Background and Rationale
Global environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, are increasingly intertwined with international trade dynamics. Understanding these complex interlinkages requires robust data, innovative analytical approaches, and stronger collaboration between academic and policy communities.
At the same time, ongoing global economic transformations and geopolitical tensions—particularly those related to natural resources, strategic sectors, and global value chains—are reshaping trade patterns and development trajectories. These dynamics are especially relevant for developing countries, including African economies, where data availability and analytical tools play a crucial role in supporting evidence-based policymaking.
In this context, data-driven research is essential to better understand the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of trade, and to inform sustainable development strategies.
Objectives
This seminar aims to:
- Showcase how data and analytical tools can support research at the intersection of trade and sustainability
- Present key datasets, methodologies, and emerging analytical approaches relevant for academic research
- Provide practical insights into how these tools can be applied to country-level analysis, including in Tunisia and other developing economies
- Foster dialogue between researchers, doctoral students, and practitioners
- Encourage the use of innovative tools in economic research
Scope and Content
The seminar will highlight practical applications of data and analytical tools used in trade and sustainability research. It will cover a range of topics, including:
- Composite indices related to inclusive growth, productive capacities, and sustainability
- Trade and environment linkages, including emerging areas such as critical minerals and resource-based value chains
- Selected sectoral datasets (e.g. ocean economy, biodiversity-related trade)
- Methodological approaches, including nowcasting and alternative metrics beyond GDP
- The use of digital and AI-based tools to enhance data analysis and research efficiency
Particular attention will be given to applications relevant to developing countries, including African economies, and to datasets that can support country-level analysis.
The seminar also contributes to ongoing academic discussions on global economic challenges and geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to natural resources, sustainability, and international trade.
Speakers
- Nabil Alimi, Professor, University El Manar
- Ms. Nour Barnat, Chief of Trade Statistics, Statistics, Data and Digital Service, UNCTAD
- Mr. Daniel Hopp, Data Scientist, Statistics, Data and Digital Service, UNCTAD
- Ms. Petra Kynclova, Statistician, Statistics, Data and Digital Service, UNCTAD
- Mr. Ludovic Arnaud, Associate Economic Affairs Officer, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD
