The aim of WESS 2017 is to document the intellectual influence of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) through its flagship publication World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) on its 70th Anniversary. First published in 1948 the Survey is the oldest continuous post-World War II publication of its kind that records and analyses the performance of the global economy and social development trends as well as offers relevant policy recomm Read More

The year 2015 was one of global action concerning the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other challenges. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development along with a set of new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will apply universally to all countries. As the MDG experience shows setting ambitious goals is the first step; achieving them requires concrete actions. This publication reviews economic social and environmental policies im Read More

The World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) is a yearly publication that provides objective analysis of pressing long-term social and economic development issues and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies. Scholars policymakers development thinkers and practitioners as well as United Nations staff members have come together to develop the main messages for this year’s focus – Innovative Sources of Development Finan Read More

The Survey points out promising directions for reform including strengthening government capacities for formulating and implementing national development strategies; doing more to ensure that official development assistance is aligned with national priorities; strengthening the international trade and financial systems so that countries with limited capabilities can successfully integrate into the global economy; creating new mechanisms for Read More

According to the Survey economic insecurity arises from the exposure of individuals communities and countries to adverse events and from their inability to cope with and recover from the downside losses. Local concerns have been compounded by new global threats as unregulated markets and climate change. The Survey offers a different approach with a strong “social contract” and more integrated and pragmatic economic and social policy. It calls for Read More

Part I. State of the World Economy: In the second half of 2002 the world economy stands at a delicate juncture. After the weakest performance in a decade for the year as a whole global economic recovery is under way. However neither the strength nor the breadth nor the durability of the recovery is assured. Part II. Private-Public Interaction in Achieving Society’s Goals: examines selected aspects of the changing nature of the interaction between the pu Read More

The World Economic and Social Survey 2005 focuses on the Monterrey Consensus as the current framework for international cooperation for development. The report examines the correspondingly broad agenda for action that was set out in the Consensus recognizing numerous accomplishments to date and draws attention to the further actions—in the financing and trade areas—that need to be undertaken in the years ahead to achieve both the Millen Read More

The 2004 edition of the World Economic and Social Survey is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the state of the world economy in 2004 and the outlook for 2005. It includes a review of developments in international trade and finance and an overview of the situation in the world’s economies as of mid-2004 and their prospects for 2005. Meanwhile the second part addresses international migration. It examines historical and recent surges in migr Read More

Part one. State of the World Economy: chronicles a remarkable recovery in the world economy after the crisis years 1997-1999. Although the volume of international financial flows has not returned to its pre-crisis level international financial markets are again displaying a sense of calm. International trade has also largely recovered from the setback it suffered following the financial crises. Part two. Escaping the Poverty Trap: identifies a number of critical Read More

Authoritative and reliable the 1998 World Economic and Social Survey offers unique insight and commentary on current trends and policies in the world economy. Its forecasts and lucid descriptions make it an essential tool for those involved in international trade and finance. This new edition provides a comprehensive review of macro-economic developments in 1997 and the outlook for 1998 in developed developing and transition economies. It a Read More