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By Paul Akiwumi, Director for Africa and Least Developed Countries, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

The ocean crop can significantly improve sustainable livelihoods for small-scale farmers and harvesters and empower women in coastal communities, particularly in Asia and Africa.

The global energy transition offers mineral-rich countries the chance to bolster their industries and diversify their economies but also risks deepening their commodity dependence.

Global policy coordination remains key to safeguarding the world economy amid shifting trade patterns, soaring debt, and the climate crisis hitting developing countries hard.

Higher price tags for chocolate lovers worldwide are in part linked to a changing climate pushing up cocoa costs.

An UNCTAD solution for developing countries to digitalize and share data on natural resources gains renewed significance amid soaring demand for minerals vital for the transition to clean energy.

Eight years after the Paris Agreement, finance for fossil fuels continues unabated at trillions of dollars annually.

These nations, home to about 62% of the world’s poor, grapple with critical challenges and lack necessary support, particularly in access to finance.

The fishing industry, reliant on fossil fuels and vulnerable to climate change, needs to shift to alternative energy – but in a way that’s fair for vulnerable countries and communities.

Trade policies can help countries catalyze progress towards their climate goals but remain underused in practice. Stronger global cooperation is necessary to change course.