Workshops on Sustainable Trade Facilitation and the UN Trade Digitalization Index

The two workshop sessions are organized by ESCAP and UNCTAD in collaboration with ECA, ECLAC, ESCWA and UNECE. Online participation is welcome.

Sustainable Trade Facilitation: Progress Made and Way Forward

13:30-15:00, Palais des Nations, Geneva

The session will present the findings from the 2025 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, focusing in particular on the trade facilitation measures aimed at the agricultural sector, the environment, women and SMEs. The presentation will be followed by a roundtable discussion to (1) highlight emerging good practices in this area and (2) identify other measures not included in the Survey that may be considered in the next iteration of the Survey.

UN Trade Digitalization Index: Potential Extensions and Way Forward

15:15 – 16:45, Palais des Nations, Geneva

The UN Trade Digitalization Index (TDI) was first launched during the 2024 Aid for Trade Global Review, leveraging existing data from the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. Following presentation of preliminary TDI performance scores based on the 2025 UN Survey results, the session will discuss the potential revision and extension of the TDI methodology before 2025/2026 scores are formally released next year. The objective is to develop the TDI as a more comprehensive benchmarking and guiding tool for trade digitalization, including in support of the implementation of the UN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA).