On 20 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Opening of the 16th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) held at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland.

The opening session was chaired by Mr. Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor of Switzerland. Key speakers included the Prime Minister of Barbados and President of UNCTAD XV (via VDO message), President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (via VDO message), Prime Minister of Viet Nam (via VDO message), H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UNGA (via VDO message), and Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD. The speakers underscored the importance of multilateralism, reform of the international financial architecture, closing the financial gap and digital divide, transitioning towards digital and green economies, South–South and Triangular Cooperation, as well as the role of UNCTAD in supporting developing countries in economy, trade, and development.

The Advisor to the Minister met with the Secretary-General of UNCTAD prior to the opening and representatives of Member States during the meeting, including H.E. Mr. Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.