"It is imperative that we understand the crisis in all its dimensions and have the concerted effort of all the different players if we are to ease the effects and protect the innocent bystanders."

Mr. Supachai Panitchpakdi,
Secretary-General of UNCTAD,
March 2008.

UNCTAD's first public symposium is intended to give a voice to the voiceless -- to draw out the opinions and perspectives of people and organizations yet to be heard from in the debate on the current global financial turmoil and its effects. 

Participants will come from civil society, academia, the private sector, and the media, as well as from governments and Parliaments. 

The intent is to deepen understanding of the crisis.  During the debate, UNCTAD will share its expertise in research and analysis on trade, investment, and the current state of the global economy.

The organization's first public symposium is organized in cooperation with the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) and other partner organizations.

• Two days, moderated plenaries and focused group discussions to debate
  key aspects of the crisis.
• Simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

• A concluding document that will contribute to international debate.

• The global economic crisis - its causes and its multiple impacts. The debate will consider, in particular the effects on developing countries in the area of trade, investment, food security and jobs.
  
• Assessing existing responses to the crisis at international, regional and national levels - limitations and best practices. In addition to examining the effectiveness of stimulus packages implemented in some countries, the debate will address multilateral efforts to find solutions to the crisis, including the G-20 Summit outcome and regional initiatives.
  
• Proposals for the way forward - obstacles and opportunities. The debate will include opportunities arising from the upcoming United Nations conference on the world financial crisis and its impact on development, and longer-term issues such as the reform of the international financial architecture and global economic governance.