UNCTAD at the Crossroads: New Directions for the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development

On September 13, 2021, Rebeca Gryspan was appointed as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD). Founded in 1964, UNCTAD is dedicated to supporting macro-level development challenges and achieving fair and equitable integration in the international trading system. UNCTAD provides analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance to developing countries to utilize trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.

Prior to her UNCTAD appointment, Ms. Grynspan has held numerous high-level positions including Vice President of Costa Rica (1994-1998), UNDP Associate Administrator and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and as the first woman Secretary-General of the Ibero-American Conference (2014-2021). Ms. Grynspan's illustrative career as a renowned advocate of human development has focused on the reduction of inequality, poverty, gender equality, South-South cooperation as a tool for development, and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

In conversation with Professor José Antonio Ocampo, Director of SIPA’s Economic & Political Development Concentration and Professor Daniel Naujoks, Director a.i. of SIPA’s UN studies Specialization, Rebeca Grynspan will share her vision of UNCTAD to address new directions in promoting sustainable development integration in the world economy and COVID-19 impacts on trade, investment, and development. 

Ms. Grynspan will join virtually, while Professors Ocampo and Naujoks will attend in person. Columbia students can opt to join the in-person joint viewing or to join virtually. Please see the separate registration options. 

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