Opening of the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD-16)

Geneva, 20 October 2025 – Today, the sixteenth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD-16) officially opened at the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations in Geneva, bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of international organizations, and representatives of the business community from around the world.

The event launched a series of high-level discussions focused on exploring new pathways for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, reforming the global financial architecture, and strengthening international cooperation.

The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan is led by Ms. Zhanel Kushukova, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She is participating as a speaker in the Ministerial Round Table “Reimagining Trade: A Broader Path to Development”, which explores modern approaches to trade policy as a tool for sustainable development and economic diversification.

Kazakhstan reaffirms its readiness to contribute to building a fairer and more inclusive global trading system that supports sustainable development and expands opportunities for all countries, particularly developing and transition economies.

UNCTAD-16 will continue until 24 October and will serve as one of the key international platforms for discussions on the future of global trade and development.