Dear all,
Welcome to the October edition of the newsletter.
This month several contributions were made to the ongoing discussions on international digital trade and development, investment, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, access to finance and international cooperation.
UNCTAD's Trade and Development Report 2026 examined how changing trade relationships, technological advances and regulatory fragmentation are reshaping opportunities for developing countries. At the World Investment Forum in Doha, several discussions focused on mobilizing investment in AI, digital infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship.
Digital inclusion and job creation were also prominent at the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings and the Global AI and Digital Summit. With more than 2 billion people still offline and fewer than one in three MSMEs in developing countries digitized, new World Bank Group strategies and initiatives focused on expanding digital access, strengthening AI readiness and improving financing opportunities for small businesses.
At the WTO's 10th Global Review of Aid for Trade, participants took stock of US$795 billion disbursed between 2006 and 2024 and discussed future priorities for trade-related development assistance. Digitally deliverable services now represent 56% of global services exports, compared with 15% in least developed countries, while Aid-for-Trade commitments to the ICT sector declined by 13.5% in 2024. WTO members also adopted a declaration on partnerships for trade and development.
This edition also covers developments in digital consumer protection, ongoing WTO discussions on electronic commerce, and the WSIS+20 follow-up process, including efforts to strengthen financing mechanisms for digital development.
Learn more in the dedicated sections here below and enjoy the read!