The UN’s flagship event on global logistics and trade resilience is heading to the Middle East. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the second edition of the United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) in November 2026.
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The biennial forum – organized by the United Nations on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) – will bring together governments, industry leaders and global experts to map out strategies to build more sustainable, inclusive and resilient supply chains.
Announcing the resolution at UNCTAD XVI in Geneva, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebecca Greenspan said the upcoming forum will address the growing challenges facing international logistics systems amid geopolitical tensions, climate impacts, and changing trade patterns.
“We must ensure that the triple transition to zero-carbon shipping, digital systems and resilient and reshaped trade routes is essential.” Just transfers“The Forum will demonstrate how sustained collective commitment and international cooperation can drive resilient, sustainable and inclusive global supply chains,” Greenspan said.
Dealing with fragile global trade flows
The 2026 Global Cooperation Framework comes at a critical time for global trade. According to UNCTAD data, growth in seaborne trade slowed to 2.2% in 2024, and is expected to decline to 0.5% in 2025, before stabilizing at around 2% per year until 2030. Ongoing disruptions – from conflict-related rerouting to capacity bottlenecks – have led to higher emissions, freight rates, and port waiting times, especially in developing regions.
The forum will focus on policy coordination, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovation to help countries better adapt to crises and ensure the continuous flow of basic goods. It will also highlight the needs of vulnerable economies such as least developed countries, landlocked states, and small island states, which often face shipping costs up to three times the global average.
Key priorities of the 2026 Agenda
Building on the outcomes of the inaugural GSCF in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Saudi-hosted event will advance targeted global cooperation across five core areas:
- Enhancing commercial infrastructure: – Developing ports, corridors and internal transportation systems.
- Accelerating digital commerce systems: Enhancing efficiency and cybersecurity.
- Supporting small and vulnerable economies: Simplify trading systems, expand access to financing, and provide technical assistance.
- Decarbonizing shipping: Promote fleet modernization and sustainable shipping practices.
- Empowering the logistics workforce: Invest in skills, safety and decent working conditions.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global trade cooperation
Hosting the 2026 Global Logistics Forum underscores the growing role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a logistics and trade hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe.
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, said: “We are honored to host the United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.” “This gathering reflects our commitment to building resilient, human-centered and environmentally responsible supply chains.”
The forum is consistent with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term plan for economic diversification and sustainable development. Under this vision, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its logistics infrastructure, expand digital trade systems, and enhance international cooperation to make global trade a force for shared prosperity.
