UNCTAD Flashcards
What does UNCTAD stand for?
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
When was it established?
In 1964 by the GA, resolution 1995 (XIX)
UNCTAD in the UN
it is as organ of the GA, and reorts to the GA through the economic and social cuncil
Origin of UNCTAD
After the establishment of the ITO, the UN system missed an organization analyzing trade and development from the perspective of developing countries, it was also demanded by the G7
The first secretary general, Raúl Prebisch, came from latin america, a continent that was teeming with revolutionary spirit to change the present world order. He gave UNCTAD a head start and became the intellectual leader of the New International Economic Order that came to dominate the UN debates in the late 60s and 70s
Explain the budget
The annual budget is 68$, extra budgetrary technical assistance funds of 40$million
Three pillars
Research and policy analysis
capacity building
consensus building
Goals of UNCTAD
Promote economic development and poverty reduction
contribute to the progressive and beneficial integration in the global economy
expand the capabilities of developing countries in the sphere of trade, investment and development, to assist them in overcoming the difficulties arisen as a result of globalization and to integrate on an equal footing into the world economy
Guiding principles
Independent research
competence
relevance and usefulness
scientific modesty
integrity
caution
What are the UNCTAD mandates
Resolution 1995
XII Accra Accord
XIII Doha Mandate
What are the guiding principles of the organization?
Independent research
Competence
Relevance and influence
Scientific modesty
Integrity
Caution
What are the different organs of UNCTAD?
UNCTAD intergovernmental
Quadrennial conference
Trade and development Board (with working body)
Trade and development board & Investment, Enterprise and development commission
How does the UNCTAD intergovernmental machinery prepare for meetings?
Agenda, documentation, outcomes, correspondence to Geneva
Members
195
How does voting/decision making work?
Consensus
Who determines the budget?
The UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary questions
How is the Secretary General appointed?
Position rotates between Africa, Asia and Latin America in groups
What is the role of Geneva Delegates in UNCTAD’s governance?
Geneva delegates are directly involved in what is called “policy-making organs” - in the quadrennial conference and in, the TDB two other commissions
Main goals
Promote economic development and poverty reduction
contribute to the integration of developing countries in the global economy and for them to reap the benefits of globalization
What are the guiding principles of UNCTAD
The are the same as was put forward by Gunnar Myrdal
Independent research with tolerance to diversity
Competence and good staff selection
Scientific modesty - open to debate and criticism
Integrity - remain true to its findings
Caution - avoid being provocative
What are the three pillars
Research and policy analysis (through reports)
Capacity building (technical assistance)
Consensus building
What are the two commissions of the Trade and Development board
Investment, enterprise and development commission
Trade and Development commission
How often does the TDB meet?
Annual session in september in Geneva - deals with urgent policy issues
How often does the two commissions meet?
1
How often does the Working Party meet?
meets three times a year, decisions and conclusion to the TDB
