The Weekly Tradecast by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

63. Rising concerns: Solutions, strategies to keep the good face of inflation, not the bad and the ugly

In the second of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at inflation with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo to see the steps being taken to contain it and how new ways of thinking might work better.
When food, fuel and almost everything else gets rapidly more expensive, we see our paychecks buying less and our savings eroded. But a bit of inflation is good for economies, workers and equality.
How can we keep inflation as a positive force rather than a damaging one? Tune in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find out.

62. Rising concerns: The good, the bad and the ugly faces of inflation

In the first of a two-part series, this episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at what inflation is, why we need it and when it becomes too much – with UNCTAD economist Jeronim Capaldo.
These days, inflation is high as disruptions from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine drive a global cost of living crisis.
Everyone is feeling the pinch, but for governments and people in developing countries, even basic goods can become unaffordable.
Will inflation start to ease or are we in for more pain? Listen in to UNCTAD’s Jeronim Capaldo to find out why rising prices can be good, bad and ugly.

61. Easing the burden: Reforms to multilateral lenders and money for developing countries on G20 agenda

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the role multilateral lenders play with UNCTAD senior economist Penelope Hawkins. 
In early September, leaders from the world’s wealthiest countries meet in India for the G20 summit. With inflation and borrowing costs running high, debt and development are high on the agenda. 
Multilateral development banks provide vital funding to countries in need. But critics say financial conditions imposed by the lenders can keep debt burdens heavy and cut into spending on development. 
Should these multilateral lenders be reformed? Is there enough money and urgency to help countries drowning in debt? 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Penelope Hawkins to find out how multilateral banks can make funding more available and more sustainable. 

60. Extinction or protection: The race to stop the illegal wildlife trade before it’s too late

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the illegal wildlife trade with David Vivas, an UNCTAD legal officer working on trade and environmental issues.
Every year, huge numbers of animals and plants are bought and sold illicitly as food, medicine, clothing, furniture and even musical instruments.
Wildlife is big business. The illegal trade is estimated to be worth at least $7 billion but it could be much larger.
Trafficking is driving some species – especially rhinos, elephants, tigers, lions and pangolins – towards extinction. Many others are at risk.
Listen in to UNCTAD’s David Vivas to find out how we can crack down on the illegal trade.

59. Disruption and demand: How Africa can help diversify global supply chains

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at how Africa can deepen global supply chains and develop its own economies at the same time, with UNCTAD director Paul Akiwumi.
Geopolitical and economic disruptions have everyone from manufacturers and shippers to investors and governments looking at ways to strengthen and diversify global supply chains.
The UN's latest Economic Development in Africa Report sets out a roadmap for how the continent of 1.4 billion people could turn these disruptions into opportunities.
Africa has vast resources of materials needed by the electronics, renewable energy and other high-tech sectors – along with potentially huge consumer markets. 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Paul Akiwumi to find out how African countries can seize the moment by adding value to raw materials and enhancing supply chain connections. 

58. Cracked rice bowl: Why an essential crop needs to be bigger but also better for the environment

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at rice, its importance for development and its impact on the environment with UNCTAD senior economist Miho Shirotori.
Rice is a vital crop as the main source of nutrition for more than half of people around the world.
Demand is only expected to soar as populations grow in Asia and Africa. Some estimates suggest the world will need almost one third more rice by 2050.
But production is faltering. At the same time, excessive use of pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation is depleting and polluting soil and ground water.
How we can boost rice output without putting more strain on our environment? Tune into UNCTAD’s Miho Shirotori to find out.

57. Key to progress: Why landlocked countries need extra help with trade and development challenges

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the unique challenges for landlocked countries that impede their trade and development with UNCTAD senior economist Mussie Delelegn.
There are 32 developing countries without access to the sea, leaving them with far higher bills to import and export goods by road and rail. In many places, poor infrastructure and border bureaucracy add time, cost and complication. 
These extra demands put even more pressure on vulnerable economies being hit by higher costs of food, energy and debt. 
Tune in to UNCTAD’s Mussie Delelegn to find the key to unlocking better prospects for trade and development in landlocked countries.

56. Going Green: Simple ways to make our lives more environmentally friendly

This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at some cheap and easy ways for all of us to be greener with UNCTAD economist Henrique Pacini.
Protecting our environment is a vital task and everyone can play a part. The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – are a good starting point.
We can cut down on plastic by using cloth shopping bags. We can take our own mugs to the coffee shop. Buying things second-hand and repairing rather than replacing are other ways to cut down on pollution and our carbon footprint.   
Tune into UNCTAD’s Henrique Paccini for some simple changes we can all make to help protect our planet.