The conference, held from October 20 to 23, serves as the principal decision-making body of UNCTAD, focusing on evaluating current global trade and development issues and shaping international policies for the next four years.
This year’s session, themed “Shaping the Future,” brings together heads of state, trade and economic ministers from 195 member countries, international organization leaders, Nobel laureate economists, civil society representatives, and delegates from development banks and global trade organizations.
Addressing the opening session, Minister Samarasinghe highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation and reforms, especially for developing nations facing multiple crises.
“From climate impacts and debt burdens to digital and economic divides, the crises we face reveal deep asymmetries in the global economy,” he stated.
“For developing and vulnerable nations like Sri Lanka, urgent collective solutions are essential. We reaffirm the central role of UNCTAD in shaping trade and development strategies and safeguarding policy space to pursue our national priorities.”
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening UNCTAD’s analytical and technical capabilities, promoting enhanced cooperation and technology exchange, and ensuring that all nations benefit equitably from emerging global opportunities.
Minister Samarasinghe also attended the G77 and China ministerial meeting held alongside the main conference, where he reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to multilateralism and international collaboration.
“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, climate change, debt distress, and growing global tensions, Sri Lanka remains hopeful,” the minister added.
“With the support of UNCTAD and our development partners, we believe we can recover stronger, build a greener economy, and ensure a better future for our people.”
During his stay in Geneva, Minister Samarasinghe is also scheduled to engage in several bilateral discussions with trade and development counterparts.
The UNCTAD 16th Conference will continue until October 23, 2025.
