The United Nations’ flagship event on global logistics and trade resilience is heading to the Middle East. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the second edition of the UN Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) in November 2026, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced on Wednesday.

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The biennial forum—organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI)—will convene governments, industry leaders, and global experts to chart strategies for building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient supply chains.

Announcing the decision at UNCTAD16 in Geneva, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said the upcoming forum would address the mounting challenges facing international logistics systems amid geopolitical tension, climate impacts, and shifting trade patterns.

“We must ensure the triple transition to zero-carbon shipping, digital systems, and resilient, reconfigured trade routes are just transitions,” Grynspan said. “The Forum will demonstrate how sustained collective commitment and international cooperation can drive resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global supply chains.”

Navigating Fragile Global Trade Flows

The 2026 GSCF comes at a critical time for world trade. According to UNCTAD data, seaborne trade growth slowed to 2.2% in 2024 and is projected to dip to 0.5% in 2025, before stabilizing at roughly 2% per year through 2030. Persistent disruptions—from conflict-related rerouting to capacity bottlenecks—have driven up emissions, freight rates, and port waiting times, particularly in developing regions.

The forum will focus on policy coordination, sustainable infrastructure investment, and digital innovation to help countries better adapt to crises and ensure the steady flow of essential goods. It will also spotlight the needs of vulnerable economies such as least developed countries, landlocked nations, and small island states, which often face freight costs up to three times higher than the global average.

Key Priorities for the 2026 Agenda

Building on outcomes from the inaugural GSCF in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Saudi-hosted event will promote targeted global collaboration across five core areas:

• Strengthening trade infrastructure: Upgrading ports, corridors, and inland transport systems.
• Accelerating digital trade systems: Enhancing efficiency and cybersecurity.
• Supporting small and vulnerable economies: Simplifying trade regimes, expanding access to finance, and offering technical assistance.
• Decarbonizing maritime transport: Promoting fleet modernization and sustainable shipping practices.
• Empowering the logistics workforce: Investing in skills, safety, and decent work conditions.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Global Trade Cooperation

Hosting the 2026 GSCF underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a logistics and trade hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

“We are honored to host the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026,” said Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services. “This gathering reflects our commitment to building resilient, human-centered, and environmentally responsible supply chains.”

The forum aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom’s long-term blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable development. Under this vision, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its logistics infrastructure, expand digital trade systems, and foster international cooperation to make global trade a force for shared prosperity.