The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a pivotal intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland (CH). Established in 1964, UNCTAD plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. With a focus on developing countries, it operates across various regions, providing valuable insights and policy guidance. UNCTAD's core services include research, capacity-building, and technical assistance, aimed at enhancing the economic prospects of nations. Its unique approach combines economic analysis with practical solutions, making it a trusted partner for governments and stakeholders. Notable achievements include its influential reports on global trade trends and the facilitation of international dialogue on trade and development issues. As a leader in the field, UNCTAD continues to shape policies that foster inclusive economic growth worldwide.
How does Unctad's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Membership Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Unctad's score of 37 is higher than 65% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, UNCTAD reported total carbon emissions of approximately 3,128,519,000 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 167,001,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 175,815,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2 (market-based), and a significant 3,128,519,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3. The Scope 3 emissions included major contributions from purchased goods and services (2,752,946,000 kg CO2e) and upstream transportation and distribution (83,509,000 kg CO2e). In 2022, the total emissions were about 375,545,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2 combined, with Scope 1 emissions at 177,152,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at 197,818,000 kg CO2e (market-based). The previous year, 2021, saw similar figures with total Scope 1 and 2 emissions of approximately 374,301,000 kg CO2e. UNCTAD has not disclosed any specific reduction targets or initiatives, nor does it appear to have cascaded data from a parent organization. The organisation's climate commitments remain unspecified, indicating a potential area for future development in sustainability practices.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2006 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 3,690,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 268,883,000 | - | - | 0,000,000,000 |
Unctad's Scope 3 emissions, which increased significantly last year and increased significantly since 2006, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 88% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Unctad has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

