The Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

129. Mind the gap: James Galbraith on overcoming inequality

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can bridge inequality in the global economy and create a fairer system with economist, academic and author James Galbraith.
In recent decades, the economic centre of gravity has been shifting with the growing presence of big developing countries on the world stage.
But many gaps and inequalities persist – just as climate change, rapid changes in technology and major shifts in geopolitics are transforming the way we live and reshaping the future of the planet.
With so much to deal with, what are the priorities so that developing countries can be resilient and prosperous?
Tune in to James Galbraith from the University of Texas at Austin to find out how we can get on the right track to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

128. Taxing times: How fairer taxes can fund development

The Weekly Tradecast looks at tax with Lorraine Eden, professor emerita of management at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.
Nobody likes to pay tax, but collecting more of it is one way that countries can bring in billions of extra dollars each year to support economic and social development.
One big challenge is the way that giant corporations are able to move profits around the world to places where they pay the lowest taxes.
To ensure that multinationals pay their fair share, around 140 countries are working on global reforms to the tax architecture – including an agreed minimum rate of tax on big companies.
For a deeper look at these reforms and how they could help developing countries, tune in to professor and prolific author Lorraine Eden.

127. Macro to micro: How the green transition is reshaping everything

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how the green transition is transforming the global economy, national policies and almost every aspect of our lives with the International Trade Centre’s Vanessa Erogbogbo.
As the impact of climate change gets worse, the focus is on finding solutions that make a difference. Much more needs to be done but steps to cut emissions and use more renewable energy are already opening new frontiers for technology, creating new opportunities for business and redrawing the map for the resources we use and the products we make.
So how does that big picture connect and affect daily life in our work and in our communities?
For more on the macro to micro aspects of the green transition, listen in to Vanessa Erogbogbo, chief of the ITC’s green and inclusive value chains section.

126. From 2024 into 2025: Charting a new development course

The Weekly Tradecast closes the year with a special episode highlighting key moments and voices in global development in 2024 and the paths we’re forging for a more inclusive and resilient future.
It’s been a transformative year, marked by extraordinary challenges and opportunities. From rising economic uncertainties and shifting trade landscapes to the collaborative spirit of the Global Leaders Forum and the UN Summit of the Future, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater.
Tune in to see how trade can drive sustainable development, transforming the world’s challenges into opportunities and shaping a better future for everyone.
The Weekly Tradecast returns in early January with more insights on the world of trade and development. We wish you happy holidays and a new year filled with possibilities.

125. Charting a new course: John Denton on how the private sector can support inclusive development

The Weekly Tradecast looks at trade, industrial policy and the role of the private sector in promoting the interests of developing countries with special guest John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
With a cascade of crises hitting the global economy, UN Trade and Development convened government leaders, top economists and other experts in Geneva earlier this year to chart a new course for development in a changing world.
For a deeper look at the forum and how the private sector can support inclusive development, listen in to global business leader and advisor John Denton from the ICC.

124. Powering trade: Why renewable energy needs a push from positive policies

This week, after the COP29 global climate summit, The Weekly Tradecast is looking at renewable energy and why trade, aid and investment policies need a rethink.
Join Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Carlos Razo from the UN Global Crisis Response Group for insights on our urgent need to harness other kinds of energy as the global population grows, fossil fuels run out and our planet gets hotter.
A new report by UN Trade and Development says trade in solar and wind technologies is booming but that the expansion must be faster, smoother, cheaper and more universal. Without investment and support from rich countries, developing nations may be sidelined.
Tune in to Francesco La Camera and Carlos Razo for a deeper look at how to better support development and a greener future with renewable energy.

123. Fashion with a peel: How crop waste is making sustainable textiles and creating jobs

The Weekly Tradecast looks at how we can make sustainable fabrics and other materials recycled from agricultural waste with UN Trade and Development economist Henrique Pacini.
For every banana or pineapple we eat, much of the plant is discarded during harvesting or processing.
But this trash can be treasure. Transforming waste from bananas and pineapples into dresses and sneakers may seem farfetched but these eco-materials could help offset the environmental damage from fast fashion. 
Listen in to UN Trade and Development’s Henrique Pacini to find out how these innovative fibres not only promise to reduce plastic and other synthetics but are also creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

122. Dollars and change: Sony Kapoor on funding our greener future

With the COP29 global climate summit underway, The Weekly Tradecast looks at how to get the money we need for the green transition with economist, finance expert and sustainability advisor Sony Kapoor.
It will take trillions of dollars to meet climate and development goals. The world’s advanced economies have pledged billions to help developing countries but, so far, few of the promises have been met and just a small amount of the funding is flowing.
Listen in to special guest Sony Kapoor to follow the money and find out how we can finance the green transition and really make a difference.