The 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is taking place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme “Shaping the future: Advancing economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”, on ​​20-23 Oct 2025.

The conference, with Switzerland and the UNCTAD as the organizers, brings together heads of state and government, ministers for trade and economy, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, civil society representatives and renowned experts to engage in a high-level dialogue on global trends and policy approaches in trade, investment, development and the digital economy.
In this context, it will be worthwhile to note: Development should not be a race where the poorest start last and lose first. 

With regard to our graduation from the grouping of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), "Nepal's graduation from LDC status—finally a ceremony where we lose rather than gain privileges!" is a common refrain. 

When it comes to climate finance, the stark reality is: We emit less than a Swiss cow, but we are still waiting for climate compensation. Perhaps we should speak out loudly at UNCTAD 16.

On the trade deficit, "Nepal's trade deficit is so loyal—it follows us everywhere, even to Geneva." 

On remittances, "Our biggest export is not carpets or pashminas—it is our youth. And they send back dollars, dreams and sometimes heartbreak."   

On Climate risk, “We are not asking for donations. We are asking for climate justice—while the mountains are melting and the rivers are boiling.” 

On trade equality, “Trade should be a bridge, not a barrier. For the least developed countries, it should carry dignity, not dependency.”

On Nepal’s transition, “Graduating from LDC status is not the end of risk—it is the beginning of both national and global responsibilities.”  

On global solidarity, “In a world fraught with multiple crises, the strength of the global economy lies in how it deals with its weakest links.” 

Established as a permanent intergovernmental body in 1964, the UNCTAD is the principal authority of the General Assembly in the field of trade and development.
Its objective is to promote trade and development, particularly in developing countries.
UNCTAD’s main goals are to enhance the capacity of developing countries in the areas of trade, investment and development, to assist them in overcoming the difficulties arising from globalization, and to integrate them equitably into the world economy. 

UNCTAD achieves these goals by conducting research and policy analysis, intergovernmental debates, with the support of technical assistance, cooperation with civil society and the business community. 

The objectives of UNCTAD in the field of competition are the analysis and improvement of international foundations of competition policy and legislation, harmonization of competition and trade policy, convergence of national competition standards with a multilaterally agreed set of common principles and rules on the control of UNCTAD-adopted restrictive business practices.

The participation of Belarus in the work of UNCTAD divisions related to the development of competition is of great importance, since without strengthening the role of competition policy as a means of regulating economic relations not only within countries, but also at the international level, it is impossible to increase economic efficiency, successfully develop international trade and improve the economic well-being of consumers of goods and services.

The main objectives of UNCTAD are to accelerate the economic growth rate of the developing world and reduce and eventually eliminate the trade gap between developed and developing countries.

Nepal at UNCTAD 16:

Nepal enters UNCTAD 16 with a clear agenda and an opportunity to secure its development path amidst global economic uncertainty, climate risks and changing trade priorities.

As an LDC on the cusp of graduation, Nepal seeks equitable trade, climate justice and inclusive growth.

Key concerns for Nepal:

LDC development risks:

Nepal is set to graduate from the grouping of LDCs and become a developing country, which could result in the loss of preferential trade access, concessional financing and technical assistance.

Tariff volatility:

Unregulated US tariff policies appear to have a positive impact on Nepal's exports, although they do not significantly affect them. There is no sign of a change in tariffs in Nepal.

More than seven lakh Nepalis migrated for work in 2023 and Nepal seeks global labor mobility frameworks that protect migrant rights and promote domestic job creation.

Trade deficit and informality:

Nepal’s trade deficit with the US and widespread informal employment highlight structural weaknesses in its economy.

Advantages/disadvantages: UNCTAD appears to have a strong grid strategic action plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. It has rich cultural exports (carpets, textiles, crafts) with global appeal. Active engagement with development partners and UN agencies can be strengths for Nepal. 

Weaknesses: High trade deficit and dependence on remittances, limited industrial base and low productivity, vulnerability to climate disasters and urban-rural disparities are some of our weaknesses. Still, UNCTAD can be leveraged to secure opportunities, climate finance and trade facilitation.

It is imperative for Nepal to promote sustainable tourism, renewable energy, green infrastructure, good governance and meet the expectations of GenZ.

Nepal’s voice in UNCTAD 16 must be bold, strategic and rooted in its lived realities. While emphasizing the priorities of the least developed countries for UNCTAD 16 and the theme of the conference, Nepal is taking part in UNCTAD 16 with a dual imperative: to support the rights and resilience of LDCs and to navigate its own transition from LDC status by 2026. The theme of the conference—“Transforming Trade and Development in an Era of Multi-Crisis”—resonates deeply with Nepal’s structural risks, climate risks and aspirations for inclusive development. UNCTAD 16, to be held in Geneva on 20-23 Oct 2025, focuses on how trade and development policies should evolve in the face of global crises such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, pandemic shocks and financial instability.
For LDCs like Nepal, this theme is not abstract—it reflects lived realities.
Multilateral crisis impact:

Nepal will continue to grapple with climate-induced disasters, supply chain disruptions and volatile remittance flows in the future.

Transformative trade:

Nepal seeks trade patterns that prioritize equity, sustainability and resilience over liberalization. 

Reimagined development:

The country advocates for development models that focus on human dignity, environmental stewardship and regional cooperation.

Nepal’s LDC status: 

Context and concerns
Nepal has been an LDC since 1971. It is scheduled to graduate in November 2026, along with Bangladesh and Laos. While graduation signals progress, it also raises concerns: graduation could end access to preferential trade tariffs, concessional loans, and targeted aid.
Nepal’s economy remains dependent on agriculture, remittances, and informal labor. Despite low emissions, Nepal is vulnerable to floods, landslides, and glacial melt.

Institutionalization of federalism is in progress, and service delivery is uneven.

Nepal’s strategic response:
Nepal has adopted a smooth transition strategy to prepare for upgradation with six pillars:

Macroeconomic stability:

• Strengthening fiscal discipline and monetary flexibility
• Diversifying exports
• Attracting sustainable foreign investment
• Promoting value-added sectors and digital innovation
• Investing in infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship
• Building adaptive capacity and green infrastructure under climate and disaster risk management
• Ensuring equal access to education, health and justice under social inclusion
• Clarity on “grace periods” to maintain trade priorities and aid

Climate finance:

• Increased adaptation funds and loss-of-loss mechanisms
• Fair trade rules: Protection against tariff and non-tariff barriers
• Technology transfer: Access to digital tools and innovation for development 
• Labor mobility framework: Protection and remittance stability for migrant workers

Overall, Nepal’s voice in UNCTAD 16 is clear: development must be redefined in an era of multiple crises. Graduation from LDC status should not mean abandonment—​​it should be a bridge of resilience, equality and dignity. Nepal can be expected to call on the global community to honor its commitments and walk with LDCs toward a just future.