UNCTAD is part of the UN Secretariat. It supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively, and supports their efforts to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration. UNCTAD provides analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance, aimed at helping developing countries to use trade, investment, finance, entrepreneurship, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development. Together with other UN departments and agencies, UNCTAD measures progress by the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in Agenda 2030. UNCTAD’s goal is prosperity for all.
Commitment to SSE
Working at the national, regional and global level, UNCTAD helps countries to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and social innovation as well as innovative financing mechanisms. In particular, based on its Entrepreneurship Policy Framework, UNCTAD provides support in designing and implementing national entrepreneurship strategies, and supporting specific target groups, such as youth, women, the rural poor, migrants and refugees. Through its Empretec and Business Linkages for Inclusive Value Chains programmes, UNCTAD assists developing countries, and in particular LDCs, in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and leaving no one behind.
Publications and outputs:
- UNCTAD/IOM/UNHCR Policy Guide on Entrepreneurship for Migrants and Refugees (2018)
- UNCTAD Entrepreneurship Policy Framework and Implementation Guidance (2012)
- UNCTAD and Commonwealth Policy Guide for Youth Entrepreneurship
- Empretec – Capacity-building programme for the promotion of entrepreneurship and micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate sustainable development and inclusive growth
For more information: