Global South Calls for Collective Strength
India Strengthens Global South Solidarity at UNCTAD16: India, at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in Geneva, urged developing and least developed nations to unite against global trade challenges. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called on the Global South to present a collective front to address systemic inequalities and ensure equitable growth.
Static GK fact: UNCTAD was founded in 1964 to help developing nations integrate fairly into the world economy.
Focus of UNCTAD16 in Geneva
The UNCTAD16 conference, hosted from October 20 to 23, 2025, was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development” reflects the organisation’s focus on economic inclusivity and transformation. The event brought together 195 member states, setting UNCTAD’s priorities for the next four years.
Static GK Tip: UNCTAD sessions take place every four years, determining the global trade body’s policy direction.
India’s Message of Unity and Reform
Addressing the plenary session, Piyush Goyal urged developing countries to “speak with one voice” to protect their collective interests amid rising protectionism and trade barriers. He warned that volatility in global trade and uncertainty in multilateral systems were undermining trust and cooperation.
Goyal emphasised that tariff and non-tariff barriers, over-concentrated supply chains, and the erosion of special treatment under the World Trade Organization (WTO) continue to hurt developing economies.
Static GK fact: The WTO was established in 1995, succeeding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
Criticism of Unilateral Environmental Policies
India raised concerns over unilateral environmental measures like carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs) and emerging technology divides that disproportionately burden poorer economies. Such policies, Goyal said, risk marginalising nations still focusing on poverty reduction and industrial development.
He also criticised restrictive service-sector policies and non-market trade practices, saying they contribute to global inequality and unfair competition.
Static GK Tip: CBAMs are carbon-related tariffs imposed on imports to equalise carbon costs between domestic and foreign producers.
Resetting Global Trade for a Fairer Future
Piyush Goyal called for a global trade reset that prioritises equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. He reiterated that the erosion of trust in international systems threatens the developmental progress of many nations. India’s stance at UNCTAD16 highlighted the need for reforms within multilateral trade frameworks to ensure that the voices of the Global South are heard in shaping the future of global commerce.
Static GK fact: The term Global South broadly refers to developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seeking balanced participation in global decision-making.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Strengthens Global South Solidarity at UNCTAD16:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) |
| Venue | Palais des Nations, Geneva |
| Dates | 20–23 October 2025 |
| Hosted by | Switzerland and UNCTAD |
| Indian Representative | Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal |
| Theme | Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development |
| Total Member States | 195 |
| Established Year of UNCTAD | 1964 |
| Headquarters of UNCTAD | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Key Focus | Strengthening Global South unity and promoting fair, sustainable global trade |
