Who We Are and What We DoUnited Nations Conference on Trade and DevelopmentUNCTAD_69db2096-39dc-11e2-a06e-b65acf2fd515Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. 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.Dr. Supachai PanitchpakdiThe Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi (Thailand), who took office on 1 September 2005.UNCTAD SecretariatIn 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 worldwideUnited NationsGovernmental InstitutionsNon-Governmental OrganizationsPrivate Sectorincluding trade and industry associations, research institutes and universitiesTrade AssociationsIndustry AssociationsResearch InstitutesUniversities_64098044-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd515To promote the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy._64098292-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd515FunctionsCarry out three key functions._64098350-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5151The organization works to fulfill this mandate by carrying out three key functions.Intergovernmental Deliberations[Serve] as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations._640983f0-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5151.1It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building.Research, Policy & DataUndertake research, policy analysis and data collection._64098490-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5151.2It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for the debates of government representatives and experts.Technical AssistanceProvide technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing countries._64098526-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5151.3Developing CountriesLeast-Developed CountriesEconomies in TransitionDonor CountriesIt 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.Main Goals[Carry out three] main goals._640985d0-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5152Ideas & AssistanceWork as a laboratory of ideas and to provide on-the-ground assistance to help developing countries raise living standards._64098670-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5152.1Developing CountriesTo work as a laboratory of ideas and to provide on-the-ground assistance to help developing countries raise living standards through trade, investment, finance and technology.Globalized EconomyHelp developing countries benefit from the globalized economy._6409871a-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5152.2Developing CountriesTo help developing countries benefit from the globalized economy.Emerging IssuesContribute to international debate on emerging issues related to developing countries and the world economy._640987c4-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5152.3Developing CountriesTo contribute to international debate on emerging issues related to developing countries and the world economy - such as the current global financial crisis - through major reports, policy briefs, and contributions to international conferences.Main Activities[Conduct various] activities._64098882-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153Globalization and Development Strategies_6409892c-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.1Trends & ProspectsIdentify broad trends and prospects in the world economy, such as the recent rise in "South-South" trade_640989d6-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.1.1African DevelopmentIdentify solutions to the economic development challenges of African countries_64098a9e-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.1.2African CountriesInternational Aid & DevelopmentAnalyse the effects on least developed countries of international aid and of other efforts to promote development_64098b52-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.1.3Least-Developed CountriesDebt RestructuringHelp with the restructuring of developing-country debt_64098c06-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.1.4Developing CountriesTrade in Goods and Services_64098cec-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.2Trade NegotiationsAssist developing countries in all aspects of their trade negotiations_64098db4-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.2.1Developing CountriesCompetition Laws & PoliciesAnalyse the impact of competition laws and policies on development_64098e72-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.2.2Environmental IssuesEncourage the inclusion of environmental issues, such as climate change and preservation of biodiversity, in trade and development policies_64098f44-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.2.3CommoditiesExamine the factors influencing commodity markets Help developing country efforts to achieve sustainable commodity exportst Help commodity-dependent countries diversify their economies_6409900c-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.3Investment & Enterprise Development_640990d4-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.4Foreign InvestmentAnalyse trends in foreign direct investment and their impacts on development _317467e0-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.4.1International AgreementsHelp countries participate in international investment agreements _31746b32-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.4.2Investment PoliciesAdvise governments on their investment policies through investment policy reviews, guides, and training _31746c68-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.4.3SMEsHelp with the creation and nurturing of small and medium-sized enterprises _31746d6c-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.4.4SMEsAccounting StandardsHelp countries establish and observe international standards for accounting_31746e8e-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.4.5Trade Logistics & Human Resource Development_640991b0-39e2-11e2-9b47-0584cf2fd5153.5PartnershipPartner with Developing Countries to address Transport and Trade Facilitation challenges and opportunities _31746f92-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.5.1Technical AssistanceTechnical assistance in Trade Facilitation reforms and Customs automation _317470a0-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.5.2CooperationCooperation in Transit transport systems for landlocked and transit developing countries_317471c2-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.5.3Landlocked Countries Transit Developing CountriesResearchResearch in Maritime and Sustainable Transport Legal and Regulatory Transport related issues _317472da-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.5.4TrainingBuild training networks and organize training in all areas of international trade, in particular for least developed countries_317473f2-3a3f-11e2-924f-a77bcf2fd5153.5.5Least Developed Countries2012-11-28http://unctad.org/en/Pages/AboutUs.aspxOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net