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UNCTAD: Members, Objectives & Functions | UPSC

UNCTAD- Members, Objectives & Functions IAS TOPPERS

UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) rebranded as UN Trade and Development.

UNCTAD
[Ref: UNCTAD]

About UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development):

  • The UNCTAD, short for United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, was established in 1964. It was set up as a permanent intergovernmental body by the United Nations General Assembly.
  • Its main goal is to assist developing countries, especially those that are least developed or transitioning, to effectively integrate into the global economy.

Membership

  • UNCTAD has 195 member nations, including India.

Headquarters

  • The headquarters of UNCTAD are in Geneva, Switzerland.

Missions of UNCTAD:

  • UNCTAD helps countries explore options to tackle large-scale development challenges.
  • It supports efforts to diversify economies and reduce reliance on commodities.
  • The organization aims to limit exposure to financial volatility.
  • UNCTAD promotes a global partnership for development and seeks to improve coherence in global economic policymaking.
  • It ensures that all countries reap the benefits of development gains linked to trade.

Objectives of UNCTAD:

  • Diversify economic activities to minimize dependence on commodities.
  • Promote global partnerships and coherence in economic policy-making.
  • Ensure that all countries benefit from trade-related development gains.

Structure of UNCTAD:

  • The highest policy-making body of UNCTAD is the Conference, which meets every four years to establish policies and create work programs.

Functions of UNCTAD:

  • The Trade and Development Board acts as the executive body, managing operations when the Conference is not in session.
  • The UNCTAD Secretariat, a part of the UN Secretariat, carries out policy analysis, monitors and implements decisions, and facilitates technical cooperation and information exchanges.

Key Activities of UNCTAD:

  • UNCTAD conducts economic and trade analysis and facilitates consensus-building.
  • It offers technical assistance to make use of trade, investment, finance, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development.

Reports of UNCTAD:

  • The organization publishes important reports such as the Trade and Development Report, the World Investment Report, and the Least Developed Countries Report.

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