UNCTAD Full Form: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development promotes economic cooperation and integration among its member states. Today we will talk about UNCTAD, its History and its full form and will give complete information about its functions. Here you will have the complete details on UNCTAD. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established it in 1964 and reports to that body and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). UNCTAD has 195 member countries and collaborates with nongovernmental organisations worldwide; its permanent secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland.
UNCTAD Overview
Today UNCTAD is functioning in more than 195 countries and dealing with trade, investment, and development issues.
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Formation | 30 December 1964 |
| Secretary-General | Rebeca Grynspan |
| Parent Organization | United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Secretariat |
| Website | www.unctad.org |
| Member | 195 countries |
What is UNCTAD
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a United Nations body responsible for dealing with development issues, particularly international trade. Its work focuses on the following key areas: Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes; Globalization, interdependence and development; international trade and commodities; investment and enterprise; and technology and logistics. This work often results in analysis and recommendations that can inform national and international policy-making processes and promote economic policies to end global economic inequalities and generate people-centred sustainable development.
UNCTAD Objectives
Framing policies in various domains such as trade, technology, finance, aid, and transport is the most important priority of UNCTAD. Geneva is the permanent secretariat of UNCTAD, and the conference ordinarily meets once in four years. Working at the national, regional, and global levels, our efforts help countries to:
- Comprehend options to address macro-level development challenges
- Achieve beneficial integration into the international trading system
- Diversify economies to make them less dependent on commodities
- Limit their exposure to financial volatility and debt
- Attract investment and make it more development-friendly
- Increase access to digital technologies
- Promote entrepreneurship and innovation
- Help local firms move up value chains
- Speed up the flow of goods across borders
- Protect consumers from abuse
- Curb regulations that stifle competition
- Adapt to climate change and use natural resources more effectively
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Functions and Activities of UNCTAD
The Main Functions of the UNCTAD are:
- To promote international trade between developed and developing countries to accelerate economic development.
- To formulate principles and policies on international trade and related economic development problems.
- To make proposals for putting its principles and policies into effect,
- To negotiate trade agreements.
- To review and facilitate the coordination of activities of the other U.N. institutions in the field of international trade.
- To function as a centre for harmonious trade and related documents in the development policies of governments.
UNCTAD Reports
UNCTAD produces several topical reports, including:
| The Trade and Development Report | The Trade and Environment Review |
| The World Investment Report | The Economic Development in Africa Report |
| The Least Developed Countries Report | UNCTAD Statistics |
| Digital Economy Report (formerly known as the Information Economy Report) | The Review of Maritime Transport |
| The International Accounting and Reporting Issues Annual Review | The Technology and Innovation Report |
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List of Secretaries General and Officers-in-Charge
| Secretary-General | Dates in office | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Raúl Prebisch | 1963–1969 | Argentina |
| Manuel Pérez-Guerrero | 1969–1974 | Venezuela |
| Gamani Corea | 1974–1984 | Sri Lanka |
| Alister McIntyre | 1985 | Grenada |
| Kenneth K.S. Dadzie | 1986–1994 | Ghana |
| Carlos Fortin | 1994–1995 | Chile |
| Rubens Ricupero | 1995–2004 | Brazil |
| Carlos Fortin | 2004–2005 | Chile |
| Supachai Panitchpakdi | 1 September 2005 – 30 August 2013 | Thailand |
| Mukhisa Kituyi | 1 September 2013 – 15 February 2021 | Kenya |
| Isabelle Durant | 15 February 2021 – 11 June 2021 | Belgium |
| Rebeca Grynspan | Since 11 June 2021 | Costa Rica |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Full form of UNCTAD?
Ans. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Q. How many countries are in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development?
Ans. There are 195 countries in the UNCTAD.
Q. Who is the head of the UNCTAD?
Ans. Rebeca Grynspan is the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Q. When is UNCTAD Formed?
Ans. UNCTAD is formed in 1964.
Q. Is India a member of UNCTAD?
Ans. Yes, India is a member of UNCTAD.
