The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20th to 23rd October 2025, under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. The Conference brought together Ministers and senior policymakers to deliberate on trade, investment, and sustainable development in a rapidly changing global economy.
UNCTAD16 was hosted by the Government of Switzerland and officially opened by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
In her opening statement, Secretary-General Grynspan underscored the urgency of rebuilding trust in the multilateral trading system and ensuring that global economic transformation delivers for all.
She called for a global development model that harnesses innovation and digitalization to close divides rather than deepen them. “We’ve come here to shape the future, together, so that trade, investment and technology work for people, not the other way around,” she stated.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, delivered Uganda’s national statements during high-level segments of the Conference.
Hon. Anite reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and inclusive global growth, emphasizing the power of unity among developing nations. During the G77 and China Ministerial Meeting she stated, “Cooperation among developing nations is not optional, but essential.”
A major focus of Uganda’s message was the need for tailored support for countries approaching graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. In 2024, Uganda met the graduation criteria to exit the category.
“Countries at the threshold of graduation need tailored support to preserve the gains achieved and to ensure that the transition is both smooth and irreversible. We, therefore, urge UNCTAD and our partners to deepen engagement with graduating countries through a Graduation Support Programme,” she emphasized during the LDCs Ministerial Meeting.
Hon. Anite called for renewed solidarity and shared purpose among all nations, stating,
“Let UNCTAD16 be remembered as a turning point that reaffirmed solidarity, revitalized multilateral cooperation, and charted a path toward a fairer and more sustainable global economy.”
