I welcome @UN efforts to facilitate trade through the Strait of Hormuz. As I have said before, with global food security at risk, a mechanism to facilitate trade in fertilizers through the Strait could be a very valuable step to wider diplomatic dialogue. www.un.org/sg/en/conten...

Thank you Bakú Forum for the opportunity to present my vision as candidate for UN Secretary-General, underlining the importance of the UN in the current context & the challenges it faces.

Costa Rica has officially presented my candidacy for UN Secretary-General. I want to thank the President, the government and the people of Costa Rica 🇨🇷 for their support and trust in me. I’ll work tirelessly to honour that trust and chart the course for a reformed UN. www.rree.go.cr?sec=exterior...

Costa Rica ha presentado oficialmente mi candidatura para Secretaría General de la ONU. Agradezco al Presidente, Gobierno y pueblo de 🇨🇷 por su apoyo y confianza. Trabajaré sin descanso para honrar esa confianza y trazar una senda de renovación para Naciones Unidas. www.rree.go.cr?sec=exterior...

In Windhoek, we discussed concrete pathways for economic diversification and industrial upgrading amid rising global demand for critical minerals. Namibia could unlock over $900 million in new economic activity and create around 26,000 jobs by expanding beyond raw mineral exports.

I was pleased to pay a courtesy call to H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, in Lusaka ahead of the launch of UN Trade and Development’s report on value addition and diversification of critical energy transition minerals in Zambia.

Renewal of US trade preferences for Africa brings stability. As I explain in my op-ed, lasting progress depends on producing more at home, trading within the region, and creating better jobs through value-added exports: https://ow.ly/vHTc50YgHrC

How AGOA renewal shapes Africa’s trade future

Despite heightened trade tensions and policy volatility, global trade and growth demonstrated notable resilience in 2025.

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I was pleased to meet inspiring women leaders at the Africa Business Forum who are driving real change across the continent. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment are shaping stronger economies and opening new opportunities for future generations.

At the Africa Business Forum, the conversation moves from policy vision to implementation. Private investment drives transformation. Both are essential for long-term economic resilience. I'm honoured to be speaking at the Africa Business Forum.

Pleased to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama, to discuss the economic and development opportunities for Africa and how UNCTAD can support the efforts.

Happy to meet UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed on the sidelines of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

Least developed countries are growing but at per capita rates too low to cut poverty at scale. Sustainable & inclusive growth needs stronger investment in skills, digital connectivity & productive diversification. Our latest research published this week: https://ow.ly/ozZm50Yf0VP

Least developed countries must create 13.2mn jobs a year until 2050. Predictable rules-based market access matters. The US renewal of #AGOA helps, providing duty-free access for 21 LDCs in sub-Saharan Africa. See our latest research published this week: https://ow.ly/Uob050Yf0PQ

At the 39th African Union Summit, leaders are shaping the continent’s economic future. UNCTAD is committed to supporting Africa's economic prosperity & sustainable development. It requires diversification, value addition & productive capacity. The AU Summit provides the opportunity to advance.

Global growth is slowing. Investment is weak. Debt is squeezing policy space. But with coherent strategies and global support, quality services-led growth is an opportunity for least developed countries. See our latest research published this week: https://ow.ly/zciG50Yf0BL

Glad to be at the #MunichSecurityConference - in a global context of polarization and an increasing number of armed conflicts, we need spaces where we debate peace and security and connect security, economics and geopolitics. #MSC2026 #GlobalStability

An honour to meet with Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, today in Ankara.

Valuable exchange with H.E. Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Panama, on regional trade integration, Panama's key role in trade logistics & services, & building resilient supply chains through cooperation in a shifting global economy.

Grateful for a constructive exchange with H.E. President Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, on advancing regional economic integration, promoting investment and resilient supply chains, and boosting sustainable, inclusive growth across the Caribbean and Latin America.

It was a pleasure to exchange with The Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, on strengthening regional cooperation, multilateral engagement, and shared development and trade priorities.

It was good to catch up with H.E. Luis Alberto Jaramillo, Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment, on trade policy, investment promotion and advancing sustainable development priorities during the World Governments Summit high-level panel.

I’m pleased to announce the 9th World Investment Forum will be held in Doha, Qatar, from 25–27 October 2026. I invite Member States and partners to join us to shape investment policies that deliver jobs, growth and development where they’re needed most. #WIF2026 https://ow.ly/Iape50Y129y

Multilateralism is based on inclusive participation, not uniformity. We don’t need to agree on everything to act. That’s how multilateralism must work in a multipolar world: solving problems, reducing risk and keeping agreements possible even when differences persist. #Davos #WEF26

Risk is about who endures the cost when things go wrong. The same shock affect developed & developing countries very differently – since one borrows at 1% interest rates, the other at 12%. A fragmented world is less able to deal with risk, even as shocks grow. That’s the real danger. #Davos #WEF26

Congratulations to MERCOSUR-EU on signing the Partnership Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement to create a trading area of millions of citizens. A powerful reminder that international trade can bring countries together, promote sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Congratulations to Amb. Fancy Chepkemoi Too as Kenya 🇰🇪 takes the chair of the group of #G77 and China. You bring not only Kenya’s voice, but its example – deep engagement with trade, technology, investment and regional integration. UNCTAD stands ready to support the Group’s priorities.

As we reach the end of a busy and complex 2025, I wish everyone a peaceful and prosperous 2026.

Growing our partnership with Saudi Arabia to make investment a force for inclusive growth and global prosperity. Grateful for the conversation and the warm welcome from H.E. Minister Khalid Al-Falih. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Launching the new UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Entrepreneurship Forum with the Social Development Bank in Saudi Arabia to support the next generation of entrepreneurs through 2030. Supporting entrepreneurship and investment remains part of the key work of UNCTAD. Exciting project ahead.

Honoured and inspired to meet H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, to discuss advancing inclusive economic cooperation, especially in support of the most vulnerable and promoting peace dialogue, tolerance & sustainable development.