In the picture: Ms Priya Pansare. Director-Trade and Investment Promotion, at the 36th Special Session of the UNCTAD 16 Preparatory Committee
In the picture: Ms Priya Pansare. Director-Trade and Investment Promotion, at the 36th Special Session of the UNCTAD 16 Preparatory Committee
Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai, along with fellow WTC Mumbai representatives, attended the 36th Special Session of the UNCTAD 16 Preparatory Committee on 19th September 2025, which brought together member states, international organizations, and experts to discuss trade, development, and multilateral cooperation in preparation for UNCTAD 16. The 36th Special Session of the Trade and Development Board was held to advance organizational and substantive preparations for UNCTAD 16, including reviewing reports from the Preparatory Committee and finalizing pre-Conference documents. It also addressed institutional, administrative, and procedural matters, such as the designation of states, intergovernmental bodies, and NGOs for the upcoming Conference.
The session opened with recorded remarks from Ms. Rebecca Greenspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, who highlighted the need to finalize the Outcome Document with direction over perfection, emphasizing that it should be robust, flexible, and ambitious. She underscored that UNCTAD can best serve member states when entrusted with flexibility to act on broad priorities and stressed the stakes for trade, development, and multilateralism, noting that the organization’s universal membership and development mandate ensure that no one is left behind. She thanked member states, the Chair, and the “Friends of the Chair” for their dedication, noting that the outcomes of the preparatory work would shape UNCTAD’s contribution to the global Development Agenda.
Key discussions highlighted inclusive and sustainable development, with countries such as Gambia, Uganda, and the Holy See stressing the importance of leaving no one behind. UNCTAD was recognized as a vital multilateral platform supporting developing countries in trade, investment, finance, climate action, digital economy, and capacity building. Delegates emphasized the need for reforms in international financial architecture, support for LDC graduation, climate finance, and technology transfer, while also underscoring constructive multilateralism, consensus-building, and active engagement in global trade processes. Appreciation was expressed to Finland for financial support to LDCs and CITs, and to Switzerland as the host country. The session also approved the agenda of the 72nd Session, updated membership lists including Armenia added to List D, approved NGO status for the Datasphere Initiative Foundation and the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development and finalized schedules for upcoming working parties and expert group meetings.
World Trade Center Mumbai, as part of its ongoing mission to promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic development, supports these objectives through initiatives that strengthen MSMEs, encourage entrepreneurship, foster women-led enterprises, and enhance market access for developing economies. By facilitating knowledge sharing, capacity-building programs, and public–private partnerships, WTC Mumbai helps create an ecosystem aligned with UNCTAD’s priorities, promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable trade practices across sectors and regions.
The session reinforced UNCTAD’s role as a key platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and multilateral collaboration, with institutions like WTC Mumbai contributing to advancing trade and development goals through practical initiatives that empower businesses and communities while promoting equitable global economic growth.