YORK (PA), June 25th 2024 - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Supply Chain Forum 2024, hosted in Bridgetown, Barbados May 21 to24 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, brought together influential leaders to address the urgent need to transform global supply chains, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Among the attendees was Isabel Jiménez, VP of International Business Development at Global Infrastructure, Finance and Development Authority, Inc. (GIFDA), who represented the organization at this significant event.
During the forum, GIFDA had the opportunity to meet and engage with key figures, including:
Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General
Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
Mrs. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
Mr. Jan Hoffman, Head of Trade Logistics at UNCTAD
Mrs. Lisa Cummins, Minister from the Government of Barbados
Mr. Mark Henderson, representing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility
These exchanges allowed GIFDA to forge valuable connections and deepen its understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by SIDS in the realm of global supply chains. The discussions covered a range of topics, including the essential role of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) in facilitating collaboration, the importance of government regulations that enable rather than impede business operations, and the need for integrating digital technology, innovation, and green solutions into trade facilitation efforts.
A central theme of the forum was the maritime sector's shift towards a zero-emission future, with discussions focusing on the opportunities and challenges this transition presents, particularly for developing countries. The potential for these countries to produce zero-emission fuels from renewable energy sources was highlighted, along with the need for supportive policy measures and private investment to realize this potential. Concerns were raised about the high cost of capital and the scale of projects, which can be daunting for developing economies.
UNCTAD's Global Supply Chain Forum 2024 served as a crucial platform for addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS, which are often disproportionately affected by disruptions in global supply chains. The forum highlighted the importance of international cooperation, collaborative institutional mechanisms, and leveraging technological advancements to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains.
GIFDA's participation in the forum reinforced its commitment to driving positive change in the infrastructure, finance, and development sectors. The connections and insights gained will further inform GIFDA's strategic initiatives and enable our organization to play a proactive role in addressing the needs of SIDS and fostering global supply chain resilience.
GIFDA's involvement in the Global Supply Chain Forum 2024 and its upcoming participation in the Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) event in 2026 underscores its continued engagement in international platforms and its dedication to collaborating with global leaders to tackle the complex challenges facing the infrastructure, finance, and development industries. Our organization remains optimistic about the opportunities for future collaboration and the potential impact it can achieve through this vital dialogue.
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