Pierre Marcolini speaks at the United Nations on the future of sustainable trade

Invited by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Belgian pastry chef and chocolatier Pierre Marcolini delivered the opening address at the dialogue “Changemakers for Sustainable Trade”, held as part of the sixteenth UNCTAD session in Geneva.

An artisan’s voice at the heart of the global debate

Alongside heads of state, economists, and leaders of international organizations, Pierre Marcolini represented the voice of artisans and small businesses — those “small voices” that, in his view, have the power to transform global economic models.

“In the face of major global challenges, the answer does not always lie in the strength of big corporations.
​I believe in the value of proximity, the power of human connection, and the virtue of craftsmanship.”

Craftsmanship as a model for sustainability

In a speech that was both heartfelt and forward-looking, Pierre Marcolini defended an approach where innovation and responsibility are fully compatible with the artisan scale. He illustrated his message through his long-standing commitments:

According to him, this approach builds an ethical, transparent, and sustainable economic model — one that connects producer and consumer through mutual trust.

“A new generation is ready to pay not for the price of luxury, but for the price of ethics and authenticity.”

A message of optimism and openness

In a time often marked by distrust, Pierre Marcolini chose optimism — the belief in a world where artisans can engage with the entire planet through digital tools.

​Connectivity, he said, is no longer a barrier but a catalyst for a more human, local, and universal economy, where the value of work and the beauty of craftsmanship regain their rightful place.

Humanity, meaning, and transmission

True to his Bean to Bar philosophy, Pierre Marcolini concluded with a powerful idea: sincerity is an economic strength.

“To reach out to others, to recognize the value of the gesture, to share the fruit of sincere work — that is true luxury.”

His intervention, warmly received by participants, marked a highlight of this UNCTAD session, reminding the audience that artisans are not only the guardians of know-how — they are also the pioneers of the future.

Pierre Marcolini is available for interviews or further comment following his address at the United Nations.

Dossier de presse

For more information or to request an interview with Pierre Marcolini:

Stephanie Boucquillon

Senior Account, top secret communication

• stephanie@top-secret.be

Marie Trenker

Junior Account, top secret communication

• marie.trenker@top-secret.be