Shows
The Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)138. Deep sea mining: Necessary innovation or environmental risk?As the race for critical minerals heats up, deep sea mining is being hailed by some as a path to a greener future – and condemned by others as a major threat to marine life.
In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) legal officer David Vivas explores the legal, environmental and economic sides of this controversial topic.
From marine jurisdictions to the seabed's untapped riches, he shares expert insight into why we may not be ready for this new frontier.
Is this truly the key to clean energy, or ju...
2025-06-0412 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)137. Unlocking hemp's potential: A path to sustainable growth and developmentHemp is an environmentally friendly and versatile plant used in various industries, from textiles and ropes to medicine and construction.
Yet, this wonder plant has not reached its full potential, partly because it belongs to the cannabis family. While industrial hemp is not an intoxicating plant, perceptions that hemp is a drug have kept it controversial in many countries.
In the latest episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Marco Fugazza explores how hemp can support sustainable growth in developing countries and contribute to a greener future.
Tune in...
2025-05-2211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)136. Copper: Essential to our move to clean energy – but at what cost?It’s more than just a metal. It’s in our phones, our homes, our cars – quietly powering our daily lives.
As demand increases for clean technologies, like solar panels and electric vehicles, copper is increasingly in the spotlight. But what are the costs and consequences of mining it – and who really benefits? Can we meet these demands without repeating past mistakes?
In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we speak with Professor Daniel Franks, Director of the Global Centre for Mineral Security at the University of Queensland. Listen now to learn about the global race for...
2025-05-0609 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)135. Antibiotic shortages: A looming health crisisAntibiotics save lives. But when the supplies run low or bacteria become resistant, the risks grow — especially in developing countries.
On this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Bruno Casella explores the challenges of securing essential antibiotics, the impact of limited local production, and how better investment and coordination can strengthen supply chains.
Join us to discuss UNCTAD’s findings on antibiotic shortages in East Africa and the urgent need for action.
2025-04-0712 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)134. The future of trade: Finding balance in a fragmented worldIn this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, Luz María de la Mora, Director of UNCTAD’s Trade Division, looks into the complex realities behind today’s trade debates.
In a world shaped by disruption – from climate change and geopolitical tensions to digital transformations – the global trading system is at a crossroads. Free trade, once seen as a force for prosperity and integration, is now under scrutiny.
But is trade the culprit or a catalyst for solutions?
Drawing from decades of experience in international negotiations, she explores how trade can remain a force for good...
2025-03-2714 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)133. Bigger barriers: Emily Blanchard on tariffs and trade warsThe Weekly Tradecast looks at tariffs with Emily Blanchard, a former Chief Economist at the U.S. State Department.
Not long ago, we were deep in a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has now eased a bit but geopolitics remain tense and the global economy is still struggling to recover.
But rather than moving towards more open trade, many countries are becoming more protectionist. Adding to the unease, countries are threatening to slap huge tariffs on major trading partners.
In the current climate, there are fears that escalating tariffs could lead to trade wars...
2025-02-2614 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)132. The future of food: Jennifer Clapp on recipes for resilience and sustainabilityThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the global trade in food and why developing countries must move up the value chain to help drive the sustainability of what we eat with Jennifer Clapp, Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security and Sustainability.
Crises, conflicts and climate change are all affecting how and where our food is grown, processed and shipped.
At the same time, the global food system is dominated by a few huge companies that shape policies, trade and development.
Listen in to Jennifer Clapp, Professor at the University of Waterloo, to see...
2025-02-2012 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)131. UN report: Unlocking Africa’s trade potentialThe Weekly Tradecast looks at Africa’s economies and ways to boost trade, reduce risk and unlock the continent’s potential with Mona Farid Mohmed Badran from Cairo University and also UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) chief of the Africa section, Habiba Barka.
From economic turbulence to the impact of climate change, UN Trade and Development’s latest report on Africa says much of the continent struggles to get ahead due to repeated exposure to external shocks.
Its economies are particularly vulnerable because they rely heavily on commodity exports, carry high levels of debt and have...
2025-02-1013 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)130. Southbound traffic: Giselle Datz on the shifts in global tradeThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the trends in South-South trade – along with some challenges on the horizon – with Giselle Datz, an expert in the global political economy at Virginia Tech.
Throughout modern history, wealthy nations in the north have been consuming food, minerals and other goods from developing countries most often found in what’s called the Global South.
But in recent years, the patterns of market power have been shifting within Asia, Latin America and Africa – with profound implications for the global economy and development.
The latest UN Trade and Development report says tha...
2025-01-3013 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)129. Mind the gap: James Galbraith on overcoming inequalityThe Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can bridge inequality in the global economy and create a fairer system with economist, academic and author James Galbraith.
In recent decades, the economic centre of gravity has been shifting with the growing presence of big developing countries on the world stage.
But many gaps and inequalities persist – just as climate change, rapid changes in technology and major shifts in geopolitics are transforming the way we live and reshaping the future of the planet.
With so much to deal with, what are the priorities so that de...
2025-01-2312 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)128. Taxing times: How fairer taxes can fund developmentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at tax with Lorraine Eden, professor emerita of management at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.
Nobody likes to pay tax, but collecting more of it is one way that countries can bring in billions of extra dollars each year to support economic and social development.
One big challenge is the way that giant corporations are able to move profits around the world to places where they pay the lowest taxes.
To ensure that multinationals pay their fair share, around 140 countries are working on global reforms...
2025-01-1614 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)127. Macro to micro: How the green transition is reshaping everythingThe Weekly Tradecast looks at how the green transition is transforming the global economy, national policies and almost every aspect of our lives with the International Trade Centre’s Vanessa Erogbogbo.
As the impact of climate change gets worse, the focus is on finding solutions that make a difference. Much more needs to be done but steps to cut emissions and use more renewable energy are already opening new frontiers for technology, creating new opportunities for business and redrawing the map for the resources we use and the products we make.
So how does that bi...
2025-01-0912 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)126. From 2024 into 2025: Charting a new development courseThe Weekly Tradecast closes the year with a special episode highlighting key moments and voices in global development in 2024 and the paths we’re forging for a more inclusive and resilient future.
It’s been a transformative year, marked by extraordinary challenges and opportunities. From rising economic uncertainties and shifting trade landscapes to the collaborative spirit of the Global Leaders Forum and the UN Summit of the Future, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater.
Tune in to see how trade can drive sustainable development, transforming the world’s challenges into opportunities and shaping...
2024-12-1914 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)125. Charting a new course: John Denton on how the private sector can support inclusive developmentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at trade, industrial policy and the role of the private sector in promoting the interests of developing countries with special guest John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, UN Trade and Development convened government leaders, top economists and other experts in Geneva earlier this year to chart a new course for development in a changing world.
For a deeper look at the forum and how the private sector can support inclusive development, listen in to global business leader an...
2024-12-1211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)124. Powering trade: Why renewable energy needs a push from positive policiesThis week, after the COP29 global climate summit, The Weekly Tradecast is looking at renewable energy and why trade, aid and investment policies need a rethink.
Join Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Carlos Razo from the UN Global Crisis Response Group for insights on our urgent need to harness other kinds of energy as the global population grows, fossil fuels run out and our planet gets hotter.
A new report by UN Trade and Development says trade in solar and wind technologies is booming but that the expansion must be...
2024-12-0513 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)123. Fashion with a peel: How crop waste is making sustainable textiles and creating jobsThe Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can make sustainable fabrics and other materials recycled from agricultural waste with UN Trade and Development economist Henrique Pacini.
For every banana or pineapple we eat, much of the plant is discarded during harvesting or processing.
But this trash can be treasure. Transforming waste from bananas and pineapples into dresses and sneakers may seem farfetched but these eco-materials could help offset the environmental damage from fast fashion.
Listen in to UN Trade and Development’s Henrique Pacini to find out how these innovative fibres not only promis...
2024-11-2811 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)122. Dollars and change: Sony Kapoor on funding our greener futureWith the COP29 global climate summit underway, The Weekly Tradecast looks at how to get the money we need for the green transition with economist, finance expert and sustainability advisor Sony Kapoor.
It will take trillions of dollars to meet climate and development goals. The world’s advanced economies have pledged billions to help developing countries but, so far, few of the promises have been met and just a small amount of the funding is flowing.
Listen in to special guest Sony Kapoor to follow the money and find out how we can finance the gr...
2024-11-2114 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)121. COP29: Why trade and investment are key to a greener futureAs the COP 29 global climate summit gets underway, The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role of trade and investment in getting to a greener future with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Chantal Line Carpentier.
Making trade cleaner and greener is vital to achieving global climate targets. At the same time, large investments are needed to move to cleaner greener energy, cut emissions and adapt to climate change.
Tune in to senior agricultural and environmental economist Chantal Line Carpentier to hear how economic growth and development, lower emissions and a zero-carbon future are all possible – with the...
2024-11-1411 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)120. Trading up: How carbon markets can help development and the planetThe Weekly Tradecast looks at how carbon markets can help the most vulnerable countries address inequalities and protect the planet with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Paul Akiwumi and Jean-Paul Adam from the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa.
Least developed countries (LDCs) suffer much of the human and economic toll of climate change – even though they do little damage themselves. To help them, UNCTAD's latest report on LDCs looks at how the trading of carbon to mitigate climate change can also open up extra funds for development.
Carbon trading seeks to limit...
2024-11-0414 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)119. UN report: Rethinking development in our age of discontentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at why we must rethink development strategies as growth slows and social discontent rises. Anastasia Nesvetailova, a senior economist at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), shares her insights from the latest report showing that stagnating economic growth is not strong enough for developing countries to tackle their many challenges.
On top of climate change and multiple crises, low global growth and weak investment are worsening economic divides and fueling discontent. But the disruption also opens the way for the Global South to reshape trade, development and the green transition.
Tune in to A...
2024-10-2912 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)118. Richard Baldwin: Why the shift to services opens new doors for developmentThe Weekly Tradecast talks to Richard Baldwin – professor at IMD Business School and an expert on globalization – for his insights on the big economic shifts from manufacturing to services and what they mean for developing countries.
Services have proven to be resilient to crises in recent years and are growing rapidly — offering opportunities to developing countries for growth in jobs, incomes, investment and trade.
Tune in for more on these big shifts from Richard Baldwin, who the Financial Times calls "one of the most important thinkers in this era of global disruption".
2024-10-2413 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)117. UNCTAD at 60: Célestin Monga on trade and transformation as the keys to developmentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at why trade, smart diversification and wider investment in development hold the keys to a more stable and sustainable future with special guest Célestin Monga, who teaches public policy at Harvard University.
In June, we marked the 60th birthday of UN Trade and Development with the Global Leaders Forum.
With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, government leaders, top economists and other experts convened in Geneva to chart a new course for development in a changing world.
For a deeper look from the forum, tune in to spec...
2024-10-1710 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)116. Bretton Woods at 80: Why the global financial system needs big changes to boost sustainable developmentWith the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund happening this month, the Weekly Tradecast is looking at Bretton Woods with special guest Danny Quah, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
The Bretton Woods agreement of July 1944 – about a year before the end of World War Two – aimed to create an efficient foreign exchange system and promote trade and economic growth.
All of the countries in the system agreed to a fixed peg of their currencies against the U.S. dollar, which in turn was pe...
2024-10-1014 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)115: Turning water into fuel: The challenges of making green hydrogen cheaplyThe Weekly Tradecast talks about a potential energy source that could play a vital role in the fight against climate change with economist and atmospheric physicist Robert Hamwey, who formerly worked at UN Trade and Development.
Hydrogen is clean, green and abundant. But there are challenges -- not least that it's expensive to make and often uses natural gas in the production process.
It is also very flammable. To liquefy it for shipping, it must be chilled to just shy of absolute zero. Energy companies already make most of the world’s hydrogen fuel, leaving critics...
2024-10-0211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)114. #UNCTAD60: Isabella Weber on the economy of the future in a fragmented worldThe Weekly Tradecast looks at how the global economy is evolving in a more fragmented world with special guest Isabella Weber, assistant professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has changed profoundly in response to many challenges and opportunities.
Now, technology and climate change are major forces transforming our work, lives and futures. At the same time, a series of crises and conflicts are creating a greater sense of fragmentation.
In June, we marked the 60th birthday of UN Trade and...
2024-09-2612 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)113. UN Summit of the Future: How to build a better worldThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the UN’s Summit of the Future and how any hopes for sustainable and inclusive development depend on us making fundamental changes in how we think and act.
Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has seen huge transformations of economies, technologies and societies. To meet our new realities, world leaders at this week’s Summit of the Future will be shaping how we recover from multiple crises now and create greener, more inclusive progress for generations to come.
At the summit – an initiative by UN Secretary Genera...
2024-09-1910 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)112. Cost of war: Palestinian economy will need decades to recover and rebuildThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the devastating impact of the Israel-Gaza war on the Palestinian economy with Rami Alazzeh, an expert in conflict and development economics at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
On October 7 last year, Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
Since then, the response by Israel's military has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Much of the tiny territory has been reduced to rubble and most of its 2 million people have been displaced in a humanitarian crisis. A new report by UN Trade...
2024-09-1211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)111. Aiming the aid: Why development funding needs refocusingThe Weekly Tradecast looks at international aid and how more is needed to boost economies and people with Julia Gruebler from the technical team of the UN Global Crisis Response Group.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) is more than just cash. The grants, loans and technical assistance from various governments can support societies with access to electricity, clean water, healthcare and education. Along with remittances and foreign direct investment, ODA is one of the most stable kinds of external financing for developing countries, especially in times of crisis.
The good news is ODA jumped to record le...
2024-09-0512 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)110. Bright ideas: How creativity can power economies and developmentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the economic power and potential of creativity with our special guest, John Howkins, who coined the term "creative economy".
Countries, companies and universities around the world are eager to embrace innovation and people with fresh ideas.
The creative economy – ranging from art, film and theatre to advertising, fashion, music and video games – is already worth at least $1.5 trillion and it's growing fast.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says the industry and its creative solutions can support sustainable development, promote diversity and help overcome global challenges.
So how do...
2024-08-2914 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)109. Cocoa crisis: Why higher prices are bittersweet as climate change hits cropsThe Weekly Tradecast looks at cocoa and the impact of climate change with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) senior economist Rodrigo Cárcamo-Díaz.
Cocoa beans are the key ingredient of chocolate and also an important part of health supplements, cosmetics, fragrances and more.
But cocoa prices have risen sharply this year, driven up by poor harvests in West Africa, which produces the bulk of global supplies and the El Niño weather phenomenon earlier this year. Hotter temperatures and shifts in rainfall caused by climate change also have an impact on harvests.
Soa...
2024-08-2211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)108. Poisoned power: Why lead-acid batteries need a cleaner and greener alternativeThe Weekly Tradecast looks at lead-acid batteries and why they remain so popular despite the world moving towards greener energy with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Henrique Pacini.
Invented more than 160 years ago, lead-acid batteries are still the most widely used rechargeable batteries. Reliable and relatively cheap, they're found in everything from cars and trucks to electric wheelchairs and backup power supplies.
But they carry significant costs for the environment and our health. Making the batteries creates greenhouse gases, and lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to children and pregnant women....
2024-08-1508 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)107. Growth spurt: Why investing in youth fuels an inclusive, sustainable futureAs we celebrate International Youth day, The Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of investing in the skills and opportunities of the young with Chidinma Udeogu and Arlette Verploegh.
Chidinma Udeogu is part of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) youth network, and Arlette Verploegh created and coordinates the global group of 18- to 30-year-olds to share their ideas, experiences and voices to shape trade and development.
In many countries, there are too many young people chasing too few jobs. That's bad for the economy and can also fuel tensions in society.
At...
2024-08-0812 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)106. #UNCTAD60: Our history and future supporting trade and developmentAs 2024 is UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) 60th birthday, The Weekly Tradecast takes a step back in time with Danielle Hughes, chief of the records management unit.
The United Nations was created after the Second World War to preserve peace as the forum for countries to work together towards common goals.
But it was not until 1964 that UNCTAD was set up in Geneva as its own agency to promote the interests of developing countries in world trade.
Tune in to Danielle Hughes for stories from the formation of UN Trade and Development and our evolut...
2024-08-0111 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)105. Safe travels: Why we all need the UN tourist protection codeWith the summer holidays starting, The Weekly Tradecast looks at travel and consumer protection rights with Alicia Gomez, Legal Counsel at the UN World Tourism Organization.
With millions of people on the move this summer, many holiday makers have no idea of their rights or the protections in place when something goes wrong.
During the pandemic, millions of flights were cancelled and many tourists stranded abroad. The crisis exposed the disparities of consumer rights, highlighting the need for an international legal framework to help tourists in distress.
Tourism is worth nearly 10 trillion US...
2024-07-2510 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)104. #UNCTAD60: Why we need urgent action (now) to save the Sustainable Development GoalsThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the Sustainable Development Goals with a special guest - Marina Ponti, Director of the UN SDGs Action Campaign.
In 2015, UN members signed up to 17 SDGs that range from ending extreme poverty to tackling the climate crisis. The goals are supposed to be met by 2030 to fulfil the promise of a better future for people and the planet.
But trillions of dollars are needed to meet the targets - and efforts are faltering at a time of turmoil and tensions.
Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created to...
2024-07-1617 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)103. Digital Economy Report: Why the future of humanity depends on how we manage technologyThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the Digital Economy Report from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with Torbjorn Fredriksson.
Around the world, greater access to technology has revolutionised the way we live and work. While the changes are delivering many benefits, the new report says how we manage the digital transformation will have a major influence on the future of humanity and the health of our planet.
With technology and digitalisation evolving quickly, the environmental footprint is also growing - from the rising demand for minerals, water and energy to the creation of more pollution and...
2024-07-1212 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)102. Super seaweed: From food to pharmaceuticals, how the marine plant can transform our livesThe Weekly Tradecast dives into the benefits and potential of seaweed with UN Trade and Development lawyer David Vivas.
Climate change is affecting harvests around the globe. But seaweed is one of the few food crops that have a positive effect on the environment.
It’s also high in protein, making it a promising substitute for meat and an even more sustainable alternative than soya.
Seaweed also has potential in pharmaceuticals and as a substitute for some plastics, reducing the use of fossil fuels that are a main cause of climate change.
To...
2024-07-0412 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)101. #UNCTAD60: Charting a new course for development at the Global Leaders ForumThe Weekly Tradecast looks at why we need to chart a new course for development – with insights from our Global Leaders Forum.
UN Trade and Development is celebrating our 60th year of promoting a fairer economic system and access to the benefits of global trade. As we mark this milestone of transforming people’s lives, we're also evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"Charting a new development course in a changing world" was the focus of our recent anniversary event in Geneva with hundreds of senior officials and leading thinkers.
In the face of cr...
2024-06-2709 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)100. World Investment Report 2024: Weaker global flows show much work ahead for a more inclusive futureThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the World Investment Report 2024 and the latest trends with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Richard Bolwijn.
Global flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) declined by 2% to $1.3 trillion dollars last year.
The headline number included big swings in a small number of conduit economies – which often act as intermediaries for FDI destined for other countries. Without those drivers, FDI globally would have been even lower.
This year should be better but risks and uncertainties persist – especially for developing countries that need investment to grow now and adapt in the future.
2024-06-2014 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)99. #UNCTAD60: Rebeca Grynspan on charting a new course for developmentThe Weekly Tradecast looks at today's challenges and the opportunities of tomorrow with special guest UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
We’ll be talking about her vision for UN Trade and Development, how to address new challenges and why we must move forward together to create an inclusive and sustainable future.
Founded in 1964 as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – or UNCTAD – our organization promotes a fairer economic system and helps developing countries to access the benefits of global trade.
Now UN Trade and Development is building on six decade...
2024-06-1219 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)98. Digital decisions: Sana Khareghani on shaping our technology future for the benefit of allThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the evolution of science and technology with one of the most influential women in UK tech, special guest Sana Khareghani.
Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has seen a series of new realities, challenges and opportunities.
These days, advances in artificial intelligence and other technologies are racing ahead, transforming education, finance, medicine and many other fields at a lightning pace.
The benefits are enormous but so are the risks. As some countries, sectors and workers see great gains, others may lose out.
With tech...
2024-06-0717 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)97. The future of AI: Why innovation and regulation must go hand-in-handThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for rules to balance the benefits and risks with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) legal expert Arnau Izaguerri Vila.
Innovations in AI are racing ahead as machines get better and faster at analysing information on a vast scale. Already, the advances are transforming many fields of work and also reshaping our social interactions.
The potential benefits are enormous but so too are the risks. As some countries, sectors and workers see great gains, others may lose out. And as AI blurs...
2024-05-3009 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)96. Rough seas ahead: How can global supply chains navigate shipping disruptions?As the United Nations first Global Supply Chain Forum gets underway, The Weekly Tradecast gets an update on shipping disruptions that are adding to the global challenges with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Jan Hoffmann.
Ships carry about 80% of goods globally – from production to consumption. With tensions high in the Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea have diverted large amounts of traffic from one of the world’s most important shipping shortcuts.
Another shortcut – the Panama Canal – is suffering its own disruptions as low water levels reduce the number and s...
2024-05-2314 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)95. A matter of survival: Why small island states need resilience and prosperityThe Weekly Tradecast looks at low-lying coastal countries and the unique threats they face from climate change with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) senior economist Mussie Delelegn.
The resilience and prosperity of these countries is the focus of the UN’s fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in late May.
Known as SIDS, these dozens of small island states are the most vulnerable to extreme weather, rising seas and coastal erosion brought on by climate change.
The human and economic costs are enormous. If climate trends continue, some of the islands coul...
2024-05-1609 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)94. Vital knowledge: Why science and technology are so important for our futureThe Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of science, technology and innovation for global development – and our future – with Virginia Dignum, Director of the AI Policy Lab at Umea University.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is very much in the news but it’s just one of many emerging technologies with huge implications for our economies, our societies and the environment.
How do we create benefits that are inclusive and sustainable? How do we plan for a future that’s evolving so rapidly?
Tune in to Virginia Dignum, a member of the UN’s AI Advisory Boa...
2024-05-0914 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)93. Fractured future: What shifting investment patterns mean for developmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at a new report by the United Nations on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) with Bruno Casella, a senior economist at UN Trade and Development.
By tracking 20 years of FDI, the report says global flows are slowing down in the long term. Services are still growing quickly but manufacturing activity has suffered the most.
The stagnation was already happening but the report says recent shocks – ranging from the pandemic to geopolitical tensions – have highlighted how the global economy is becoming more fractured.
All of these factor...
2024-05-0211 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)92. Pedal to the metal: Why electric car batteries need to be cleaner and greenerThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the rare metals and minerals used in mobile phones, laptops and electric car batteries with Clovis Freire, chief of the commodity research and analysis section at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Electric vehicles are seen as clean because they don’t belch out exhaust fumes that fuel climate change. But some of the materials that go into them – especially the minerals and rare elements in their batteries – have large carbon footprints.
The environmental impact of extracting materials like cobalt, copper, lithium and graphite is a major concern.
In co...
2024-04-2513 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)91. Growth going to waste: UN trade and development update sees multiple challenges slowing economic momentumThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the update to the UN’s Trade and Development Report with UNCTAD director Richard Kozul-Wright.
On the positive side – despite high inflation, high interest rates and gloomy forecasts – the global economy grew 2.7% last year.
The bad news – the update says – is that the positive momentum is going to waste and that growth looks set to be slower this year at 2.6%.
Tune in to UN Trade and Development’s Richard Kozul-Wright to find out how we address not only rising interest rates and inflation but also the urgent c...
2024-04-1611 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)90. Healthy not hungry: Why good food is a key ingredient for developmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the connection between food, health and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals with Bojan Nastav, a statistician with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
UN Trade and Development has teamed up with the World Health Organization to study the global trade of healthy and less healthy food.
At least 10% of the world’s people live in hunger. At the same time, more than 40% of all adults are overweight.
So, it’s not just a matter of quantity – or getting enough to eat. It’s also about quality by ensuring peopl...
2024-04-1109 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)89. Moving up: Bhutan graduates to UN's developing country status but challenges remain for other LDCsThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom that measures its success in "Gross National Happiness" with UNCTAD director Paul Akiwumi.
Bhutan and its 800,000 people now have an extra reason to be happy – after graduating from the UN list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) into full developing country status. It's only the seventh nation in 50 years to make that jump.
Bhutan was included in the first group of LDCs in 1971. Over the last few decades, it has made remarkable progress on various social and economic metrics, including big improvements in poverty levels...
2024-04-0411 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)88. That’s rubbish: How our waste is choking the planet and how we can clean it upJust ahead of Zero Waste Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks trash with UNCTAD economist Henrique Silva Pacini Costa.
From plastic packaging to fast fashion to car batteries, we have been creating mountains of waste for decades. It’s everywhere – in landfills, in the air, in plants and animals and in our oceans – and it can take decades or even centuries to degrade.
We’ve recycled just nine percent of the plastic we started making 70 years ago, so that’s not going to solve the problem.
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Henrique Silva Paci...
2024-03-2809 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)87. K-popification: Why South Korea’s creative economy is an inspiration for othersThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at K-pop and other lessons for success from the creative economy of the Republic of Korea with UNCTAD economist Katalin Bokor.
Whether we've danced Gagnam style, listened to the songs of BTS and Blackpink, played video games or watched Korean TV shows and movies, the country's cultural impact is hard to ignore.
That catchy creativity is also paying big financial dividends. Around the world, the creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors and is already worth at least $1.5 trillion. Few places do it better than the Republic of K...
2024-03-2109 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)86. Fisherman's blues: Why the fisheries industry needs to get much greenerThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can fight climate change by cutting the carbon emissions of our fisheries with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
The fishing industry is a vital source of food. And it provides work – directly or indirectly – for one in every 13 people on the planet.
But there's a deep downside for the environment from the emissions spewed out by the sector's ships and processing plants. One recent study shows that bottom trawling – a common fishing practice – emits as much carbon dioxide every year...
2024-03-1409 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)85. Women’s Day: Why investing in women is the key to faster development for allAs we mark International Women's Day on 8 March, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of investing in women with special guest Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, the UN’s trade and development body.
Overall, the outlook for gender equality is not as bright as it should be.
Women and girls make up nearly half of humanity but still lack equal opportunities in societies and economies. That means they often get less access to education and healthcare, are paid less than men and are more likely to leave work to care for fa...
2024-03-0715 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)84. Money on the move: How remittances and trade work together for developmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of remittances with UNCTAD economist Bruno Antunes.
Around the world, migrants send home more than $830 billion in remittances, of which about $650 billion go to developing countries, according to estimates from the World Bank.
That money helps to reduce poverty, improve nutrition and broaden access to education.
Listen in to Bruno Antunes to find out how policies and reforms can help us better use remittances and the opportunities they offer.
2024-02-2910 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)84. Money on the move: Why remittances are a mixed blessing and how they could be betterThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of remittances with UNCTAD economist Bruno Antunes.
Around the world, migrant workers send home at least three times more money than their countries get from overseas development assistance. The World Bank estimates about $650 billion in remittances move via official channels each year.
But there are downsides. For workers and their families, separation often carries social costs. Transfers can also be risky and expensive. And for countries, relying too much on remittances can undermine sustainable development and growth.
Listen in to Bruno Antunes to find...
2024-02-2210 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)83. Precarious passage: Red sea ship attacks strain supply chainsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact on shipping, supply chains and trade from insecurity in the Red Sea with Jan Hoffman, head of UNCTAD's trade logistics branch.
About 80% of the world’s goods move by sea. But escalating attacks by Houthi rebels on ships passing through the narrow waters towards the Suez Canal have disrupted shipping routes and raised geopolitical tensions.
Red Sea shipping lanes carry around 15% of global trade but many ships have been diverted. UNCTAD estimates the trade volume going through the Suez Canal fell 42% over the last two month...
2024-02-1511 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)82. Measuring what matters: Why inclusive growth means more than just GDPThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at UNCTAD’s tool to measure sustainable growth and some of the signs of progress with Anu Peltola, who is in charge of the organization’s statistics unit.
For nearly 80 years, gross domestic product (GDP) has been the headline number to measure a country’s prosperity.
To get a more detailed picture, UNCTAD's Inclusive Growth Index goes further by combining GDP with other data on living conditions, equality and environmental sustainability. Launched in 2022 and expanded last year, the index now covers 93% of the world’s people and 96% of the global e...
2024-02-0810 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)81. Israel-Gaza crisis: Palestinian economy needs billions to rebuild and much more to growThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact of the Israel-Gaza crisis on the Palestinian economy with UNCTAD economist Rami Alazzeh.
Since the deadly assault by Hamas militants on October 7, Israel's military response has destroyed more than 37,000 buildings – about 18% of the Gaza Strip’s total structures – and displaced most of the 2.3 million people in the tiny enclave.
With so much damaged or destroyed, UNCTAD says in a new report that rebuilding Gaza will take decades, a concerted international effort and many billions of dollars. That rebuilding will be all the more difficult given the alr...
2024-01-3113 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)80. Foundations for the future: Why the global financial system needs big changes to boost sustainable developmentThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the global financial architecture with UNCTAD senior economist Penelope Hawkins.
The war in Ukraine, a global cost of living crisis and the lingering pandemic have disrupted economies and piled on debt pressure with higher interest rates. For many countries, the debt distress presents stark choices between repaying loans, investing in development and coping with climate change.
So how can vulnerable countries manage their debt burdens and free up financing for a high-value and low-carbon future?
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins to find out why fin...
2024-01-2512 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)79. SOS for the SDGs: Why saving the development goals needs trillions of dollars in investmentThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how much it will cost to achieve them with Nour Barnat, chief of methodology at UNCTAD Statistics.
In 2015, UN members signed up to 17 SDGs that range from ending extreme poverty to tackling the climate crisis. The goals are supposed to be met by 2030 but most are off track because of the pandemic, economic turmoil and geopolitical tensions.
It's estimated that the investment needed to hit the targets is around $6 trillion every year for the next seven years. That's equal to at leas...
2024-01-1809 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)78. Bleak or bountiful future: Why fertilizer is vital to global food suppliesThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast talks about fertilizer and how harvests could wilt without more supply at cheaper prices with UNCTAD’s Sangram Rane, who is part of the UN task team focused on tackling global food insecurity.
Before the war, The Russian Federation and Ukraine together accounted for almost a third of global wheat exports. Russia is also a major exporter of fertilizers and of key ingredients – such as ammonia – that are used to make them.
Earlier UN-led deals with Ukraine and Russia on grain and fertilizer exports helped to reduce food prices and lessen...
2024-01-1108 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)77. Ring in the new: A look back at the big issues of 2023 and where we go from here with UNCTAD expertsIn this special episode of the Weekly Tradecast, we’re looking back at some of our most popular podcasts over 2023 and the many challenges they address.
And what a year it’s been. Economic recovery is shaky as conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere fuel tensions and uncertainty. A cost-of-living crisis persisted throughout the year, with developing countries in particular feeling the pain of a sharp rise in interest rates.
Another big issue of 2023 was extreme weather and the impact of global warming. We looked at investing in the green transition and how trade...
2023-12-2112 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)76. All aboard the environment express: Global tourism needs more investment to reach greener heightsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about the importance of the right kind of investment in tourism with UNCTAD’s Christiane Stepanek-Allen, chief of UNCTAD's investment partnership section.
Before the Covid pandemic, the tourism industry accounted for about 4% of the global economy. Tourism is bouncing back – helped by a busy summer – but it's having to make up for massive losses during the pandemic and still faces challenges.
Awareness is also growing that travel can have huge costs for the environment. As extreme heat and wildfires in many places showed this summer, the sector is also vul...
2023-12-1410 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)75. No time to waste: Why we need far more investment around climate change and sustainable developmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at investing in sustainable development to help save our planet with UNCTAD economists Joseph Clements and Anthony Miller.
Calls are growing more urgent for more spending on a clean-energy future and more support for developing countries bearing the brunt of climate change. The energy crisis is raising fears that many countries will postpone plans to shift from fossil fuels into cleaner renewable energy.
The link between investment, development and the environment is now a driving theme – not least at the ongoing COP28 global climate conference. But trillions of dollars are...
2023-12-0413 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)74. Green light: How trade can drive the clean energy transition and cut global emissionsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role that trade has to play in the clean energy transition with senior UNCTAD economist Chantal Line Carpentier.
Next week, the UN climate summit – COP28 – is dedicating a day to trade and how it can help fight climate change.
The global production and distribution of goods and services accounts for around a quarter of all emissions.
But to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, scientists say we must reach net zero for greenhouse gases by 2050.
That means cutting those emissions to as close to zero...
2023-11-2911 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)73. Shaping the future: Why the right digital path is key to sustainable and inclusive developmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at digitalization and its future with Torbjörn Fredriksson, head of UNCTAD’s e-commerce and digital economy branch.
Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives – how we work, eat, shop, travel and interact.
If done right and governed well, e-commerce and the digital economy can drive growth, innovation, development and better use of our resources.
But the growing digital divides threaten to worsen inequality. Many developing countries are already falling behind.
With such heavy reliance on technology, what are the implications for our privac...
2023-11-2312 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)72. Food for thought: Can fish ever be sustainable as human hunger grows?This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the challenges of sustainable fishing with UNCTAD legal expert David Vivas.
From farmed prawns to wild-caught mackerel, the fishing industry is a vital source of food – and livelihoods – all over the world. If the seas can sustain it, fisheries output is expected to top 200 million tonnes by 2030 as the global population grows.
But the industry also faces concerns about labour rights and environmental damage – including overfishing and high carbon emissions from trawlers and factories.
Can fishing ever be sustainable in an ever-hungrier world? Listen in to UNCTAD’s...
2023-11-1609 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)71. UN report: After years of lost growth, least developed countries need inclusive finance to meet development goalsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast is looking at the UN’s Least Developed Countries Report 2023 with one of the authors, UNCTAD economist Matfobhi Riba.
The world is facing soaring costs of food, energy and financing – along with extreme weather and geopolitical upheaval. Most vulnerable are the 46 nations classified as the least developed countries (LDCs).
After some years of progress, the pandemic hit the LDCs hard, cutting economic growth sharply and pushing an extra 15 million people into extreme poverty.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Matfobhi Riba to find out why these nations need urgent help to...
2023-11-0710 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)70. Investing in the female future: Why we need better financing for women entrepreneursIn this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we’re talking about women and investment and why a lack of financing is undermining development with UNCTAD economist Stephania Bonilla.
For developing countries, having more female entrepreneurs offers the benefits of more jobs, new skills and growth for communities and economies.
But gender inequalities in society mean women who are running or starting a business often face daunting challenges securing loans or investment.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Stephania Bonilla to find out how we can increase investment in women and unlock their full potential.
2023-11-0209 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)69. A booster for the future: Why investment in healthcare needs to be bigger and broaderThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the urgent need to invest much more in healthcare with UNCTAD economist Bruno Casella.
Hundreds of millions of people around the world have little or no access to essential health services. Improving their well-being is vital to support economic growth and to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
But for many countries, there is just not enough money to build up the medical facilities, supplies and staff that their people need. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report says at least 100 billion dollars in extra healthcare investment is needed every year i...
2023-10-2612 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)68. Back on track: How to help small businesses recover from turmoil and return to growthIn this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we’re looking at small businesses and ways to help them flourish despite economic turmoil with Arlette Verploegh, chief of UNCTAD’s entrepreneurship development section.
First with the COVID-19 pandemic and now the war in Ukraine, many businesses are fighting for survival as costs of goods, energy and financing stay high and consumers tighten their belts.
For countries already struggling, the tough times threaten to undo any limited gains for trade, investment, gender equality and sustainable development.
So how can we help smaller businesses to survive and thri...
2023-10-1911 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)67. Prices and profits: Is commodity speculation making the global food crisis worse?This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the influence big trading companies have on food supplies and prices with Anastasia Nesvetailova, head of UNCTAD’s macroeconomic and development policies branch.
Food costs have soared due to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and extreme weather – pushing vulnerable countries and people to the brink. But as many households and businesses struggle, the largest food trading companies are making big profits.
New research in UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2023 highlights how fragmented rules for the food trading industry have played a key role in enabling speculatio...
2023-10-1215 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)66. UN trade report: Global economy sees weak growth as many financial and development challenges remainIn this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we’re looking at the UN’s Trade and Development Report 2023 with Richard Kozul-Wright, director of UNCTAD’s globalization and development strategies division.
The good news: The global economy is growing. But the recovery looks weak as many risks remain and many big economies struggle to get back to pre-COVID-19 growth levels.
The report warns of major challenges from inflation, debt burdens and food and energy insecurity. All of that stress is compounded by climate change and a retreat in public spending.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Richard Kozul...
2023-10-0414 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)65. Charting the course: Shipping industry must balance uncertainty, investment and the environmentThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2023 with two of the report’s authors, Jan Hoffmann and Luisa Rodriguez.
The report says the volume of trade moving by ship fell slightly in 2022 during the pandemic but is expected to grow by 2.4% this year. That’s good news for the shipping industry and the global economy as more than 80% of traded goods move by sea.
But geopolitical tensions are high with the war in Ukraine, and trade patterns are shifting. The UNCTAD review also says the shipping industry must cut its sizeab...
2023-09-2713 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)64. Commodity conundrum: Why developing countries need to add value to their exports of raw materialsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at commodities and the challenges for developing countries in adding value to exports with UNCTAD economist Clovis Freire.
Commodities cover everything from oranges to oil and timber to gold. And every economy needs them to run and grow.
But countries that rely very heavily on exporting commodities can face fickle swings in markets. Many developing countries are especially vulnerable because they ship raw materials for others to process, rather than adding value themselves.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Clovis Freire to find out what developing countries can do to ma...
2023-09-2110 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)63. Rising concerns: Solutions, strategies to keep the good face of inflation, not the bad and the uglyIn the second of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at inflation with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo to see the steps being taken to contain it and how new ways of thinking might work better.
When food, fuel and almost everything else gets rapidly more expensive, we see our paychecks buying less and our savings eroded. But a bit of inflation is good for economies, workers and equality.
How can we keep inflation as a positive force rather than a damaging one? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find out.
2023-09-1410 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)62. Rising concerns: The good, the bad and the ugly faces of inflationIn the first of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at what inflation is, why we need it and when it becomes too much – with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo.
These days, inflation is high as disruptions from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine drive a global cost of living crisis.
Everyone is feeling the pinch, but for governments and people in developing countries, even basic goods can become unaffordable.
Will inflation start to ease or are we in for more pain? Listen in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find o...
2023-09-0710 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)61. Easing the burden: Reforms to multilateral lenders and money for developing countries on G20 agendaThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role multilateral lenders play with UNCTAD senior economist Penelope Hawkins.
In early September, leaders from the world’s wealthiest countries meet in India for the G20 summit. With inflation and borrowing costs running high, debt and development are high on the agenda.
Multilateral development banks provide vital funding to countries in need. But critics say financial conditions imposed by the lenders can keep debt burdens heavy and cut into spending on development.
Should these multilateral lenders be reformed? Is there enough money and urgency to help countries d...
2023-08-3109 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)60. Extinction or protection: The race to stop the illegal wildlife trade before it’s too lateThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the illegal wildlife trade with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
Every year, huge numbers of animals and plants are bought and sold illicitly as food, medicine, clothing, furniture and even musical instruments.
Wildlife is big business. The illegal trade is estimated to be worth at least $7 billion but it could be much larger.
Trafficking is driving some species – especially rhinos, elephants, tigers, lions and pangolins – towards extinction. Many others are at risk.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s David Viva...
2023-08-2410 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)59. Disruption and demand: How Africa can help diversify global supply chainsThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at how Africa can deepen global supply chains and develop its own economies at the same time, with UNCTAD director Paul Akiwumi.
Geopolitical and economic disruptions have everyone from manufacturers and shippers to investors and governments looking at ways to strengthen and diversify global supply chains.
The UN's latest Economic Development in Africa Report sets out a roadmap for how the continent of 1.4 billion people could turn these disruptions into opportunities.
Africa has vast resources of materials needed by the electronics, renewable energy and other high-tech se...
2023-08-1610 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)58. Cracked rice bowl: Why an essential crop needs to be bigger but also better for the environmentThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at rice, its importance for development and its impact on the environment with UNCTAD senior economist Miho Shirotori.
Rice is a vital crop as the main source of nutrition for more than half of people around the world.
Demand is only expected to soar as populations grow in Asia and Africa. Some estimates suggest the world will need almost one third more rice by 2050.
But production is faltering. At the same time, excessive use of pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation is depleting and polluting soil and ground wate...
2023-08-1012 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)57. Key to progress: Why landlocked countries need extra help with trade and development challengesThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the unique challenges for landlocked countries that impede their trade and development with UNCTAD senior economist Mussie Delelegn.
There are 32 developing countries without access to the sea, leaving them with far higher bills to import and export goods by road and rail. In many places, poor infrastructure and border bureaucracy add time, cost and complication.
These extra demands put even more pressure on vulnerable economies being hit by higher costs of food, energy and debt.
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Mussie Delelegn to find the key to unlo...
2023-08-0310 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)56. Going Green: Simple ways to make our lives more environmentally friendlyThis episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at some cheap and easy ways for all of us to be greener with UNCTAD economist Henrique Pacini.
Protecting our environment is a vital task and everyone can play a part. The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – are a good starting point.
We can cut down on plastic by using cloth shopping bags. We can take our own mugs to the coffee shop. Buying things second-hand and repairing rather than replacing are other ways to cut down on pollution and our carbon footprint.
Tune into UNCTAD’s H...
2023-07-2712 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)55. Population pressure: What do 8 billion people (and more) mean for the world’s resources and development?This episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about the growing global population and its implications for a sustainable future with Anu Peltola, who leads UNCTAD’s statistics work.
The United Nations estimates there are now eight billion people on Earth, meaning the number of human beings has doubled in less than 50 years.
People are living longer because of better medicine and nutrition. But a rising population presents many challenges around having enough food, water, energy, living space and public infrastructure for everyone.
The strains on societies, resources and the environment will only grow, especially...
2023-07-2011 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)54. How green is green? Why we need more scrutiny to ensure sustainable investment really helps our planetThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about the popularity and the pitfalls of green investing with UNCTAD economist Joseph Clements.
To help protect our planet, many people want to put their money into companies that meet certain environmental, social and governance standards.
These ESG credentials are big business, attracting trillions of dollars in investment and the creation of new funds and bonds to capitalize on the trend. But not all companies are genuine in their fight against climate change.
What can we do to ensure that our investments are actually benefitting the plane...
2023-07-1309 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)53. World Investment Report 2023: Weak FDI threatens clean energy transition and development goalsThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the UN’s latest World Investment Report with Richard Bolwijn, in charge of UNCTAD’s investment research branch.
Last year, global flows of foreign direct investment fell – after nosediving in 2020 and recovering in 2021.
Developing countries did better than most as their FDI flows grew in 2022. But the heavy pressures on all economies remain from the war in Ukraine, high food and energy prices, financial turmoil and debt difficulties.
With a massive $4 trillion annual funding gap threatening the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries, the report calls fo...
2023-07-0512 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)52. Greener getaways: Why sustainability is the ticket for tourists, countries and the travel industryThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about greener and more sustainable travel, just ahead of the summer holidays, with UNCTAD economist Bruno Antunes
Tourism is one of the biggest employers in the world. Many developing nations rely on it, so there’s economic urgency to getting travellers back on the road and in the air as the industry recovers from the pandemic.
But there's also growing awareness that travel can have huge costs for the environment. Beyond pollution from planes, ships and cars, experts are warning that many natural wonders and pristine areas risk being ru...
2023-06-2909 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)51. Credit crunch: Why we need an effective global system to deal with debtThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at debt – what it is, how it works and why it matters – with economist Daniel Munevar from UNCTAD’s debt and development finance branch.
Inflation is high, interest rates are rising and the war in Ukraine has hit the world with a cost-of-living crisis.
Every day, debt is in the news as countries, companies and ordinary people struggle to repay their loans or borrow at reasonable rates.
Right now, 3.3 billion people live in countries that are spending more on debt servicing than on health or education. That’s al...
2023-06-2210 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)50. The rise of the machines: What does AI mean for our jobs, privacy and humanity?This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at artificial intelligence and its growing presence in our lives with Angel Gonzalez, head of UNCTAD’s technology, innovation and knowledge development branch.
Already we have chatbots that can write essays and driverless cars and trains. Computers can beat world chess champions and nearly human robots emulate our expressions.
The real potential has not even been realized. Some believe AI can save the world. Others fear it will destroy us.
What are the opportunities and what are the threats? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Angel Gonzalez to find...
2023-06-1511 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)49. Global energy crisis: Prices may be cooling but more volatility is in the pipelineThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at global energy prices with Janvier Nkurunziza, head of UNCTAD’s commodities branch.
The war in Ukraine and disruptions in the energy supply chain have sent prices soaring and accelerated a global cost-of-living crisis.
But unusually warm weather this winter and efforts by many countries to stockpile gas from other sources have brought some respite.
Still, the direction of energy prices this year is far from certain.
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Janvier Nkurunziza to see how fears of a recession are weighing on the market...
2023-06-0809 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)48. Pollution solution: How plastic substitutes can help economies and the planetAs the UN prepares to mark World Environment Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about replacing plastic with natural materials with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
In 2021, the global trade in plastics was around 369 million tonnes. That’s enough to fill 18 million trucks, creating a traffic jam encircling the Earth 13 times.
Less than 10% of all plastic produced has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and oceans, taking years and decades to break down.
But many natural materials – like bamboo, sand and algae – could be...
2023-06-0110 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)47. History of hunger: How the war in Ukraine is making food crises even worse in Africa and least developed countriesAs the UN marks Africa Day on 25 May, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact of the global food and energy shocks on some of the most vulnerable countries with Rolf Traeger, chief of UNCTAD’s least developed countries section.
The world is in one of the worst crises in modern history as the war in Ukraine hits food supplies just as many countries try to cope with extreme weather and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But even before the disruptions from the war, many least developed countries were feeling th...
2023-05-2612 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)46. Sweet spot: How honey can help economies, the environment and the beesAs the UN marks World Bee Day on the 20th of May, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at why bees are so important to our environment and economies with UNCTAD agriculture and trade consultant Marisa Rodrigues.
Bees, along with butterflies and beetles, are vital to our ecosystems by pollinating plants and enriching soil.
It’s tough being a bee. They get swatted and sprayed by panicked people. Even worse, they’re increasingly under threat from pesticides and pollution.
But there is hope in honey – to help protect bees and the planet but also to crea...
2023-05-1809 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)45. The future of energy: What’s the right mix for the economy and our planet?This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the future of energy with UNCTAD economist Claudia Contreras.
With the global population rising and supplies of fossil fuels running down, countries must harness other sources of energy to support their economies and people.
Energy sustainability and climate change are also major concerns as the burning of oil, gas and coal add to emissions that are heating our planet to dangerous levels.
Renewable sources – from the power of the sun, the wind and the ocean – can boost energy supplies in a cleaner way. There are also synthet...
2023-05-1110 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)44. All things being equal: Changing the rules around big dataThis episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the pros and cons of big data with Shamika N. Sirimanne, director of UNCTAD’s technology and logistics division.
Every time we send an email, tap on a social media ad or use our credit cards, we are creating digital data. The information travels around the world largely unregulated and it is the lifeblood of tech giants.
But that era may be ending as efforts to rein in big tech gain momentum. Scores of countries are accelerating efforts to control the flow of digital information – driven by security and privacy c...
2023-05-0408 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)43. Jobs in jeopardy? What a recession means for workersAs many countries celebrate International Workers Day on Monday, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at jobs and work with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo.
With inflation and interest rates high, the risk of a global recession still looms, threatening development.
In a recession, workers are often let go as sales drop and companies face pressure to meet margins and repay debts.
The impact can depend on things like location, age and skills but there are still wide disparities in opportunities to find work. Even some big tech companies are already laying off staff...
2023-04-2611 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)42. Capitalizing on creativity: How imagination can support sustainable developmentAs the UN marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the creative economy with Marisa Henderson, chief of UNCTAD’s creative economy program.
Ranging from theatre, music and film to advertising, fashion and computer games, it's one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
UNCTAD says the industry – now worth at least $1.5 trillion – can power sustainable development at a time when creative solutions are needed to overcome global challenges.
Beyond creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting innovation, the creative economy also helps to promote cultural identity and diversity. But...
2023-04-2009 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)41. Banking on it: How safe is our financial system and should we fear another crisis?This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at our banks and how safe they are with Anastasia Nesvetailova, head of UNCTAD’s macroeconomic and development policies branch.
In the United States, the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sent shockwaves through global markets. Concerns grew after Credit Suisse was rescued from collapse by being sold to its Swiss rival UBS.
As anxiety swirls about another financial crisis, governments have been quick to talk up stability and show support for the banking system.
So how worried should we be?
Listen in...
2023-04-1312 minThe Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)40. Double whammy of debt: Why austerity measures multiply financial inequality for womenThis week, just before the World Bank and IMF meetings to discuss the global economy, The Weekly Tradecast is looking at women and debt with UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins.
Gender inequalities in society mean women are routinely paid less than men and often struggle to make ends meet. But now with countries facing higher borrowing costs and high prices for food and energy, there is an extra-damaging impact on women when governments resort to austerity measures.
Health and education are often the first places to be cut, depriving women of jobs in the public sector. They a...
2023-04-0610 min