Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs HE Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed participated in the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), held in Geneva from 20–23 October 2025, under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”.
The conference brought together senior officials and decision-makers from around the world to discuss ways to strengthen the role of trade and development in building a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
Discussions focused on integrating global trade, diversifying economies, stimulating investment, expanding access to digital technologies, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants also addressed the empowerment of local enterprises, facilitation of trade flows, consumer protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources in light of climate challenges.
During the ministerial meeting of the Group of 77 and China, Dr. Al-Sayed reaffirmed Qatar’s support for international efforts to establish a fairer and more inclusive global economic system. He underscored the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in empowering developing countries and strengthening their capacity to address economic and environmental challenges.
His Excellency highlighted the need for equitable partnerships in trade, finance, and technology transfer, and called for reforming international investment frameworks to build resilient and diversified economies capable of overcoming debt crises and advancing green and digital transformations.
Dr. Al-Sayed also outlined the efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar under the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) to foster a competitive and sustainable investment environment.
In his address during the general debate session, he reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and fair trade, particularly in developing and least-developed countries. He stressed the importance of ensuring that these countries have stronger representation in international economic decision-making and greater capacity to design and implement their own economic and industrial policies.
Concluding his participation, His Excellency announced that the State of Qatar will host the next World Investment Forum—an affirmation of the country’s status as a leading regional and international hub for investment and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Al-Sayed held several bilateral meetings, including with Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD, to discuss preparations for hosting the Forum.
He also met with Dr. Rebecca Greenspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); H.E. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC). Discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation and advancing sustainable development strategies.
