WDTA Attends UNCTAD 60th Anniversary Commemoration and Seminar Events

2024-06-27 17:08:47

From June 12th to 14th, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a Global Leaders Forum themed "Charting New Development Paths in a Changing World" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, to mark the 60th anniversary of the institution. During the forum, government representatives from multiple countries, leaders of international organizations, and economic experts discussed how the world can address new challenges in trade and development, focusing on topics such as the digital economy, investment, industrial policy, and global value chains. The WDTA was invited to attend the forum and several subsequent seminar activities over the following week.

Key figures such as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Chair of the United Nations Committee on Science and Technology and Vice Chairman of the WDTA Education Committee, H.E. Muhammadou M. O. Kah , as well as political leaders like President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste, and Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin attended the opening ceremony. Several heads of state delivered video messages, with Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighting that China remains a part of the "Global South" and is forever a developing country. He emphasized that China is willing to work with all parties to promote a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and progressive future for the world, keeping in mind the well-being of humanity.

In his speech, António Guterres stated that UNCTAD is a powerful force for global change and the defense of multilateralism, making long-term contributions to the reform of the international financial architecture. He noted that the world currently faces numerous challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, rising inequality, climate change, and high global debt levels, and called for a new global consensus to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Rebeca Grynspan highlighted that multilateralism is the remedy for challenges such as trade protectionism. She called for increased representation in global governance, reduction of inequalities in the international financial system, and the creation of a more equitable development environment.

During the celebration week, H.E. Muhammadou M. O. Kah participated in multilateral seminars involving dozens of countries and met with UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and various ministers to discuss strengthening practical cooperation between the United Nations Committee on Science and Technology and the WDTA. H.E. Muhammadou M. O. Kah emphasized President Xi Jinping's call for countries to practice true multilateralism, advocate for inclusive economic globalization, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. He noted the importance of cooperation with United Nations agencies and member states to jointly conduct capacity-building training for developing countries, help them enhance technological innovation capabilities, and contribute to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

WDTA Executive Director Academician Dr.Yale Li delivered a video address at the International Organization Seminar and UN Forum at the Palais des Nations, stressing the importance of digital technology innovation and talent cultivation in achieving sustainable development goals. The conference brought together representatives from non-governmental organizations in 16 countries, including China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, India, the UAE, Nigeria, Pakistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Iraq, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, and Ethiopia. They jointly discussed the contributions and efforts of China and other countries in promoting global sustainable development.