UNCTAD, the Commonwealth Secretariat

Globalization, including a phenomenal expansion of trade, has helped lift millions out of poverty. But not nearly enough people have benefited. And tremendous challenges remain.

We support developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively. And we help equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration. To do this, we provide analysis, facilitate consensus-building, and offer technical assistance. This helps them to use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.

Working at the national, regional, and global level, 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

Together with other UN departments and agencies, we measure progress by the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in Agenda 2030.