Established in 1964, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. 

193 countries are members of UNCTAD. 

UNCTAD has progressively evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to help shape current policy debates and thinking on development, with a particular focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development.

The organization works to fulfill this mandate by carrying out three key functions:

• It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building.
• It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for the debates of government representatives and experts.
• It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing countries, with special attention to the needs of the least developed countries and of economies in transition. When appropriate, UNCTAD cooperates with other organizations and donor countries in the delivery of technical assistance.

The Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi, who took office on 1 September 2013.

In performing its functions, the secretariat works together with member Governments and interacts with organizations of the United Nations system and regional commissions, as well as with governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, including trade and industry associations, research institutes and universities worldwide.

The highest decision-making body of UNCTAD is the quadrennial conference, at which member States make assessments of current trade and development issues, discuss policy options and formulate global policy responses. Thirteen Conferences have been held since the establishment of UNCTAD. The 13-th session of quadrennial conference has taken place on April 21-26 in Doha, Qatar. In-between the quadrennial Conferences, the Trade and Development Board oversees the activities of the organization. It meets in Geneva in a regular session and up to three times a year in executive sessions to deal with urgent policy issues, as well as management and institutional matters.

The cooperation of Ukraine with UNCTAD is being carried out in the following directions:

• representation of Ukraine’s interests and position at the meetings of the working bodies of the organization;
• cooperation with the UNCTAD’s divisions with the aim to implement joint projects in such spheres as the development of small and medium enterprises, implementation of the international financial reporting standards, creation of favorable conditions aimed at attracting of foreign direct investments, implementation of the competitive policy;
• cooperation with member-countries of the regional group “D” to defend the interests of Ukraine within UNCTAD;
• assistance to the experts from Ukraine in their participation in the meetings of the UNCTAD Working Parties.

We invite you to use the web-page www.unctad.org for obtaining more information on UNCTAD and its functions.