HE Hend bint Abdalrahman Al Muftah, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, has taken on the role of president for the fifty-eighth annual session of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the International Trade Centre for the period of 2024-2025. This announcement was made during a meeting at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), where HE Al Muftah expressed gratitude to HE Nadia Theodore for her leadership during the previous session.
HE Al Muftah also extended thanks to various key figures including HE Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the WTO, HE Rebeca Grynspan of UNCTAD, and HE Pamela Coke-Hamilton of the ITC for their contributions. She highlighted the importance of the work being done by JAG and ITC in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and addressing fragility, emphasizing this as a top priority for Qatar. She commended the ITC for its initiatives in the Middle East region and expressed readiness to collaborate with JAG in continuing this important work.
The State of Qatar recently hosted the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in partnership with the ITC, a gathering aimed at supporting the least developed countries in their journey towards prosperity. The ITC’s efforts have reached SMEs in 144 countries, with a focus on prioritizing least developed countries, non-coastal developing countries, small island developing states, and small and vulnerable economies. These initiatives align with the ITC’s strategic plan for 2022-2025 and reflect its commitment to empowering businesses in these regions.
The Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the International Trade Centre serves as a collaborative body between the WTO and UNCTAD, overseeing the activities of the ITC and ensuring transparency in its operations worldwide. JAG provides recommendations to the UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Board and the WTO’s Committee on Trade and Development on the ITC’s work program. Representatives from member states in UNCTAD and WTO are actively involved in JAG’s meetings, typically at the ambassadorial or senior official level, reflecting a commitment to promoting global trade and development.
In conclusion, HE Hend bint Abdalrahman Al Muftah’s presidency of the fifty-eighth annual session of the JAG signifies Qatar’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs and fostering economic growth in collaboration with international organizations. The ITC’s initiatives in the Middle East region and its focus on empowering vulnerable economies underscore the importance of inclusive and sustainable development. As JAG continues its work in overseeing the operations of the ITC, the partnership between the WTO and UNCTAD remains crucial in promoting global trade and development for the benefit of all member states.
