The United Nations and Singapore launch a partnership to enhance the sustainability and resilience of global ports

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New York, April 22 / WAM / The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Ports Authority of Singapore have launched a new partnership, aiming to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable, resilient and inclusive ports globally, with a particular focus on supporting developing countries in facing the challenges of reducing emissions and modernizing infrastructure.

The initiative was announced on Wednesday, during Singapore Maritime Week, ahead of the UN Global Supply Chain Forum scheduled for late 2026, which will bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss the future of global trade and logistics.

The United Nations stressed in a statement that ports represent the backbone of international trade, as they handle more than 80% of the volume of global trade, making them a pivotal element in supporting economic growth, pointing out that these ports consume energy intensively and rely heavily on fossil fuels, which puts them before a dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness.

The partnership focuses on developing and deploying practical solutions that are broadly applicable in various national environments, including promoting the use of cleaner fuels in the shipping sector, and expanding the adoption of digital technologies in port management and supply chains.

Areas of cooperation also include exchanging experiences in sustainable financing, supporting digital innovation, and developing workforce skills, as essential elements to ensure the success of the transformation in the maritime sector.

Supporting developing countries is a cornerstone of this initiative, as the partnership will provide training programs and advisory services, in addition to working to strengthen the institutional capabilities of ports and stakeholders.

These efforts aim to improve port performance, enhance trade interconnection, and increase countries’ readiness to face disruptions in supply chains, in light of an international environment characterized by volatility and uncertainty.

The outcomes of this partnership will also contribute to the ongoing preparations for the United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum 2026, which is expected to constitute a major platform for discussing ways to enhance the flexibility of global trade and ensure its sustainability in the future.

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD, said in his statements that the partnership between the two sides will combine Singapore’s advanced operational expertise with UNCTAD’s global development expertise, stressing that it will contribute to accelerating the transition towards a green, more efficient and flexible maritime sector, while ensuring that this transition is comprehensive and does not leave developing countries behind.

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