About UNCTAD
Globalization, including a phenomenal expansion of trade, has helped lift millions out of poverty. But not nearly enough people have benefited. And tremendous challenges remain. We support developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively. And we help equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration. To do this, we provide analysis, facilitate consensus-building, and offer technical assistance. This helps them to use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.Activities by UNCTAD
Current studies on Science, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI
Global BrazilChinaScience, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI is a priority theme of the 29th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). The research paper explores strategies for maximizing the impact of AI on STI activities, with particular attention to those oriented toward development. It focuses on supporting policymakers in developing countries to design responsive innovative policies to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing risks, thereby enhancing productive capacities and fostering domestic technology development that benefits all sectors of society.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsAwareness/AdvocacyUNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable: Harnessing artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development
Global BrazilEstoniaFinlandGhanaRepublic of KoreaTürkiyeIt is a high-level ministerial roundtable held during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, focused on discussing national AI strategies and fostering global cooperation to ensure AI is accessible and beneficial for all.
Activity Type Awareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/ExchangeAI-powered collection of trade requirements for transparency and analysis
Global GambiaKenyaNamibiaZambiaThe first phase of the Development Account project “2629H AI-powered trade and gender policy for four African countries” aims to leverage AI to accelerate the collection of trade-related regulations and non-tariff measures (NTMs). AI analysis steps will be integrated into the NTM data entry tool to: 1) assess large volumes of regulations; 2) identify and classify NTM-related information; and 3) automatically populate structured data fields. This activity will reduce the time and cost of data collection, enabling resource-constrained countries to improve transparency and strengthen analysis through more frequently updated data.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsTechnical Assistance