UNGIS

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) promotes the integration of developing countries into the world economy. Its work aims to help shape policy debates and thinking on development, with a particular focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development.

The organisation:

• Functions as a forum for inter-governmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building
• Undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for informing government representative and expert discussions
• Provides technical assistance to developing countries, with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and of economies in transition. When appropriate, UNCTAD cooperates with other organisations and donor countries in the delivery of technical assistance.

The first UNCTAD session took place in Geneva in 1964 in accordance with ECOSOC res. 917 (XXXIV) (1962). GA res. 1995 (XIX) (1964) established UNCTAD as a UN organ and set its mandate.