We are here in Accra at a crucial and uncertain time in the affairs of the world. The impact of climate change threatens to roll back many years of steady growth in many parts of the world, migratory flows threaten to increase hostility and human suffering, inflationary pressures threaten to diminish the horizon of hope for man communities, international financial turbulence threaten to cut off the means to create growth and employment, and soaring food prices threaten starvation for hundreds of thousands of people around the world, especially here in Africa. So we shall be looking for answers, we will be proposing solutions, we will be offering alternatives, and we hope to offer hope. Mr. Kobsak Chutikul, Special Adviser to the UNCTAD Secretary-General

On this occasion, the Trade Minister of Ghana said that in recent years Ghana has enjoyed rapid economic growth and strong growth in exports, but still faces many challenges, especially with regard to commodity prices.

Mr. Kobsak said that, "during UNCTAD XII we shall be looking for answers, we will be proposing solutions, we will be offering alternatives and we hope to offer hope".

Ms. Jo Butler, Secretary of the Conference, Mr. Kobsak Chutikul, Overall coordinator of the Conference, Honourable Joe Baidoe-Ansah, Minister of Trade of Ghana - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

Mr. Kobsak Chutikul, Special Adviser to the UNCTAD Secretary-General and Overall coordinator of the UNCTAD XII Conference - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

United Nations Security Officers during the flag-raising ceremony. - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.

UNCTAD XII flag-raising ceremony, 17 April - Photo Credit: D. Anobil / ISD.