After reaching a record $35 trillion in 2025, global trade is set to keep growing in 2026 at a slower pace as geopolitical tensions, supply chain shifts and digital and green transitions reshape trade flows.
UNCTAD
As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, nuclear energy is back in the spotlight. While wind and solar power are key to reducing carbon emissions, their intermittent nature presents challenges.
Could nuclear energy provide a stable, low-carbon alternative?
UN Trade and Development () economist Claudia Contreras joins to explore nuclear energy鈥檚 role in the global energy transition. She discusses its benefits, including reliability and efficiency, as well as its risks 鈥 radioactive waste, safety concerns and geopolitical challenges.
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A shows that while AI is becoming a powerful, affordable tool for entrepreneurs in developing countries, its impact depends on supportive ecosystems, skills development and clear, innovation-friendly governance.
UNCTAD projects global economic growth will ease to 2.6% in 2025 and 2026, reflecting slowing momentum in major economies as temporary trade and digital boosts fade.
COP30 advanced climate action through new finance work programmes, trade dialogues, and international cooperation mechanisms supporting just, equitable transitions for developing countries.
Global trade is set to , driven by East Asia, Africa and manufacturing, reaching a record $35 trillion despite persistent imbalances and rising geopolitical fragmentation.
Geopolitical shifts and financial instability are reshaping globalization, straining trade and development, heightening risks for developing economies, and underscoring the need for coordinated trade, finance, debt, and climate reforms.
An shows prolonged military operations and restrictions have devastated the Palestinian economy, erasing two decades of progress, with Gaza鈥檚 GDP per capita at $161 and the entire population facing multidimensional poverty.
The world is edging past critical climate thresholds as emissions hit new highs, proving that the weakening link between GDP and CO鈧 is still far too slow to keep global heating in check.
As trade in clean technologies like solar and wind surges, aligning global markets with climate goals can cut costs, expand renewable access, and accelerate the low-carbon transition worldwide.
In a new , says improving the international financial architecture is a prerequisite for unlocking the finance needed to support climate-resilient development.
Set for November 2026, the will unite world leaders in Saudi Arabia to boost trade resilience and build sustainable, inclusive logistics systems. .
The 16th UN Conference on Trade and Development is being held from 20 - 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme 鈥淪haping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development鈥. Hosted by Switzerland and , the conference brings together governments, Nobel Laureates, international organizations, civil society and renowned experts to discuss global trends and policy perspectives on trade, investment, development and digital economy. Check the and follow the conference on .
Global seaborne trade is projected to grow by just 0.5% in 2025, as rerouting contribute to mounting uncertainty in the maritime transport sector.
The marks a pivotal step toward ocean sustainability, curbing harmful subsidies while supporting developing nations and global food security.