Confirming its burgeoning status as a leading logistics center, Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the UN Trade and Development Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026. This significant event is expected to gather industry leaders, specialists, and organizations to collaborate and steer the course of global commerce.
The biannual forum, which kicks off its inaugural session from May 21 to 24 in Bridgetown, Barbados, is designed to foster international dialogue and cultivate an environment for investment that aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, expressed that this distinction cements the Kingdom’s role as an integral hub for logistics, bridging three continents together.
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the minister responsible for transport and logistics services, emphasized that the privilege of hosting the forum is indicative of Saudi Arabia’s elevated international stature and its influential role within global entities.
He pointed out the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing the transport and logistics sectors through developmental and service projects, which are part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.
The successful bid for the 2026 forum showcases the strides taken in the fields of ports and supply chain management, including improvements in operational efficiency and the substantial investments in infrastructure and maritime services made by Mawani in partnership with the private sector.
Challenges currently faced by global trade include attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, disruptions in Suez Canal transit, instability in the Black Sea due to conflict, and lowered water levels in the Panama Canal due to drought, all affecting key trade passages.
However, Saudi ports have been expanding their connections with international ports and forming strategic partnerships with leading global shipping companies. This has led to the launch of new maritime routes that connect the Kingdom to the rest of the world, boosting trade and global market integration.
Omar bin Talal Hariri, the head of Mawani, noted the successful advancement in logistics service standards as a reflection of the country’s endeavors. He mentioned how the adoption of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence in maritime and logistics operations is propelling the sector forward, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future for global supply chains.
