The Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

50. The rise of the machines: What does AI mean for our jobs, privacy and humanity?

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at artificial intelligence and its growing presence in our lives with Angel Gonzalez, head of UNCTAD’s technology, innovation and knowledge development branch.
Already we have chatbots that can write essays and driverless cars and trains. Computers can beat world chess champions and nearly human robots emulate our expressions.
The real potential has not even been realized. Some believe AI can save the world. Others fear it will destroy us.
What are the opportunities and what are the threats? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Angel Gonzalez to find out.

49. Global energy crisis: Prices may be cooling but more volatility is in the pipeline

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at global energy prices with Janvier Nkurunziza, head of UNCTAD’s commodities branch.
The war in Ukraine and disruptions in the energy supply chain have sent prices soaring and accelerated a global cost-of-living crisis.
But unusually warm weather this winter and efforts by many countries to stockpile gas from other sources have brought some respite. 
Still, the direction of energy prices this year is far from certain.  
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Janvier Nkurunziza to see how fears of a recession are weighing on the market and how this affects developing countries.

48. Pollution solution: How plastic substitutes can help economies and the planet

As the UN prepares to mark World Environment Day, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about replacing plastic with natural materials with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues. 
In 2021, the global trade in plastics was around 369 million tonnes. That’s enough to fill 18 million trucks, creating a traffic jam encircling the Earth 13 times.
Less than 10% of all plastic produced has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and oceans, taking years and decades to break down.
But many natural materials – like bamboo, sand and algae – could be used to make eco-friendly versions of the straws, bags, bottles and wrappers we use and discard every day.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s David Vivas to find out how the shift to plastic substitutes goes beyond helping the planet by offering economic opportunities, especially for developing countries.

47. History of hunger: How the war in Ukraine is making food crises even worse in Africa and least developed countries

As the UN marks Africa Day on 25 May, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact of the global food and energy shocks on some of the most vulnerable countries with Rolf Traeger, chief of UNCTAD’s least developed countries section.
The world is in one of the worst crises in modern history as the war in Ukraine hits food supplies just as many countries try to cope with extreme weather and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But even before the disruptions from the war, many least developed countries were feeling the strain.
Tune in to UNCTAD economist Rolf Traeger to find out why many resource-rich places have faced severe constraints with food production and access and what can be done.

46. Sweet spot: How honey can help economies, the environment and the bees

As the UN marks World Bee Day on the 20th of May, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at why bees are so important to our environment and economies with UNCTAD agriculture and trade consultant Marisa Rodrigues.
Bees, along with butterflies and beetles, are vital to our ecosystems by pollinating plants and enriching soil.  
It’s tough being a bee. They get swatted and sprayed by panicked people. Even worse, they’re increasingly under threat from pesticides and pollution.  
But there is hope in honey – to help protect bees and the planet but also to create economic opportunities and sweet investments in developing countries. 
Tune into Marisa Rodrigues to get the buzz on how it works.
Credit: BBC Sound Effects

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.