From the Newsroom*
São Paulo – The 12th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad), to be held next year in Accra, capital of Ghana, will have the following theme: "Addressing the opportunities and challenges of globalisation for development." The theme was approved yesterday (19) by the Trade and Development Board at Unctad, according to a press release published today by the institution.
According to the release, the secretary-general at Unctad, Supachai Panitchpakdi, said the effects of globalisation are felt everywhere, but that there is still concern and even fear surrounding its consequences to the overall development and well-being. "The Unctad will present us with an opportunity to discuss flaws in the process, at the same time preserving and broadening the beneficial effects of globalisation, in order to disperse fears and identify measures that will allow for all to reap the fruits that globalisation may yield," he claimed. According to the secretary-general, his office will deliver a report by July, containing ideas to be discussed pertaining to the chosen theme.
The Board also decided that the conference will have four sub-themes: enhancing coherence at all levels for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in global policymaking, including the contribution of regional approaches; key trade and development issues and the new realities in the geography of the world economy; enhancing the enabling environment at all levels to strengthen productive capacity, trade and investment; mobilizing resources and harnessing knowledge for development; and strengthening Unctad – enhancing its development role, impact, and institutional effectiveness.
The 12th Unctad will be held from April 20 to 25, 2008. The last edition took place in São Paulo in June 2004. The conference is held every four years.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
