Uganda has reiterated its strong commitment to multilateralism, inclusive global growth, and solidarity among developing nations during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), held in Geneva from October 20–23, 2025.
The Conference, hosted by the Government of Switzerland under the theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” brought together ministers and senior policymakers from UNCTAD’s 195 member states to deliberate on trade, investment, and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Opening the conference, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan urged member states to rebuild trust in the multilateral trading system and ensure that global economic transformation benefits all.
“We’ve come here to shape the future, together, so that trade, investment and technology work for people, not the other way around,” she said.
Representing Uganda, Hon. Evelyn Anite, Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, delivered the country’s national statements on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development during the high-level segments.
In her remarks, Hon. Anite emphasized the importance of unity among developing nations and renewed Uganda’s support for a fair and inclusive international trading system.
“Cooperation among developing nations is not optional, but essential,” she stated during the G77 and China Ministerial Meeting.
A key focus of Uganda’s intervention was on tailored support for countries nearing graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Uganda met the LDC graduation criteria in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its development trajectory.
“Countries at the threshold of graduation need tailored support to preserve the gains achieved and ensure that the transition is both smooth and irreversible. We urge UNCTAD and our partners to deepen engagement with graduating countries through a Graduation Support Programme,” she said during the LDCs Ministerial Meeting.
Hon. Anite called for renewed global solidarity and shared purpose to ensure that the outcomes of UNCTAD16 advance equity and sustainability worldwide.
“Let UNCTAD16 be remembered as a turning point that reaffirmed solidarity, revitalized multilateral cooperation, and charted a path toward a fairer and more sustainable global economy,” she concluded.
Since September 2024, member states have been negotiating the outcome document of UNCTAD16, which sets the organization’s work priorities for the next four years. The Conference also featured Ministerial Meetings for the Group of 77 and China, the African Group, the Group of Least Developed Countries, and the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, each concluding with a declaration outlining shared priorities and policy commitments.
