Call for Proposals: 2nd UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026
Job Description
Call for Proposals: 2nd UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026
The 2nd Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is an integral part of the second UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF), taking place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 29 November to 1 December 2026.
Building on the success of the first Innovation Challenge held during the inaugural GSCF in Barbados (2024), this edition invites innovators from around the world to propose original solutions to today’s and upcoming years’ global supply chain disruptions.
This year’s challenge focuses on how frontier technologies can help anticipate, withstand and recover from supply chain disruptions in ways that are more sustainable, resilient, efficient and inclusive.
Summary of the 2nd UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026
- Host: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Event: 2nd UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum
- Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Forum Dates: 29th November – 1st December 2026
- Eligible Countries: All
- Deadline: 4 September, 2026
- Financial Benefits: Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for the selected participant or the representative of the winning team.
What Is the Supply Chain Innovation Challenge?
- The Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is designed to identify innovative solutions to current and emerging global supply chain disruptions.
- Following the success of the first challenge held during the inaugural Global Supply Chain Forum in Barbados in 2024, the 2026 edition focuses on the role of frontier technologies in helping supply chains anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions.
Proposals should demonstrate how technology can contribute to supply chains that are more:
- Sustainable
- Resilient
- Efficient
- Inclusive
Areas of Focus
- This year’s challenge focuses on how frontier technologies can help anticipate, withstand, and recover from supply chain disruptions in ways that are more sustainable, resilient, efficient, and inclusive.
What Should Your Proposal Include?
- Applicants must submit an original proposal in English of between 1,500 and 3,000 words, including the bibliography and footnotes.
The proposal should contain:
- Clear Problem Statement
- Innovative Solution
- Anticipated Impact
- Feasibility Assessment
Who Can Apply for the 2nd UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026
The challenge is open to natural persons (individuals) from around the world. Applicants may participate:
- Individually; or
- In teams of up to four people
If a team is selected as the winner, one team member will represent the group in Saudi Arabia and present the winning proposal at the Global Supply Chain Forum.
Proposals must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and practical applicability in real-world supply chain settings.