Piyush Goyal leads India's delegation at UNCTAD XVI in Geneva
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led India's delegation and delivered the national statement at the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) in Geneva, as reported by PIB on 22 October 2025.
Summary
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led India's delegation at the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) in Geneva and delivered India's national statement (PIB, 22 October 2025). UNCTAD was established in 1964 to help integrate developing countries into the global economy. The session's theme was 'Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development'. Goyal said India has 250 GW of clean energy and aims for 500 GW by 2030, and contributes only 3.5% of global emissions while hosting 17% of the world's population. He called for South-South cooperation on critical minerals, fertilisers and supply chains. With European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera he discussed the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Indian exports, especially steel.
Key facts
- Event
- UNCTAD XVI, Geneva
- India's lead
- Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister
- UNCTAD founded
- 1964
- Theme
- Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development
- Clean energy
- 250 GW now; 500 GW target by 2030
- Bilateral
- CBAM impact discussed with EC EVP Teresa Ribera
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The 16th session of UNCTAD (UNCTAD XVI), where Piyush Goyal led India's delegation in October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
PIB: Piyush Goyal attended the XVIth Session of UNCTAD in Geneva and delivered India's national statement.
In which year was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) established?
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Correct answer: B — 1964
PIB (UNCTAD XVI release): UNCTAD, established in 1964, promotes the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment and sustainable development.
Consider the following statements based on India's address at UNCTAD XVI (October 2025): 1. India contributes about 17% of global emissions, in line with its share of world population. 2. India's current clean energy capacity was stated as 500 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: India contributes only 3.5% of global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world's population; clean energy stands at 250 GW, with 500 GW as the 2030 target.