Welcome to the United Nations
Trends and Policies in the World Economy
World Economic and Social Survey 1996 sees increasing grounds for optimism in the global economy, although considerable problems remain. The Survey was issued shortly after the success of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and agreement on the need for a new global urban agenda. In addition to reviewing data and projections on the extent of urbanization, it examines trends in the provision of electric power in developing countries and alternative institutional arrangements for meeting the world's growing demand for water. Both questions are central to the implementation of the Global Plan of Action adopted in Istanbul.