Shaping the Future of Trade & Development: Bhutan Participates in UNCTAD XVI in Geneva

Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), led Bhutan’s delegation to the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) held in Geneva from October 20 to 24, 2025. The high-level global gathering, convened every four years, serves as a crucial platform for nations to exchange insights, build partnerships, and collectively shape strategies toward equitable, inclusive, and sustainable global trade and development.

This year’s conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Trade and Development,” brought together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and experts from around the world to discuss how trade, technology, and investment can be harnessed to transform economies, particularly in developing and least developed countries.

Throughout the week-long event, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji actively participated in several Ministerial Roundtables and high-level sessions focused on the evolving global economic landscape, the future of multilateralism, regional integration, and strategies to advance sustainable economic transformation.

In his interventions, Lyonpo highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to building a high-income, Gross National Happiness (GNH)-based economy that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and responsible trade. He underscored the importance of international cooperation and platforms like UNCTAD in linking policy, technology, and trade to help developing countries diversify their economies and achieve inclusive growth.

“Bhutan’s vision for the future is rooted in mindful development — one that aligns economic progress with social wellbeing and environmental balance,” Lyonpo stated. “Multilateral cooperation remains essential for small economies like ours to access technology, enhance competitiveness, and participate meaningfully in the global marketplace.”

On the sidelines of the conference, Lyonpo held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from various countries, as well as with senior officials and heads of key UN agencies based in Geneva, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), UNCTAD, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Trade Centre (ITC), and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).

These discussions were especially significant in light of Bhutan’s ongoing accession to the WTO. They focused on strengthening partnerships, promoting technical cooperation, and identifying new avenues for collaboration to support Bhutan’s transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a resilient, innovation-driven economy.

During these engagements, the Bhutanese delegation also shared His Majesty The King’s visionary initiative — the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Presented as a mindful, sustainable, and innovation-led Special Administrative Region, the GMC project captured strong interest among government representatives, development partners, and UN agencies. Conversations centered on potential collaboration in green industries, digital infrastructure, and sustainable tourism — areas that resonate deeply with Bhutan’s development philosophy.

UNCTAD XVI concluded with renewed global commitment to strengthening multilateralism, fostering sustainable investment, and ensuring that trade becomes a powerful tool for inclusive development. For Bhutan, the conference marked a significant opportunity to reaffirm its global engagement, share its developmental philosophy grounded in GNH, and forge partnerships that will help shape the country’s path toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.