News

This week, UNCTAD told the story of how the power of blockchain is bigger than bitcoin, off the back of a discussion paper we produced for the inter-sessional for the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). We show how blockchain has the power to revolutionize development work, from strengthening vaccine supply chains to improving access to crop insurance for small-holder farmers. Read more in English, Français  or Español.
 
Then a new prototype database on the lifecycle of plastics developed by UNCTAD and the Graduate Institute Geneva has revealed that the global trade in plastics tops a whopping $1 trillion each year, or 5% of total merchandise trade. It shows where countries can apply trade policy pressure to reduce pollution. More in English, Français and Español. 

Finally, in a new commentary, UNCTAD Acting Secretary-General Isabelle Durant says developing countries stand to be hit the hardest by trade losses due to climate change. To avoid and prepare, they must enact adaptation measures to ensure 'trade-climate readiness, she says. More

Upcoming events

Report launch: Multinational Enterprises and the International Transmission of Gender Policies and Practices

Join us for an event to launch our new report on gender and multi-national corporations, to be marked on International Women's Day on Monday 8 March. We will cover these issues:

  • Do the benefits associated with FDI also translate into more gender-equal labour market outcomes?
  • Which polices can enable gender equality in FDI host countries?
  • What is the role of domestic labor market legislation in promoting women participation in the economy?
  • How can responsible investment principles, corporate social responsibility standards influence MNEs practices?
  • Does the inclusion of gender equality in international trade and investment agreements help to prevent lowering relevant labour market standards for the purpose of promoting investment?
  • How can the adoption of reporting standards help drive a change in corporate gender policies and practices?

The event takes place from 8am to 9:30am (Eastern Time/ NYT). Register to attend here.

Entrepreneurship for Migrants and Refugees e-Learning Course - Spanish version
(Spanish only)

UNCTAD and UNITAR invite you to join the second iteration of the Spanish version from March 22 to 23 May 2021.

This course provides guidance to foster the competences required by policymakers and practitioners to face different challenges in the formulation of effective, proportionate and constructive responses to complex public policy issues related to migration. It is based on UNITAR’s sound adult learning pedagogical principles. Each module includes readings, self-assessment activities and quizzes. Sign up here.

Mercosur trade, gender, and development training course (Spanish only)

Mercosur trade, gender, and development training course (Spanish only)

UNCTAD's Gender and Development Programme will organize a new edition of the online course on trade and gender linkages from 22 March to 9 May 2021.
 
Participants will have the possibility of taking an optional module focusing on the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) or the Central America region by pursuing an extra week of learning, from 10 to 16 May 2021. This edition of the course will be offered in Spanish only.
 
The course will focus on analyzing the links between trade, gender, and development. The course targets policymakers, academics, and representatives of civil society in developing countries, in particular Spanish-speaking developing countries, involved in policy formulation and implementation, research, teaching, and advocacy in the area of trade and gender. A limited number of applications will be considered from developed countries’ stakeholders. Qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
 
With support from the Government of Finland, selected participants will be exempt from fees associated with access to the course and the online tutoring services provided. Interested candidates should apply by following the instructions at https://cutt.ly/Okl0svO. The deadline for applications is 7 March 2021.To obtain assistance with the online application process, please contact elearningtrade@un.org.

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This newsletter was prepared for you by UNCTAD New York Office of the Secretary-General

Email: UNCTADNY2@un.org