United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD

UNCTAD Private Sector DevelopmentThe United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is the United Nations’ focal point for trade and development, and for interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. Its objective is to assist developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition, to integrate beneficially into the global economy. It also seeks to help the international community promote a global partnership for development, increase coherence in global economic policy making, and assure development gains for all from trade.

 

Private sector development (PSD) policy and strategy

UNCTAD conducts ahead-of-the-curve research and analysis on both long-standing and emerging development issues. It builds consensus around efforts to promote national and international policies and strategies conducive to development, and supports countries in implementing their development strategies. Specific work streams include: contributing to the international debate on globalization and the management of its consequences for developing countries; seeking to build consensus, strengthen capacity and promote partnerships for trade policy, trade negotiations, trade in goods and services, competition law and consumer protection, and managing issues arising at the intersection of trade, the environment and climate change; provision of international expertise in research and policy analysis, inter-governmental consensus-building, and technical assistance, in regards to investment and enterprise; and enhancing economic development and competitiveness in developing countries in regards to science, technology and innovation, trade logistics and human resources development. A further Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes collaborates with more than 80 countries.

Transparency, effectiveness and results in PSD

The UNCTAD Evaluation and Monitoring Unit coordinates the oversight activities within the organization that serve to both ensure and enhance the quality and resonance of its programmes and projects. Its main activities include: managing, conducting and supporting the evaluation activities of UNCTAD; participating and contributing to inter-agency initiatives on evaluation; providing guidance and assistance to programme managers in using results-based management methodologies; participating in the review of new project proposals; contributing to developing capacity for self-evaluations; and acting as the focal point for UNCTAD on all evaluation matters.