Context:

• The inaugural United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum, organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Barbados, concluded successfully.

Important Points

About UN Global Supply Chain Forum:

• Over 1,000 participants from around the world convened to tackle the pressing issues of global disruptions, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on global trade.
  • It gathered key figures, including trade and transport Ministers from several small island developing states (SIDS).
  • Representatives from various UN agencies ,major ports like the Port of Seattle, and industry leaders in shipping and logistics were also present.
• The forum underscored the complexities and opportunities in decarbonizing global shipping, with a particular focus on developing countries rich in renewable energy resources.
• Efforts to incentivize low- or zero-carbon fuels, establish safety frameworks for new fuels, and enhance port readiness for handling various fuels were identified as critical steps in driving sustainable freight transport and logistics.
  • One of the major outcomes of the forum was the launch of the “Manifesto for Intermodal, Low-Carbon, Efficient and Resilient Freight Transport and Logistics.”
• This manifesto calls for a significant transformation in freight transport to achieve global climate targets and improve socio-economic resilience, emphasizing the transition to zero-emission fuels, optimized logistics, and sustainable value chains.
• Digital technologies were highlighted as key to enhancing global supply chain resilience.
• Ministers from SIDS advocated for international financial support and investment in green and sustainable technologies to enhance energy efficiency and combat marine pollution.
• A significant achievement of the forum was the launch of the UN Trade and Development Trade-and-Transport Dataset, developed in collaboration with the World Bank.
  • This comprehensive repository provides global data on over 100 commodities and various transport modes, offering a holistic view of trade and transport costs.
• The next forum is set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2026.

Initiatives of Indian Government for Boosting Supply Chain

• Sagarmala (2016): This initiative focuses on developing port infrastructure, logistics and coastal connectivity to boost maritime trade and enhance export competitiveness.
• Bharatmala (2015): This ambitious programme aims to create a network of highways, expressways and other logistics corridors to improve connectivity within India and with neighbouring countries.
• Dedicated Freight Corridors (2005): These dedicated railway lines aim to accelerate the movement of goods, reduce transportation costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

Important fact for exam

UNCTAD

• Formation: 1964
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Secretary-General: Rebeca Grynspan