In the past two decades, e-commerce has rapidly transformed how businesses and consumers interact, enabling entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs and large retailers to access global markets. As the digital economy expands, so does the need for comprehensive e-commerce policies that foster inclusive growth, sustainability and economic resilience.

Saudi Arabia provides a case study for this transformation, with a majority of its population engaging in online shopping, supported by comprehensive policy development through the Government’s Vision 2030.

This side event, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with UNCTAD, will explore how countries can develop inclusive e-commerce ecosystems through policy frameworks, international cooperation and capacity-building efforts, such as UNCTAD’s eTrade Readiness Assessments and E-commerce Strategies.

By sharing experiences from different regions, the discussion will highlight good practices, governance mechanisms, and strategies to address global e-commerce challenges, including bridging the digital divide, minimizing the sector’s environmental footprint (the topic of the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy) and strengthening measurement frameworks.

Objectives

• Exchange views on issues related to e-commerce policy-making, including with respect to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• Highlight good practices from different countries and regions.
• Provide a platform to discuss global governance on e-commerce and strengthening measurement.

[Catering will be provided ahead of the event.]