On 30 April 2025, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Harvard Club of Thailand, hosted The International Seminar on Trade and Development Report 2024 under the theme “Rethinking Development in the Age of Discontent” at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok. The event brought together international and Thai experts to discuss critical findings from the UNCTAD report and their implications for developing economies in today’s complex global landscape.
The seminar opened with Welcome Remarks by Mr. Chavapas Ongmahutmongkol, President of the Harvard Club of Thailand, and Mr. Suphakit Chareonkul, Executive Director of ITD. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Council Member of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council and Former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand, then delivered the Opening Remarks, setting the stage for forward-thinking dialogue. The highlight of the session was a Keynote Address by Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Secretary-General of UNCTAD and former Director-General of the WTO. Dr. Supachai emphasized the importance of equitable global governance, innovation-driven policies, and inclusive development frameworks in addressing the world’s current economic challenges.
In the first presentation, Dr. Nicolas Maystre and Mr. Cameron Daneshvar of UNCTAD highlighted key findings from the 2024 UN Trade and Development Report. They discussed five major global economic trends, urging developing economies, particularly in Asia, to adopt strategic responses that promote inclusive and resilient growth. The speakers emphasized the need for policy reforms in the Global South to address challenges such as economic fragmentation and regional supply chain vulnerabilities.
The second session featured a panel discussion with leading Thai economists: Mr. Burin Adulwattana, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Kasikorn Research Center; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somjai Phagaphasvivat, Independent Scholar in Economics and Politics; and Dr. Don Nakornthab, Senior Director at the Bank of Thailand. The panelists explored how Thailand can leverage regional integration, innovation, and sustainable policies to navigate global uncertainties. They offered strategies for enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness and long-term resilience, with a focus on the country’s role in regional economic integration and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The seminar successfully provided valuable insights into global economic challenges and highlighted the need for thoughtful policy responses to ensure sustainable and inclusive development in both Thailand and other developing nations.
