United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD)

Established 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.
The organization works to fulfil this mandate by carrying out three key functions:

• It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by discussions with experts and exchanges of experience, aimed at consensus building.
  
  
• It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection for the debates of government representatives and experts.
  
  
• It 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.

The Secretary-General of UNCTAD is Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi (Thailand), who took office on 1 September 2005.
In 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 worldwide.The digital library of UNCTAD’s publications enables interested readers to access references to the knowledge generated by the organization through its intergovernmental and expert meetings, as well as its analyses and research. UNCTAD’s Reference Service would be ready to assist readers in identifying printed or electronic publications, including CD-ROMs and On-line databases that might be of interest to readers.

   
The intergovernmental machinery of UNCTAD consists basically of the Conference, the Trade and Development Board, two Commissions, and expert meetings.
The Conference meets every four years, while the Board has one regular session and two or three executive sessions each year. The Commissions meet once a year, and each Commission convenes a number of expert meetings on specific topics.
The UNCTAD Calendar is the best way to find quickly all meetings and events.