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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
UNCTAD acknowledges that as pressure grows to decarbonize and modernize, countries face a dual challenge — reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.<\/p>\n
The agreement marks a step forward in UNCTAD\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership brings together Singapore\u2019s operational excellence and UNCTAD\u2019s global development expertise,\u201d said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive \u2013 while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UNCTAD-Singapore collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime trade through practical, scalable solutions.<\/p>\n
On one hand, Singapore\u2019s role as one of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The two parties said that under the agreement, they were going to promote cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping networks.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 key enablers of a successful transition.<\/p>\n
A central pillar of the initiative is support for developing countries, including training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.<\/p>\n
Building on UNCTAD\u2019s long-standing work with port communities, the partnership will help improve performance, strengthen connectivity and enhance preparedness for disruptions \u2013 an increasingly urgent priority in today\u2019s volatile global environment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
UNCTAD is the UN\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
UNCTAD helps developing countries make trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy work for inclusive and sustainable development.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s busiest transshipment hub.<\/p>\n
One of its landmark ports is the Tuas Port whose level of automation and sustainable innovations has earned it the title of \u201cport of the future\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1329,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-analysis"],"yoast_head":"\n