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 can make a big difference in protecting the planet. 

As technology transforms every aspect of our lives, we explored the risks and opportunities of e-commerce and the digital economy. 

With UNCTAD celebrating its 60th birthday in 2024, we also took a tour of the archives and some of the more unusual aspects of our history. 

The Weekly Tradecast returns in early January with new episodes and more insights on the world of trade and development. Happy holidays!