Barbados has formally transferred the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Quadrennial to Switzerland, marking a significant transition in global trade leadership. This handover follows Barbados’ historic role as the first small island developing state to host the UNCTAD 15 ministerial conference four years ago during the pandemic. The 16th UNCTAD ministerial conference, themed ‘Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development,’ is set to convene from October 20 to 23 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNCTAD, a UN agency dedicated to integrating developing nations into the global economy through sustainable trade practices, continues to play a pivotal role in addressing global economic challenges. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados delivered a powerful opening statement via video, emphasizing the urgent need to reinforce multilateralism amidst global instability. She warned that the international order is at risk of unraveling due to shifting geopolitical dynamics and questioned values such as gender equality and diversity. Mottley called for a reinvention of multilateralism, stressing that multipolarity without agreed rules could hinder sustainable growth and peace. Barbados’ delegation, led by Minister Sandra Husbands, actively participated in key discussions, including the Group of 77 and small island developing states meetings. Ambassador Matthew Wilson, elected as a vice chair of the conference, contributed to sessions on trade, productive capacities, and youth engagement. Additionally, Barbados leveraged the occasion to strengthen ties with its diaspora in Switzerland and Caribbean ambassadors through a cultural event promoting ‘We Gatherin 2025.’