UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is formed of divisions that work towards fostering sustainable growth and global connections.
Africa, least developed countries and special programs; empowering vulnerable economies for global integration
The division focuses on integrating structurally weak, vulnerable, and small economies into the global market. It supports the development of national policies and international measures to enhance productive capacities for economic development and poverty reduction.
Globalization and development strategies: powering growth and reducing inequalities
The division promotes strategies for sustained growth and inclusive development. It advocates for poverty eradication and international cooperation, particularly South-South cooperation. The division also drives global debates on managing globalization’s impact, conducts studies on effective development strategies, and provides technical assistance on debt management and countries’ integration into the international financial system.
International trade and commodities: harnessing trade for inclusive growth
The division builds consensus, strengthens capacity, and promotes partnerships in trade policymaking and negotiations. It addresses issues at the intersection of trade and the creative economy, economic diversification, competition and consumer protection, commodity dependence, gender, and the environment. The division monitors global trade trends and provides evidence-based analysis to catalyze inclusive and sustainable development.
Investment and enterprise: leveraging financial flows and businesses for development
The division facilitates inclusive growth and sustainable development through investment and enterprise development. It enhances productivity and technological capabilities, promotes industrialization, economic diversification and job creation, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The division serves as the UN focal point for investment and enterprise issues, offering policy analysis and technical assistance, and fostering international consensus.
Technology and logistics: innovating for sustainable and resilient trade
The division focuses on how developing economies can leverage science, technology, and innovation – including information and communications technology – to spur growth. It also supports efficient, resilient, and sustainable trade logistics, and offers training and capacity-building programs.
It is the host of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and runs the organization’s largest technical cooperation program, the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
Statistics service: delivering high-quality data insights on global trade and development
UN Trade and Development’s Statistics Service coordinates and supports all statistical activities within the organization, ensuring adherence to international standards. The team provides official statistics and indicators on trade, development, finance, technology, transport, investment, and sustainability.
The insights, available through the UNCTADstat Data Centre, help to inform robust research, public debates, and evidence-based policymaking globally.
Additionally, UN Trade and Development Statistics supports national statistical capacities and collaborates with global partners to develop statistical standards and methodologies related to the organization’s mandate.
