The Weekly Tradecast by UNCTAD

As the race for critical minerals heats up, deep sea mining is being hailed by some as a path to a greener future – and condemned by others as a major threat to marine life. In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) legal officer David Vivas explores the legal, environmental and economic sides of this controversial topic. From marine jurisdictions to the seabed's untapped riches, he shares expert insight into why we may not be ready for this new frontier. Is this truly the key to clean energy, or just another environmental risk? Listen now.

Hemp is an environmentally friendly and versatile plant used in various industries, from textiles and ropes to medicine and construction. Yet, this wonder plant has not reached its full potential, partly because it belongs to the cannabis family. While industrial hemp is not an intoxicating plant, perceptions that hemp is a drug have kept it controversial in many countries. In the latest episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Marco Fugazza explores how hemp can support sustainable growth in developing countries and contribute to a greener future. Tune in for insights into how hemp could help shape a greener and more sustainable future for global trade.

It's more than just a metal. It's in our phones, our homes, our cars – quietly powering our daily lives. As demand increases for clean technologies, like solar panels and electric vehicles, copper is increasingly in the spotlight. But what are the costs and consequences of mining it – and who really benefits? Can we meet these demands without repeating past mistakes? In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we speak with Professor Daniel Franks, Director of the Global Centre for Mineral Security at the University of Queensland. Listen now to learn about the global race for critical minerals, the environmental and social costs of extraction, and the urgent need for inclusive reforms in how we power our future.

Antibiotics save lives. But when the supplies run low or bacteria become resistant, the risks grow — especially in developing countries. On this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Bruno Casella explores the challenges of securing essential antibiotics, the impact of limited local production, and how better investment and coordination can strengthen supply chains. Join us to discuss UNCTAD's findings on antibiotic shortages in East Africa and the urgent need for action.

In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, Luz María de la Mora, Director of UNCTAD's Trade Division, looks into the complex realities behind today's trade debates. In a world shaped by disruption – from climate change and geopolitical tensions to digital transformations – the global trading system is at a crossroads. Free trade, once seen as a force for prosperity and integration, is now under scrutiny. But is trade the culprit or a catalyst for solutions? Drawing from decades of experience in international negotiations, she explores how trade can remain a force for good – one that fuels inclusive growth, empowers small businesses, supports the green and digital transitions, and offers hope to communities worldwide. Listen now to discover why, even in turbulent times, trade still holds the potential to drive sustainable development – if we get it right.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at tariffs with Emily Blanchard, a former Chief Economist at the U.S. State Department. Not long ago, we were deep in a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has now eased a bit but geopolitics remain tense and the global economy is still struggling to recover. But rather than moving towards more open trade, many countries are becoming more protectionist. Adding to the unease, countries are threatening to slap huge tariffs on major trading partners. In the current climate, there are fears that escalating tariffs could lead to trade wars - a scenario with grim prospects for many developing countries. For more on the ins and outs of tariffs, tune in to Emily Blanchard from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the global trade in food and why developing countries must move up the value chain to help drive the sustainability of what we eat with Jennifer Clapp, Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security and Sustainability. Crises, conflicts and climate change are all affecting how and where our food is grown, processed and shipped. At the same time, the global food system is dominated by a few huge companies that shape policies, trade and development. Listen in to Jennifer Clapp, Professor at the University of Waterloo, to see how the Global South can play a bigger role in supply chains and a sustainable food future.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at Africa's economies and ways to boost trade, reduce risk and unlock the continent's potential with Mona Farid Mohmed Badran from Cairo University and also UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) chief of the Africa section, Habiba Barka. From economic turbulence to the impact of climate change, UN Trade and Development's latest report on Africa says much of the continent struggles to get ahead due to repeated exposure to external shocks. Its economies are particularly vulnerable because they rely heavily on commodity exports, carry high levels of debt and have limited technology infrastructure. According to the new Economic Development in Africa report, key steps forward include wider diversification of economies, greater regional trade and more robust rules across the continent of 1.4 billion people. For more on the report and its recommendations, tune in to Mona Farid Mohmed Badran and Habiba Barka.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the trends in South-South trade – along with some challenges on the horizon – with Giselle Datz, an expert in the global political economy at Virginia Tech. Throughout modern history, wealthy nations in the north have been consuming food, minerals and other goods from developing countries most often found in what's called the Global South. But in recent years, the patterns of market power have been shifting within Asia, Latin America and Africa – with profound implications for the global economy and development. The latest UN Trade and Development report says that South-South trade has more than doubled since 2007. In 2023, that trade within the Global South was worth $5.6 trillion. But against this backdrop Donald Trump, the new US president, takes office with talk of tariffs and protectionism. For more on what lies ahead for the Global South and where the risks are, tune in to Giselle Datz, Associate Professor in the Government and International Affairs Program at Virginia Tech.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can bridge inequality in the global economy and create a fairer system with economist, academic and author James Galbraith. In recent decades, the economic centre of gravity has been shifting with the growing presence of big developing countries on the world stage. But many gaps and inequalities persist – just as climate change, rapid changes in technology and major shifts in geopolitics are transforming the way we live and reshaping the future of the planet. With so much to deal with, what are the priorities so that developing countries can be resilient and prosperous? Tune in to James Galbraith from the University of Texas at Austin to find out how we can get on the right track to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at tax with Lorraine Eden, professor emerita of management at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Nobody likes to pay tax, but collecting more of it is one way that countries can bring in billions of extra dollars each year to support economic and social development. One big challenge is the way that giant corporations are able to move profits around the world to places where they pay the lowest taxes. To ensure that multinationals pay their fair share, around 140 countries are working on global reforms to the tax architecture – including an agreed minimum rate of tax on big companies. For a deeper look at these reforms and how they could help developing countries, tune in to professor and prolific author Lorraine Eden.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how the green transition is transforming the global economy, national policies and almost every aspect of our lives with the International Trade Centre's Vanessa Erogbogbo. As the impact of climate change gets worse, the focus is on finding solutions that make a difference. Much more needs to be done but steps to cut emissions and use more renewable energy are already opening new frontiers for technology, creating new opportunities for business and redrawing the map for the resources we use and the products we make. So how does that big picture connect and affect daily life in our work and in our communities? For more on the macro to micro aspects of the green transition, listen in to Vanessa Erogbogbo, chief of the ITC's green and inclusive value chains section.

The Weekly Tradecast closes the year with a special episode highlighting key moments and voices in global development in 2024 and the paths we're forging for a more inclusive and resilient future. It's been a transformative year, marked by extraordinary challenges and opportunities. From rising economic uncertainties and shifting trade landscapes to the collaborative spirit of the Global Leaders Forum and the UN Summit of the Future, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. Tune in to see how trade can drive sustainable development, transforming the world's challenges into opportunities and shaping a better future for everyone. The Weekly Tradecast returns in early January with more insights on the world of trade and development. We wish you happy holidays and a new year filled with possibilities.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at trade, industrial policy and the role of the private sector in promoting the interests of developing countries with special guest John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, UN Trade and Development convened government leaders, top economists and other experts in Geneva earlier this year to chart a new course for development in a changing world. For a deeper look at the forum and how the private sector can support inclusive development, listen in to global business leader and advisor John Denton from the ICC.

This week, after the COP29 global climate summit, The Weekly Tradecast is looking at renewable energy and why trade, aid and investment policies need a rethink. Join Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Carlos Razo from the UN Global Crisis Response Group for insights on our urgent need to harness other kinds of energy as the global population grows, fossil fuels run out and our planet gets hotter. A new report by UN Trade and Development says trade in solar and wind technologies is booming but that the expansion must be faster, smoother, cheaper and more universal. Without investment and support from rich countries, developing nations may be sidelined. Tune in to Francesco La Camera and Carlos Razo for a deeper look at how to better support development and a greener future with renewable energy.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can make sustainable fabrics and other materials recycled from agricultural waste with UN Trade and Development economist Henrique Pacini. For every banana or pineapple we eat, much of the plant is discarded during harvesting or processing. But this trash can be treasure. Transforming waste from bananas and pineapples into dresses and sneakers may seem farfetched but these eco-materials could help offset the environmental damage from fast fashion.  Listen in to UN Trade and Development's Henrique Pacini to find out how these innovative fibres not only promise to reduce plastic and other synthetics but are also creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

With the COP29 global climate summit underway, The Weekly Tradecast looks at how to get the money we need for the green transition with economist, finance expert and sustainability advisor Sony Kapoor. It will take trillions of dollars to meet climate and development goals. The world's advanced economies have pledged billions to help developing countries but, so far, few of the promises have been met and just a small amount of the funding is flowing. Listen in to special guest Sony Kapoor to follow the money and find out how we can finance the green transition and really make a difference.

As the COP 29 global climate summit gets underway, The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role of trade and investment in getting to a greener future with UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Chantal Line Carpentier. Making trade cleaner and greener is vital to achieving global climate targets. At the same time, large investments are needed to move to cleaner greener energy, cut emissions and adapt to climate change. Tune in to senior agricultural and environmental economist Chantal Line Carpentier to hear how economic growth and development, lower emissions and a zero-carbon future are all possible – with the right policies and actions.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how carbon markets can help the most vulnerable countries address inequalities and protect the planet with UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Paul Akiwumi and Jean-Paul Adam from the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa. Least developed countries (LDCs) suffer much of the human and economic toll of climate change – even though they do little damage themselves. To help them, UNCTAD's latest report on LDCs looks at how the trading of carbon to mitigate climate change can also open up extra funds for development. Carbon trading seeks to limit emissions by allowing production in one place, such as a factory, to be offset against reductions in another place. But critics say it gives rich countries a licence to pollute and that many developing countries see few benefits. How can carbon trading help support sustainable and inclusive growth? Tune in to Paul Akiwumi and Jean-Paul Adam to find out. 

The Weekly Tradecast looks at why we must rethink development strategies as growth slows and social discontent rises. Anastasia Nesvetailova, a senior economist at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), shares her insights from the latest report showing that stagnating economic growth is not strong enough for developing countries to tackle their many challenges.  On top of climate change and multiple crises, slow global growth and weak investment are worsening economic divides and fueling discontent. But the disruption also opens the way for the Global South to reshape trade, development and the green transition.  Tune in to Anastasia Nesvetailova, director of UNCTAD's macroeconomic and development policies branch, for more from the report on how we can adjust our thinking, investments and actions to best support inclusive development.

The Weekly Tradecast talks to Richard Baldwin – professor at IMD Business School and an expert on globalization – for his insights on the big economic shifts from manufacturing to services and what they mean for developing countries. Services have proven to be resilient to crises in recent years and are growing rapidly — offering opportunities to developing countries for growth in jobs, incomes, investment and trade. Tune in for more on these big shifts from Richard Baldwin, who the Financial Times calls "one of the most important thinkers in this era of global disruption".

The Weekly Tradecast looks at why trade, smart diversification and wider investment in development hold the keys to a more stable and sustainable future with special guest Célestin Monga, who teaches public policy at Harvard University. In June, we marked the 60th birthday of UN Trade and Development with the Global Leaders Forum. With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, government leaders, top economists and other experts convened in Geneva to chart a new course for development in a changing world. For a deeper look from the forum, tune in to special guest economist, author and former World Bank official Célestin Monga.

With the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund happening this month, the Weekly Tradecast is looking at Bretton Woods with special guest Danny Quah, Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. The Bretton Woods agreement of July 1944 – about a year before the end of World War Two – aimed to create an efficient foreign exchange system and promote trade and economic growth. All of the countries in the system agreed to a fixed peg of their currencies against the U.S. dollar, which in turn was pegged to the price of gold. The currency peg and the system collapsed in the early 1970s. But out of the Bretton Woods system came various multilateral organisations that remain as fixtures of trade, development and the global financial architecture. Today, there are calls for new approaches as climate change threatens the planet, a series of crises hit the global economy and many countries suffer from debt distress that is stunting their growth. Tune in to special guest Danny Quah from the National University of Singapore to learn more about the 80-year legacy of Bretton Woods and how the global financial system could better support development.

The Weekly Tradecast talks about a potential energy source that could play a vital role in the fight against climate change with economist and atmospheric physicist Robert Hamwey, who formerly worked at UN Trade and Development. Hydrogen is clean, green and abundant. But there are challenges -- not least that it's expensive to make and often uses natural gas in the production process. It is also very flammable. To liquefy it for shipping, it must be chilled to just shy of absolute zero. Energy companies already make most of the world's hydrogen fuel, leaving critics to complain about vested interests. Is hydrogen really an answer to our energy needs or just an expensive diversion? Listen in to Robert Hamwey to find out.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how the global economy is evolving in a more fragmented world with special guest Isabella Weber, assistant professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has changed profoundly in response to many challenges and opportunities. Now, technology and climate change are major forces transforming our work, lives and futures. At the same time, a series of crises and conflicts are creating a greater sense of fragmentation. In June, we marked the 60th birthday of UN Trade and Development with the Global Leaders Forum. Heads of government, leading economists and other experts convened in Geneva to chart a new development course in a changing world. Listen in to special guest Isabella Weber for her perspective from the Global Leaders Forum on how we can better support trade and development while building global resilience in the midst of disruptions and difficulties.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the UN's Summit of the Future and how any hopes for sustainable and inclusive development depend on us making fundamental changes in how we think and act. Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has seen huge transformations of economies, technologies and societies. To meet our new realities, world leaders at this week's Summit of the Future will be shaping how we recover from multiple crises now and create greener, more inclusive progress for generations to come. At the summit – an initiative by UN Secretary General António Guterres – leaders are expected to agree on new measures and reforms covering the multilateral system, climate change, the digital world, the Sustainable Development Goals and more. In the face of crises and complexities, listen to the voices of eminent economists, young people, the private sector and UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan on how we can work collectively to build a better world.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the devastating impact of the Israel-Gaza war on the Palestinian economy with Rami Alazzeh, an expert in conflict and development economics at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). On October 7 last year, Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Since then, the response by Israel's military has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Much of the tiny territory has been reduced to rubble and most of its 2 million people have been displaced in a humanitarian crisis. A new report by UN Trade and Development says the economy in Gaza has collapsed and few people have any work. Beyond Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank are increasingly feeling the effects of the war on trade, tourism and jobs. Tune in to UN Trade and Development's Rami Alazzeh to hear more about the economic impact and what it will take to help the Palestinian economy recover and rebuild.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at international aid and how more is needed to boost economies and people with Julia Gruebler from the technical team of the UN Global Crisis Response Group. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is more than just cash. The grants, loans and technical assistance from various governments can support societies with access to electricity, clean water, healthcare and education. Along with remittances and foreign direct investment, ODA is one of the most stable kinds of external financing for developing countries, especially in times of crisis. The good news is ODA jumped to record levels in 2022, even during a pandemic. But developing regions actually saw ODA shrink by 2 percent – affecting more than 70 countries and nearly 3 billion people. As conflict, geopolitics and financial pressures reshape priorities, the aid landscape is undergoing huge shifts that could undermine development in many countries. Listen in to UN Trade and Development's Julia Gruebler for more on aid under pressure and the future of ODA.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the economic power and potential of creativity with our special guest, John Howkins, who coined the term "creative economy". Countries, companies and universities around the world are eager to embrace innovation and people with fresh ideas. The creative economy – ranging from art, film and theatre to advertising, fashion, music and video games – is already worth at least $1.5 trillion and it's growing fast. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says the industry and its creative solutions can support sustainable development, promote diversity and help overcome global challenges.  So how do we make money from ideas and how can that power a brighter future for everyone? To find out listen in to John Howkins visiting professor at the University of Lincoln and vice dean and visiting professor at the Shanghai School of Creativity.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at cocoa and the impact of climate change with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) senior economist Rodrigo Cárcamo-Díaz. Cocoa beans are the key ingredient of chocolate and also an important part of health supplements, cosmetics, fragrances and more. But cocoa prices have risen sharply this year, driven up by poor harvests in West Africa, which produces the bulk of global supplies and the El Niño weather phenomenon earlier this year. Hotter temperatures and shifts in rainfall caused by climate change also have an impact on harvests. Soaring prices are squeezing chocolate makers and hitting consumers. But the higher prices are not translating into gains for farmers – who are struggling with higher production costs and lower crop yields. Tune in to UN Trade and Development's Rodrigo Cárcamo-Díaz to find out if we're in a cocoa crisis?

The Weekly Tradecast looks at lead-acid batteries and why they remain so popular despite the world moving towards greener energy with UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Henrique Pacini. Invented more than 160 years ago, lead-acid batteries are still the most widely used rechargeable batteries. Reliable and relatively cheap, they're found in everything from cars and trucks to electric wheelchairs and backup power supplies. But they carry significant costs for the environment and our health. Making the batteries creates greenhouse gases, and lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. In developing countries, economic need often outweighs safety as people melt down the valuable lead to repair and reuse old batteries. Listen in to UN Trade and Development's Henrique Pacini to see how we can make recyclable batteries that are affordable – and also safer for our health and our environment.

As we celebrate International Youth day, The Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of investing in the skills and opportunities of the young with Chidinma Udeogu and Arlette Verploegh. Chidinma Udeogu is part of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) youth network, and Arlette Verploegh created and coordinates the global group of 18- to 30-year-olds to share their ideas, experiences and voices to shape trade and development. In many countries, there are too many young people chasing too few jobs. That's bad for the economy and can also fuel tensions in society. At the same time, there are not enough workers with the skills needed for the economy of the future. Tune in to Chidinma Udeogu at the Nigeria Economic Zones Association and UN Trade and Development's Arlette Verploegh to find out how we can help young people get ready for work, encourage entrepreneurs and support trade and development in the future.

As 2024 is UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) 60th birthday, The Weekly Tradecast takes a step back in time with Danielle Hughes, chief of the records management unit. The United Nations was created after the Second World War to preserve peace as the forum for countries to work together towards common goals. But it was not until 1964 that UNCTAD was set up in Geneva as its own agency to promote the interests of developing countries in world trade.   Tune in to Danielle Hughes for stories from the formation of UN Trade and Development and our evolution over the last 60 years to keep improving the lives of billions of people around the world.

With the summer holidays starting, The Weekly Tradecast looks at travel and consumer protection rights with Alicia Gomez, Legal Counsel at the UN World Tourism Organization. With millions of people on the move this summer, many holiday makers have no idea of their rights or the protections in place when something goes wrong. During the pandemic, millions of flights were cancelled and many tourists stranded abroad. The crisis exposed the disparities of consumer rights, highlighting the need for an international legal framework to help tourists in distress. Tourism is worth nearly 10 trillion US dollars and provides work for more than one in 10 people, so there's an economic urgency to keeping the industry moving and consumers confident, especially in Developing countries where tourism can make up a major part of the economy. Listen in to Alicia Gomez for more on how an international code to protect tourists - created by the UN - offers better legal support in a world with new risks from technology and the rise of online tourism.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the Sustainable Development Goals with a special guest - Marina Ponti, Director of the UN SDGs Action Campaign. In 2015, UN members signed up to 17 SDGs that range from ending extreme poverty to tackling the climate crisis. The goals are supposed to be met by 2030 to fulfil the promise of a better future for people and the planet. But trillions of dollars are needed to meet the targets - and efforts are faltering at a time of turmoil and tensions. Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created to promote a fairer economic system, the world has seen many sets of challenges and opportunities. Now - and into the future - the SDGs are vital ways to improve people's lives by addressing inequality, sustainability and climate change. Tune in to the UN's Marina Ponti to find out how can we get back on track.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the Digital Economy Report from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with Torbjorn Fredriksson. Around the world, greater access to technology has revolutionised the way we live and work. While the changes are delivering many benefits, the new report says how we manage the digital transformation will have a major influence on the future of humanity and the health of our planet. With technology and digitalisation evolving quickly, the environmental footprint is also growing - from the rising demand for minerals, water and energy to the creation of more pollution and waste. For many developing countries, they are seeing only limited benefits from the digital economy but are highly exposed to the environmental impact. Listen in to Torbjorn Fredriksson, Head of the E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch, to hear how new business models, policies and strategies can help maximise the positive aspects of digitalisation and minimise the negative effects.

The Weekly Tradecast dives into the benefits and potential of seaweed with UN Trade and Development lawyer David Vivas. Climate change is affecting harvests around the globe. But seaweed is one of the few food crops that have a positive effect on the environment.    It's also high in protein, making it a promising substitute for meat and an even more sustainable alternative than soya.   Seaweed also has potential in pharmaceuticals and as a substitute for some plastics, reducing the use of fossil fuels that are a main cause of climate change.   To find out more, listen in to UN Trade and Development's David Vivas for how this versatile plant could transform many parts of our lives. BBC credit

The Weekly Tradecast looks at why we need to chart a new course for development – with insights from our Global Leaders Forum.  UN Trade and Development is celebrating our 60th year of promoting a fairer economic system and access to the benefits of global trade. As we mark this milestone of transforming people's lives, we're also evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. "Charting a new development course in a changing world" was the focus of our recent anniversary event in Geneva with hundreds of senior officials and leading thinkers.  In the face of crises and complexities, tune in to this week's episode to find out how we can build a better future.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the World Investment Report 2024 and the latest trends with UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Richard Bolwijn.  Global flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) declined by 2% to $1.3 trillion dollars last year.  The headline number included big swings in a small number of conduit economies – which often act as intermediaries for FDI destined for other countries. Without those drivers, FDI globally would have been even lower.  This year should be better but risks and uncertainties persist – especially for developing countries that need investment to grow now and adapt in the future.  Tune in to Richard Bolwijn, Head of Investment Research, to hear how investment policies and decisions are being shaped by technology, sustainability and geopolitical tensions.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at today's challenges and the opportunities of tomorrow with special guest UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. We'll be talking about her vision for UN Trade and Development, how to address new challenges and why we must move forward together to create an inclusive and sustainable future. Founded in 1964 as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – or UNCTAD – our organization promotes a fairer economic system and helps developing countries to access the benefits of global trade. Now UN Trade and Development is building on six decades of success as our work evolves to keep improving the lives of billions of people around the world. Tune in to Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan to find out what it takes to lead this global organization and get her perspective on the course of development in a changing world.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the evolution of science and technology with one of the most influential women in UK tech, special guest Sana Khareghani. Since 1964, when UN Trade and Development was created, the world has seen a series of new realities, challenges and opportunities.  These days, advances in artificial intelligence and other technologies are racing ahead, transforming education, finance, medicine and many other fields at a lightning pace.   The benefits are enormous but so are the risks. As some countries, sectors and workers see great gains, others may lose out.   With technology such a driving force, listen to Sana Khareghani, professor of practice in AI at King's College London, to find out how to get on track to a better future for all. 

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for rules to balance the benefits and risks with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) legal expert Arnau Izaguerri Vila. Innovations in AI are racing ahead as machines get better and faster at analysing information on a vast scale. Already, the advances are transforming many fields of work and also reshaping our social interactions. The potential benefits are enormous but so too are the risks. As some countries, sectors and workers see great gains, others may lose out. And as AI blurs the boundaries of reality, it creates worrying new tools for disinformation. To keep up with these astonishing advances, tune in to Arnau Vila and find out why the United Nations says we need bold strategies and broad cooperation to develop shared standards around AI.

As the United Nations first Global Supply Chain Forum gets underway, The Weekly Tradecast gets an update on shipping disruptions that are adding to the global challenges with UN Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Jan Hoffmann.  Ships carry about 80% of goods globally – from production to consumption. With tensions high in the Middle East, attacks by Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea have diverted large amounts of traffic from one of the world's most important shipping shortcuts.  Another shortcut – the Panama Canal – is suffering its own disruptions as low water levels reduce the number and size of ships that can pass through.  Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, and Jan Hoffmann, head of the organization's trade logistics branch, have just been on the ground in Panama.  Tune in to Jan Hoffmann to get an overview on the disruptions and how countries, businesses and consumers are coping. 

The Weekly Tradecast looks at low-lying coastal countries and the unique threats they face from climate change with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) senior economist Mussie Delelegn.  The resilience and prosperity of these countries is the focus of the UN's fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in late May. Known as SIDS, these dozens of small island states are the most vulnerable to extreme weather, rising seas and coastal erosion brought on by climate change. The human and economic costs are enormous. If climate trends continue, some of the islands could soon disappear under the waves.  Listen in to Mussie Delelegn to learn how the SIDS can build their economies, protect their people and mitigate the impact of climate change.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the importance of science, technology and innovation for global development – and our future – with Virginia Dignum, Director of the AI Policy Lab at Umea University. Artificial intelligence (AI) is very much in the news but it's just one of many emerging technologies with huge implications for our economies, our societies and the environment. How do we create benefits that are inclusive and sustainable? How do we plan for a future that's evolving so rapidly?  Tune in to Virginia Dignum, a member of the UN's AI Advisory Board, to explore the disruptions, opportunities and innovations that are transforming our world and our lives.

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at a new report by the United Nations on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) with Bruno Casella, a senior economist at UN Trade and Development. By tracking 20 years of FDI, the report says global flows are slowing down in the long term. Services are still growing quickly but manufacturing activity has suffered the most.  The stagnation was already happening but the report says recent shocks – ranging from the pandemic to geopolitical tensions – have highlighted how the global economy is becoming more fractured. All of these factors, it says, will reshape investment decisions, international production and global value chains. Tune in to Bruno Casella, who led the new FDI report, to find out the implications for developing countries industrializing their economies.

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the rare metals and minerals used in mobile phones, laptops and electric car batteries with Clovis Freire, chief of the commodity research and analysis section at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Electric vehicles are seen as clean because they don't belch out exhaust fumes that fuel climate change. But some of the materials that go into them – especially the minerals and rare elements in their batteries – have large carbon footprints.  The environmental impact of extracting materials like cobalt, copper, lithium and graphite is a major concern.  In countries where much of the mining is done, there can be issues over human rights and the benefits to communities. With demand high and supplies limited, these materials also drive concerns about market domination by just a few producers.  Tune in to UN Trade and Development's Clovis Freire to find out more about these rare metals and minerals and how to make them greener.

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the update to the UN's Trade and Development Report with UNCTAD director Richard Kozul-Wright. On the positive side – despite high inflation, high interest rates and gloomy forecasts – the global economy grew 2.7% last year. The bad news – the update says – is that the positive momentum is going to waste and that growth looks set to be slower this year at 2.6%. Tune in to UN Trade and Development's Richard Kozul-Wright to find out how we address not only rising interest rates and inflation but also the urgent challenges of climate change, underinvestment and inequality before it's too late.

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the connection between food, health and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals with Bojan Nastav, a statistician with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).  UN Trade and Development has teamed up with the World Health Organization to study the global trade of healthy and less healthy food.  At least 10% of the world's people live in hunger. At the same time, more than 40% of all adults are overweight.   So, it's not just a matter of quantity – or getting enough to eat. It's also about quality by ensuring people have access to safe and nutritious food to help them stay healthy.  Greater insights into the trade flows of food offer new ways for the WHO and others to analyse and address diseases that are linked to nutrition.  Tune in to Bojan Nastav, one of the authors of the report, to find out how this research can help governments better understand food markets and develop nutrition-related trade policies. 

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom that measures its success in "Gross National Happiness" with UNCTAD director Paul Akiwumi.  Bhutan and its 800,000 people now have an extra reason to be happy – after graduating from the UN list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) into full developing country status. It's only the seventh nation in 50 years to make that jump.    Bhutan was included in the first group of LDCs in 1971. Over the last few decades, it has made remarkable progress on various social and economic metrics, including big improvements in poverty levels, education and life expectancy.  Tune in to UNCTAD's Paul Akiwumi to find out how Bhutan achieved this feat and what the 45 countries still classified as LDCs can learn from its development path.

Just ahead of Zero Waste Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks trash with UNCTAD economist Henrique Silva Pacini Costa. From plastic packaging to fast fashion to car batteries, we have been creating mountains of waste for decades. It's everywhere – in landfills, in the air, in plants and animals and in our oceans – and it can take decades or even centuries to degrade.    We've recycled just nine percent of the plastic we started making 70 years ago, so that's not going to solve the problem.    Tune in to UNCTAD's Henrique Silva Pacini Costa to find out what we must do to reduce our rubbish and why we must do it quickly.