After two years of incredible gains, the prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have plunged in recent months; and more turbulence is likely, according to the UN trade and development agency, UNCTAD.

In its latest podcast, the Geneva-based agency is talking about cryptocurrencies with economist Marina Zucker of UNCTAD’s debt and development finance branch.

Are cryptocurrencies here to stay? Is it time for governments to regulate them? Tune in to hear Ms. Zucker spell out the risks and share her ideas about solutions.

Audio Credit: UNCTAD

Photo Credit: Unsplash/André François McKenz

In the second episode of their Weekly Tradecast featured in UN News, UNCTAD talks to Paul Akiwumi, Director of the Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programme division. Soaring food and energy prices are hitting especially hard as the region struggles with the impact of the pandemic and climate change. The continent of 1.4 billion people relies heavily on grain and other essentials from Ukraine and Russia – exposing them to shortages and crippling costs that imperil development. Mr. Akiwumi, who led the production of the UN trade and development body’s latest Economic Development in Africa Report, says that to cope with this crisis and insulate itself for the future, Africa must rethink how it diversifies its economies to attract investment and narrow huge income gaps.

Blue BioTrade is the sustainable use and trade of marine resources in a way that improves livelihoods while protecting our ocean.  UNCTAD and partners promote a Blue BioTrade project in the Caribbean region that aims to empower small-scale producers to prepare and trade queen conch products under the Blue BioTrade environmental, social and economic sustainability criteria. Queen conch is a highly appreciated seafood delicacy with important non-food uses.

Globally, women’s participation rate in ports is only 18%. UNCTAD’s TrainForTrade port management programme is helping to bridge the gender gap by empowering more women in ports.

UNCTAD has appointed new “eTrade for Women advocates” to empower women in the digital economy and promote more inclusive e-commerce ecosystems - the third cohort in its eTrade for Women initiative. 

UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2022 indicates FDI rebounded to nearly $1.6 trillion last year, but warns this course is unlikely to be sustained in 2022.

UNCTAD’s port management programme helped Bolivia change its port regulations, paving the way for a private operator like Port Jennefer to earn international status.

The UN Oceans Forum, organized by an UNCTAD-led coalition, called for sufficient and reliable long-term investment in a Blue Deal to conserve and use the ocean for sustainable development.

The Blue Connection film tells an inspiring story of unity, support, and multilateral collaboration between three countries - Barbados, Belize, and Costa Rica - and their collective efforts to sustainably develop their coastal communities in the wake of the global pandemic. The story shares an intimate perspective of the daily lives and challenges faced by people working in the blue economy through an UNCTAD  project.

Protecting our ocean and boosting its economic benefits demands a global trade, investment and innovation "Blue Deal" to create a sustainable and resilient ocean economy that benefits all.

Policymakers and leading experts will examine how science, technology and innovation can help the world recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic at the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development from 28 March to 1 April.

Four United Nations organizations have issued a joint statement calling for continued global collaboration to address the crew change crisis that, at times during the COVID-19 pandemic, has left more than 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea.

After undergoing training provided by UNCTAD, Geraldo Basilua now runs a formally registered business providing agribusiness training and consulting that has increased his income 20-fold.

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows showed a strong rebound in 2021, up 77%, according to UNCTAD’s Investment Trends Monitor.

A new Asia-Pacific free trade agreement set to enter into force on 1 January 2022 will create the world’s largest trading bloc by economic size, according to an UNCTAD study.