National Coordinator for UNCTAD 15, Teresa Marshall, at the press briefing to launch the new website. (A.Reid/BGIS)

Host country Barbados for the 15th session of the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15) launched its website, https://www.unctad15.bb.

During a press briefing held at the National Organising Committee (NOC) office yesterday, National Coordinator for UNCTAD 15, Teresa Marshall, spoke about the website, which was developed by Fabian Branch of Tapp New Media.

“We have created a dynamic website that will profile Barbados and provide comprehensive information for delegates attending the conference; highlight the priorities Barbados and the Caribbean wish to see addressed at UNCTAD 15; inform Barbadians about the conference and the economic opportunities it can provide for them.”

Ms. Marshall also pointed out that the one-week conference, which was previously scheduled for October 18 to 23 this year, would now be held from April 25 to 30 next year, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), and plans are being put in place to host the opening and closing ceremonies at the Wildey Gymnasium.

The National Coordinator, in her overview of the planned programmes for UNCTAD 15, stated: “In our initial discussions with the UNCTAD Secretariat, both sides were agreed on the importance of reasserting the value of multilateralism, and on making UNCTAD 15 a real game changer in the context of international trade and development.”

Deputy National Coordinator for Administrative, Financial and Logistical Matters, Tyronne Brathwaite, also spoke about the planned programmes. 

He stated that the main conference would be organised into three meeting tracks. “The general debate, where ministers will make national statements; negotiating sessions, to finalise outcome documents; and ministerial roundtables and high-level events, where panellists and participants will deliberate on priority themes.”

Mr. Brathwaite also highlighted that immediately preceding the main conference would be a series of pre-conference meetings and events that would run from April 23 to 24. 

Of particular interest on the pre-conference calendar are six forums, which will address matters relating to the youth, gender and development, civil society, the creative industries, trade digitisation and global commodities. The conference will also include a Village Marketplace. 

“A very exciting aspect of the UNCTAD 15 offerings is the Village Marketplace, which will be set up on a two-acre parcel of land obliquely opposite the LESC. The Village Marketplace will serve as a showcase for the best of Bajan food, arts, music and culture,” Mr. Brathwaite said.

At the press briefing, members of the NOC and their supporting supplemental team were introduced, as well as individuals who will serve as lead organisers for each of the forums being held. 

sheena.forde-craigg@barbados.gov.bb

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