The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is "well-positioned to face contemporary challenges and to continue traditional work that remains relevant and effective," the organization's XIII Quadrennial Conference that ended in Doha, Qatar Sunday said. UNCTAD XIII President Hamad bin Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Kuwari, Qatar's Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, said "UNCTAD's message of reform is a contemporary one that recognizes the changes that have taken place in the global economy in the last 10 years. A new generation of policies and reforms in trade, finance, investment and technology will be needed in this next phase of post-crisis globalization." He will continue in the post for the next four years. "This has been a process and an outcome that strengthens UNCTAD," said Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi. While "we can justifiably be proud of our record and our role within the United Nations system," he said, recent trends and developments in the world economy and in situations affecting developing countries had merited the intensive discussion that took place during the meetings in Doha. The principal outcome document takes new concerns into account and also "fundamentally and unambiguously reaffirms UNCTAD's mandate," he told the closing session. The 15-page, 64-paragraph Doha Mandate, as it is called, gives guidelines for the organization's activities for the next four years. It reaffirms work priorities agreed in 2008 at the UNCTAD XII conference, including UNCTAD's traditional research activities in matters of trade and related development issues of concern to poor nations. Consensus on the text was achieved by the organization's 194-member states after several months of negotiations. Mothae Anthony Maruping, Chairman of the Committee of the group that negotiated the document, said it is "short, clear, and concentrated" and reflects member states' joint ambitions for UNCTAD. On the UNCTAD XIII theme of "development-centered globalization," the Doha Mandate states that "several challenges have to be met to realize development-centered globalization. In this regard, finance should support the real economy in support of sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth and sustainable development. All countries, developed and developing alike, can pay serious political, economic and social costs from financial shocks." "Another challenge is eliminating hunger and achieving food security. Securing adequate access to food - one of the most basic human needs – is a priority," it added. Issues related to energy must be addressed, the outcome text noted, including volatile prices and access, including access to renewable energy. "Development-centered globalization sets the stage for inclusive growth and development, and contributes toward reducing poverty and creating jobs," the Doha Mandate added. "Discussions on globalization should be balanced, highlighting its benefits, acknowledging its risks and addressing its challenges." The conference further noted that research and advisory work on issues of public debt and on the dissemination or diffusion of technology to developing countries should continue.
