United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Its mandate is to promote sustainable development and equitable globalization through research, policy analysis, consensus-building, and technical assistance to developing countries.

UNCTAD's main objective is to help developing countries integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis. To achieve this, it provides analysis of economic and trade issues, and helps formulate and implement policies to support sustainable economic growth and development. It also assists developing countries in negotiating and implementing trade agreements, and provides technical assistance and capacity-building in areas such as investment, finance, and technology.

UNCTAD also plays a key role in promoting international cooperation on trade and development issues, and in facilitating dialogue and consensus-building between developed and developing countries. It operates through its secretariat, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is governed by its member states, which currently number 195.