The UN Conference on Trade and Development, also known as UNCTAD, is an international organization within the United Nations system that represents the interests of developing countries. Today it has over seventy-seven member countries. UNCTAD is headquartered in Geneva where it was developed in 1964. There is a permanent body in Geneva called the Secretariat, which is headed by the Secretary General. The Secretariat plans the conferences where countries negotiate and develop resolutions that are then passed on to the UN General Assembly for further debate. UNCTAD by itself cannot make decisions. All final decisions are made in the General Assembly.

联合国贸易和发展委员会，简称为UNCTA，是联合国体制中代表发展中国家的国际性机构。现在，它拥有72个成员国。联合国贸易和发展委员会于1964年日内瓦设立总部。秘书处是在日内瓦的长设机构，由秘书长主理。秘书处设计大会让各国讨论和发展决议，再交由联合国大会作进一步的讨论。联合国贸易和发展委员会自己并不能作决议。大会作最后的决议。