The forum will explore ways to strengthen resilience and sustainability in global supply chains, ranging from trade facilitation reforms to digital innovations.
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Enhancing resilience and sustainability in global supply chains amidst unprecedented challenges
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The strategic importance of seaports in bolstering climate resilience and adaptation efforts, particularly for vulnerable coastal nations
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Digital solutions to mitigate emerging risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of global supply chains
In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) 2024 is set to provide a crucial platform for leaders and experts to discuss the changing landscape of international trade and logistics.
This first event of its kind, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in collaboration with the Government of Barbados (Bridgetown, 21-24 May 2024), aims to shape the future of global trade in a rapidly evolving world. “We are organizing this forum to deal with an issue that affects us all – how to foster resilient and sustainable global supply chains,” UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno said on 20 March at a in Geneva.In recent years, global trade has faced significant disruptions, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and geopolitical tensions. These challenges have not only tested global supply chains but have also highlighted the urgent need for resilience and sustainability, particularly for developing countries.
The forum will feature an innovation challenge, aimed at inspiring solutions to make global production and distribution networks greener and more efficient and resilient.
Focus on resilience and sustainability
GSCF 2024 will focus on the vital role of global supply chains in promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, aligned the .The forum is part of a series of events to mark 60 years since the inception of UNCTAD, a fierce advocate of the Global South on the world stage.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of supply chain disruptions on vulnerable economies far from the main lines of trade, especially small island developing states (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), the forum will explore ways to strengthen resilience and sustainability in global supply chains, ranging from trade facilitation reforms to digital innovations.
The COVID-induced supply chain crisis hiked global consumer price levels by an additional 1.5% as a result of increased maritime transport costs, UNCTAD research shows.
The impact was five times higher in SIDS, with an additional 7.5% uptick in consumer price inflation.