In 2025, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) strengthened its support to developing countries navigating rapid digital transformation. The year confirmed both the growing importance of the digital economy and the urgency of ensuring that its benefits are shared more widely.

Against a backdrop of accelerating digitalisation and widening gaps, the organisation’s e-commerce and digital economy programme focused on turning analysis into action – helping countries build readiness, implement reforms and engage in global digital policymaking.

A reinforced mandate

Major international processes reaffirmed the central role of the digital economy in development. The WSIS+20 review recognised digitalisation as a growing pillar of the global economy.

The Geneva Consensus adopted by member states at the organisation’s 16th ministerial conference (UNCTAD16) expanded its mandate in the area of e-commerce and the digital economy.

Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development