UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have launched a new partnership to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global maritime transport.
Since ports in the world handle over 80 per cent of the world trade volume, they are a key pillar of development. However, ports are largely energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels.
UNCTAD acknowledges that as pressure grows to decarbonize and modernize, countries face a dual challenge — reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.
The agreement marks a step forward in UNCTAD’s strategic engagement with Singapore, a global maritime hub and long-standing partner in advancing trade and transport solutions, says UNCTAD in a press release issued from Geneva on Wednesday of April 22, 2026.
“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
“It will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive – while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.”
The UNCTAD-Singapore collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime trade through practical, scalable solutions.
On one hand, Singapore’s role as one of the world’s most connected and efficient ports positions it as a key partner in testing and scaling innovations. On the other hand, UNCTAD complements this with global reach, policy expertise and on-the-ground support to developing countries, as the press release noted.
The two parties said that under the agreement, they were going to promote cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping networks.
They said that efforts will focus on solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts, alongside knowledge-sharing in sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development – key enablers of a successful transition.
A central pillar of the initiative is support for developing countries, including training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.
Building on UNCTAD’s long-standing work with port communities, the partnership will help improve performance, strengthen connectivity and enhance preparedness for disruptions – an increasingly urgent priority in today’s volatile global environment.
The initiative will also feed into preparations for the UN Global Supply Chain Forum taking place in late 2026, where global stakeholders will address the future of trade logistics and resilience.
UNCTAD is the UN’s leading body on trade and development. Founded in 1964, it supports 195 member states with expert analysis, technical assistance, and serves as a platform for intergovernmental dialogue.
UNCTAD helps developing countries make trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy work for inclusive and sustainable development.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is renowned globally for running most efficient ports and championing green ports and sustainable shipping. Singapore is the world’s busiest transshipment hub.
One of its landmark ports is the Tuas Port whose level of automation and sustainable innovations has earned it the title of “port of the future”.
It is designed to handle up to 65 million TEUs, which is about over 30 times more than most ports of Eastern and Southern Africa.