The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly, established in 1964 to promote trade, investment, and development in developing countries. The quadrennial ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of UNCTAD. It is widely attended by stakeholders in development including Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of governments, international institutions, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the private sector.
As part of the Conference, a side event has been organised by UNCTAD and the ACP group in collaboration with CTA, the TBT Programme and the TradeComm programme. Entitled 'Harnessing the blue economy for sustainable economic growth and development', this event will discuss the implementation of blue economy initiatives as they relate to trade and investment and measures to attain SDG 14 whose objective is to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development,” and other related goals. Discussions centre on emerging opportunities that the blue economy offers in areas such as coastal fisheries and aquaculture, biotechnology, maritime transport and energy.
The event will be moderated by H.E. Dr Patrick I. Gomes, Secretary-General of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). The high-level panel of speakers will be composed of H.E. Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD; Mr Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Government of Fiji; Hon. Dr Carlos López, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; and Mr Lawrence Othieno, Trade expert from the COMESA Secretariat.
Download the event's brochure to learn more [3,2 MB].
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