximately $17 billion, the global seaweed market saw exports surpassing $1 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow significantly by 2030. Seaweed offers sustainable solutions to enhance livelihoods in developing countries, particularly benefiting impoverished coastal communities. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) studies suggest that seaweed could play a crucial role in achieving the #GlobalGoals. Learn more: https://ow.ly/a0A450SwXbt UNCTAD Ocean Economy and Fisheries The SMEP Programme

“We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system for our grandparents.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres says this September’s Summit of the Future will chart a path for more effective international cooperation to solve today’s challenges and safeguard #OurCommonFuture. https://bit.ly/SotF2024

Many developing economies have historically relied on a few commodities, such as oil, copper, cacao and wheat, hindering their growth. A country is classified as “dependent” when commodities make up more than 60% of a its total merchandise exports. From 1998 to 2021, the number of commodity-dependent countries increased from 92 to 101. In 2021, about 85% of the world's least developed countries were commodity-dependent, compared to only 12% of advanced economies. Overreliance on commodities makes countries vulnerable to price volatility and global shocks, such as drops in oil prices or climate change impacts. https://ow.ly/fxZG50Sq6l3

Global trade trends turned positive in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest Global Trade Update from UN Trade and Development, launched today. The value of trade in goods increased by around 1% quarter-over-quarter, while trade in services by about 1.5%. This surge, fueled by positive trade dynamics for the United States and developing countries, particularly large Asian developing economies, is expected to add approximately $250 billion to goods trade and $100 billion to services trade in the first half of 2024 compared to the second half of 2023. Global GDP growth forecasts remain at around 3% for 2024, with the short-term trade outlook being cautiously optimistic. If positive trends persist, global trade in 2024 could reach almost $32 trillion, though it is unlikely to surpass the record levels seen in 2022. Explore the data & analysis: https://ow.ly/b4Wf50StwZo

For six decades, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has stood as a beacon of support for developing nations. Our cutting-edge research and analysis, technical cooperation and consensus-building have shaped fairer, more sustainable economic and trade policies worldwide. Our mission remains to support developing countries to access the benefits of a global economy and meet the new challenges it presents – to ensure prosperity for all. Join us #UNCTAD60 https://lnkd.in/eHV5meUA

Public debt can be a powerful tool for development, enabling governments to finance critical expenditures and invest in a better future for their people. But when public debt grows excessively or rapidly, it becomes a heavy burden – particularly for developing countries. Today, 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on education or health. Developing countries must not be forced to choose between servicing their debt or serving their people. The international financial architecture must change to ensure a prosperous future for both people and the planet. The United Nations has a roadmap of multilateral actions to address the global debt burden: ▶️ Tackling the high cost of debt and rising risks of debt distress. ▶️ Massively scaling up affordable long-term financing for development. ▶️ Expanding contingency financing for countries in need. Explore the UN report “A world of debt” and its data: https://ow.ly/lmS350S9JVF

“Competition policy can make an important contribution to sustainable development and provide opportunities to lift people out of poverty,” said UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Deputy Secretary-General PEDRO MANUEL MORENO at the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy this week in Geneva. https://ow.ly/WKYg50SvV0y Effective competition policy enhances productivity, reduces prices, and improves the quality of products and services. It supports micro, small, and medium enterprises by ensuring affordable access to essential goods and services, fostering investment, and promoting innovation. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) supports developing countries in building strong, inclusive economies through competition law and policy. Follow our initiatives: https://ow.ly/u4Z750SvV0A

The transition to clean energy will create 30 million jobs. Every dollar of investment in renewables creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. Get more climate facts in our Myth Busters: https://lnkd.in/gp2zVTG9

This year we mark six decades of fostering global trade and development! Our flag is now proudly displayed at Pont du Mont-Blanc in Geneva. 🇺🇳 Are you in Geneva? Stop by and snap a photo with our flag using the hashtag #UNCTAD60. Let’s celebrate this milestone together! Join us: https://lnkd.in/eHV5meUA