eTrade for all Newsletter

Dear all, welcome to the Summer edition of the newsletter.

Much has happened in the last couple of months—an illustration of how fast the digital world is moving—and how urgent it is to make sure no one is left behind. From Geneva to Johannesburg, governments, businesses, and civil society gathered in several fora to debate one core question: how do we shape a digital economy that truly works for everyone?

Therefore, we open this edition with an update on global UN processes we’ve been closely following in recent months. Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence remained at the center of international debates. In August, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution establishing two new governance mechanisms: the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, designed to bridge research and policymaking, and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, an inclusive forum for governments and stakeholders. Their first reports are expected in Geneva (2026) and New York (2027). 

In July, the WSIS+20 High-Level Event and AI for Good Global Summit brought together 11,000+ participants from 169 countries. The message was clear: universal connectivity, AI which serves humanity, sustainability, and collaboration must guide the next chapter of digital transformation. More details and digests are available in the dedicated sections here below. 

This conversation will continue during the upcoming 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) which will take place from 20 to 23 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”. Register and bring your voice there!  

In this edition we also feature some human stories behind the digital agenda. UNCTAD’s newly released report on women digital entrepreneurs, with a special focus on Africa reveals the everyday challenges they face—70% struggle to access finance, half find cross-border trade difficult, and many juggle family responsibilities alongside business. Their resilience is inspiring, but the barriers are real. Discover the full report here below.

Other prominent issues discussed this Summer were how to ensure open, fair and transparent markets and better consumer trust. The 9th UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection met in July and adopted a declaration on Cross-Border Dispute Resolution and Redress.

Progress is also happening on the trade digitalization side. The Global Survey on Trade Facilitation, undertaken every 2 years, shows countries' steady progress on paperless trade, amongst other things. A key step to make trade more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.
 
Likewise, the World Bank’s Global Findex 2025 reports that 79% of adults now hold a financial account, with digital payments surging. If digital financial inclusion is on the rise, gaps still remain—especially for women and lower-income groups.

Finally, small businesses took center stage at the first ITC-led Global SME Ministerial in Johannesburg. Leaders called for action on access to finance, digital tools, and green competitiveness—echoed in ITC’s SME Competitiveness Outlook 2025, which shows how digital readiness can make or break a business.

Take a deep dive into all the various sections of this newsletter which look at ways to harness digital change.

Enjoy the read!