The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) opens next Monday, 20 October, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme: "Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”.

Hosted by Switzerland and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the conference convenes Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Trade and Economy, Nobel Laureates, leaders of international organizations, representatives of civil society and renowned experts to engage in high-level dialogue on global trends and policy perspectives on trade, investment, development and the digital economy.

UNCTAD16 comes at a time of unprecedented challenges: rising debt, climate pressures, widening inequalities and deep uncertainty in global trade.

The conference will provide a platform for countries to move from talk to action – finding common ground and building solutions that make the global economy work for everyone, especially those struggling the most. With its 195 member states, UNCTAD offers the strongest convening power among trade organizations – a strength especially vital in today’s fractured global economy.

UNCTAD16 will feature several events related to investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development:

• Parallel event: Investment facilitation – progress, prospects and policy options (Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 11:30–13:00, Room IX)
• UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable: Strategic priorities and emerging directions for investment and entrepreneurship policy (Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 15:00–16:30, Assembly Hall - livestreamed)
• Parallel event: Igniting entrepreneurial potential — UNCTAD Empretec in the age of transformation (Wednesday, 22 October 2025, 10:00–11:30, Concordia 1)
• UNCTAD16 business leaders dialogue: Investing in the future (Wednesday, 22 October 2025, 16:30–18:00, Assembly Hall - livestreamed)
• 5th UNCTAD Youth Forum (Thursday, 23 October 2025, 11:30–13:00, Assembly Hall - livestreamed)

Held every four years at the level of heads of state and government, ministers, and global thought leaders, UNCTAD conferences refine the organization’s mandate in response to new developments in the global economy.

Full programme: https://unctad.org/unctad16/programme

Livestream of selected UNCTAD16 sessions: https://unctad.org/unctad16/videos

Registration and information on registration conditions by category: https://unctad.org/unctad16/register