Session documents

Commodity dependence is associated with a range of risks and vulnerabilities that threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recent shocks to the global economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine caused volatility and disruptions on international commodity markets and are a reminder of the importance to build resilient economies. Price volatility, sudden price hikes and supply chain uncertainties for basic commodities such as food, fuels and fertilizers also pose major challenges for net importers of these commodities, in particular if imports are concentrated in a narrow range of supplying markets and account for a large share of domestic availability. Furthermore, the global energy transition required to address climate change is bound to have profound impacts on future commodity demand patterns and thus on growth and development prospects of commodity dependent economies.

In this regard, the objectives of the course are as follows:

• Provide delegates with an overview of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine on global commodity markets;
• Show the risks and challenges associated with commodity dependence in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
• Highlight the importance of economic diversification and value upgrading for commodity-dependent developing countries.

•  Programme and speakers
•  PP Slide: Commodity dependence and recent trends on commodity markets
•  PP Slide: Energy transition: Opportunities, challenges and policy actions
•   Multimedia Presentation