The Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

45. The future of energy: What’s the right mix for the economy and our planet?

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the future of energy with UNCTAD economist Claudia Contreras.
With the global population rising and supplies of fossil fuels running down, countries must harness other sources of energy to support their economies and people. 
Energy sustainability and climate change are also major concerns as the burning of oil, gas and coal add to emissions that are heating our planet to dangerous levels.  
Renewable sources – from the power of the sun, the wind and the ocean – can boost energy supplies in a cleaner way. There are also synthetic fuels like hydrogen and biofuels made from plant or animal waste. 
So, what is the best mix to support energy security and protect the planet? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Claudia Contreras to find out if we have the technology and momentum to make a fast transition to a greener future.

44. All things being equal: Changing the rules around big data

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the pros and cons of big data with Shamika N. Sirimanne, director of UNCTAD’s technology and logistics division.  
Every time we send an email, tap on a social media ad or use our credit cards, we are creating digital data. The information travels around the world largely unregulated and it is the lifeblood of tech giants.  
But that era may be ending as efforts to rein in big tech gain momentum. Scores of countries are accelerating efforts to control the flow of digital information – driven by security and privacy concerns, as well as economic interests.  
Tune in to Shamika to hear about the challenges and opportunities and learn why the UN is calling for a balanced approach to data governance. 

43. Jobs in jeopardy? What a recession means for workers

As many countries celebrate International Workers Day on Monday, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at jobs and work with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo.  
With inflation and interest rates high, the risk of a global recession still looms, threatening development.
In a recession, workers are often let go as sales drop and companies face pressure to meet margins and repay debts.
The impact can depend on things like location, age and skills but there are still wide disparities in opportunities to find work. Even some big tech companies are already laying off staff. 
What do tougher times really mean for the future of our jobs?
Listen in to Jeronim Capaldo to find out what kind of support workers need and where they can find a bright spot.

42. Capitalizing on creativity: How imagination can support sustainable development

As the UN marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the creative economy with Marisa Henderson, chief of UNCTAD’s creative economy program.
Ranging from theatre, music and film to advertising, fashion and computer games, it's one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
UNCTAD says the industry – now worth at least $1.5 trillion – can power sustainable development at a time when creative solutions are needed to overcome global challenges. 
Beyond creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting innovation, the creative economy also helps to promote cultural identity and diversity. But developing countries often lack the skills, infrastructure and data to capitalize on these dynamic opportunities.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Marisa Henderson to find out how more economies can unleash their creative potential.

41. Banking on it: How safe is our financial system and should we fear another crisis?

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at our banks and how safe they are with Anastasia Nesvetailova, head of UNCTAD’s macroeconomic and development policies branch.
In the United States, the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sent shockwaves through global markets. Concerns grew after Credit Suisse was rescued from collapse by being sold to its Swiss rival UBS.
As anxiety swirls about another financial crisis, governments have been quick to talk up stability and show support for the banking system. 
So how worried should we be?   
Listen in to UNCTAD’s Anastasia Nesvetailova to find out what’s being done to contain the crisis.
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40. Double whammy of debt: Why austerity measures multiply financial inequality for women

This week, just before the World Bank and IMF meetings to discuss the global economy, The Weekly Tradecast is looking at women and debt with UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins. 
Gender inequalities in society mean women are routinely paid less than men and often struggle to make ends meet. But now with countries facing higher borrowing costs and high prices for food and energy, there is an extra-damaging impact on women when governments resort to austerity measures.
Health and education are often the first places to be cut, depriving women of jobs in the public sector. They are more likely to leave work to care for children or elderly relatives. Girls are often the ones taken out of school when family budgets are tight.  
How can women achieve more financial equality and avoid falling into debt?
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins to find out.
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39. History in the making: Where has 100 years of multilateralism got us?

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast takes a step back in time with Danielle Hughes, chief of the Records Management Unit, by looking at the history of the United Nations and also how UNCTAD, the UN’s trade body, was formed.
After the First World War, the League of Nations was created in Geneva as the first intergovernmental organization set up to maintain world peace.
The Second World War was its undoing. But the ideals of the League of Nations remained as the United Nations evolved into the forum for countries to work together towards common goals.
As the European headquarters of the UN celebrates 100 years of multilateralism, all the documents from the League of Nations have been digitally archived and are now open to the public for the very first time.
Listen in to Danielle Hughes for a virtual tour of the UN’s and UNCTAD’s fascinating history.
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38. Ecosystems in peril: Why our future depends on protecting biodiversity

As the United Nations releases a major report on climate change, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about the critical importance of biodiversity with UNCTAD economist Lorena Jaramillo.
From animals and plants to fungi and bacteria, everything works together in ecosystems to maintain balance and support life. But humans are disrupting biodiversity and vital ecosystems by overfishing oceans, clearing forests, polluting the water and burning fossil fuels. 
Many species have already gone extinct. The UN says another 1 million species are now threatened.
To support the fight against biodiversity loss, UNCTAD has a new online tool that tracks trade in products ranging from natural foods and cosmetics to handicrafts, natural medicines and ecotourism.
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Lorena Jaramillo to find out more about the threats and solutions – and how the new tool can help.
Credit: BBC Sound Effects