2022 marks 50 years since the Third Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD III) was held in Santiago, Chile, attended by representatives of 131 states.
According to the report of UNCTAD III, the objectives included "accelerating the economic development of all countries by formulating and implementing new development-oriented trade policies through the combined efforts of the entire international community".
Other issues included: reforms of the monetary and trading systems; the indebtedness of developing countries; the free use of natural resources; and the need for the developing world to have access to modern science and technology.
Many of these issues remain valid today, coupled with other major challenges facing developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development, including climate change, food insecurity, and growing geopolitical tensions.
In this context, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are emerging as a generally accepted roadmap.
The Mission of Chile, in conjunction with the UNCTAD Secretariat, will hold this commemorative event during the 13th session of the Trade and Development Commission, to mark the 50th anniversary of UNCTAD III.
The objectives of the event are to reiterate Chile's commitment to trade and development; to contribute to give visibility to UNCTAD's role in support of developing countries; and to provide an opportunity to reflect on the main trade and development challenges identified then and today.
Programme
- Ambassador Sofía Boza, Permanent Representative of Chile to the WTO, UNCTAD, WIPO and ITC: Opening of the meeting and moderation
- Mr. Jose Miguel Ahumada, Undersecretary of International Economic Relations of Chile: Welcoming remarks and historical relevance of UNCTAD III (video)
- Prof. Maria José Henríquez, Institute of International Studies, University of Chile: Issues and challenges of international trade and development in UNCTAD III, vision of the academic world.
- Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD : Evolution of the issues and challenges of international trade and development since UNCTAD III and current perspectives.
Interventions and comments by participants
