United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 is set to bring together governments, private-sector leaders, international organizations, academics, experts and other stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for strengthening global supply chains.
The second edition of the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) will take place from 29 November to 1 December 2026 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), the international forum will focus on building more resilient, sustainable and inclusive transport, logistics and supply chain systems.
UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026: Overview
Organizer: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Event: Global Supply Chain Forum 2026
Edition: Second Edition
Dates: 29 November – 1 December 2026
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Venue: King Abdulaziz International Conference Center
Co-organizer: Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI)
Event Type: International Supply Chain and Trade Forum
Languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic
Registration: Online registration is available through the official UN event registration platform.
About the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026
The Global Supply Chain Forum is held every two years by UNCTAD and serves as an international platform where public and private stakeholders can exchange knowledge and explore solutions to challenges affecting supply chains and trade logistics.
The 2026 edition follows the inaugural Global Supply Chain Forum held in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 2024.
It will also build upon discussions from the UNCTAD16 ministerial roundtable on resilient, sustainable and inclusive supply chains and trade logistics.
The Riyadh forum comes at a time when international supply chains continue to face significant pressures and disruptions, increasing the need for collaboration, innovation, sustainable infrastructure and effective policy responses.
Who Will Participate in the UNCTAD Supply Chain Forum?
The UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 is expected to bring together stakeholders from around the world, including:
- UNCTAD member States
- Government representatives
- Private-sector representatives
- International organizations
- Regional organizations
- Non-governmental organizations
- Academics
- Supply chain and logistics experts
- Trade and development stakeholders
Participants will have an opportunity to exchange experiences, identify policy options and consider practical approaches to improving the resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness of global transport and logistics systems.
What Will the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 Focus On?
The 2026 forum will examine some of the most pressing challenges affecting international and regional supply chains and their relationship with sustainable development.
Three major areas will form part of the discussions.
1. Building Resilient Supply Chains
UNCTAD aims to promote coordinated approaches for preventing, mitigating, responding to and adapting to supply chain disruptions.
Potential solutions include improved policies and regulations, operational measures, technical assistance, sustainable infrastructure investment and stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector.
Another important area will be strengthening crisis-response mechanisms to help maintain the movement of essential goods during emergencies.
2. Digitalization, Innovation and Sustainability
Innovation will be an important theme at the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.
The forum will examine opportunities arising from:
- Digitalization
- Technological and operational innovation
- Structural transformation
- Sustainability transitions
- Skills development
- Greater public-private collaboration
These developments can potentially help countries strengthen supply chain resilience while expanding productive capacity and participation in international and regional trade.
The discussions are particularly relevant as governments and businesses increasingly explore digital technologies and new logistics solutions to improve efficiency and prepare supply chains for future disruptions.
Supporting Developing Economies
Another major priority of the 2026 forum will be supporting economies that are disproportionately affected by global supply chain disruptions.
Particular attention will be given to:
Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
Many of these economies face significantly higher transportation and freight costs than the global average. According to the information provided by UNCTAD, freight costs can in some cases reach three times the global average.
Strengthening their participation in global and regional supply chains will therefore form an important part of discussions in Riyadh.
Why the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum Matters
Global supply chains play a crucial role in international trade and economic development.
However, geopolitical pressures, economic uncertainty, infrastructure constraints, emergencies and other disruptions can have major consequences for the movement of goods.
For developing countries in particular, supply chain disruptions can increase transportation costs and make participation in international markets more difficult.
The Global Supply Chain Forum provides a platform where policymakers, businesses, international organizations and specialists can discuss practical responses to these challenges.
It also creates opportunities to examine how innovation, digitalization and sustainable investment can help make future supply chains more resilient.
Global Logistics Forum in Saudi Arabia
The UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 will be held in conjunction with the Global Logistics Forum, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services.
Holding the events together is expected to further strengthen discussions between international policymakers and stakeholders involved in transportation, logistics and global trade.
How to Register for the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026
Individuals interested in participating in the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 in Riyadh can register online through the official United Nations event registration system.
Prospective participants should carefully review the registration requirements and event guidelines before submitting their information.
Participants who do not already have an account on the UN registration platform may need to create one before completing their event registration.
UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 Dates
The forum will run for three days:
29 November – 1 December 2026
The event will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to complete registration early and follow UNCTAD’s official communication channels for additional programme information and updates.
About UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UN Trade and Development, commonly known as UNCTAD, is a United Nations body working on issues related to trade and development.
Its work includes research, policy analysis, technical cooperation and international dialogue aimed at helping developing economies benefit more effectively from the global economy.
Transport, trade logistics, infrastructure, trade facilitation and customs automation are among the areas connected to UNCTAD’s work.
Final Thoughts
The UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2026 offers an important international platform for governments, businesses, academics, international organizations and other stakeholders interested in the future of global trade and logistics.
With discussions covering supply chain innovation, digitalization, sustainable infrastructure, crisis response, trade facilitation and resilience, the Riyadh forum will explore practical approaches to creating stronger and more inclusive global supply chains.
The event will take place from 29 November to 1 December 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Interested participants should review the official UNCTAD event information and complete the online registration process where eligible.
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