SDG #8: Decent work and economic growth

Pingfan Hong, the Director of DPAD, was invited by the Chinese Government to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, 14-15 May 2017, Beijing, China. The Belt and Road Forum is closely related to the work of DPAD in research and ongoing capacity development projects.

23 May 2017, UNHQ - Preparing for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category is a daunting task for the majority of LDCs. The countries face challenges in fully understanding the benefits from LDC-specific support they receive and what implication a possible graduation will have. Demand for information and support for a smooth transition from the LDC category continues to be high.

The mid-year update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2017 confirms the projections made in January 2017 of a modest recovery in global growth for 2017-2018. Helped by a moderate recovery in trade and investment, world gross product is expected to expand by 2.7% in 2017 and 2.9% in 2018. While this marks a notable acceleration compared to 2016, growth in many regions remains below the levels needed for rapid progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Angola Equator

Committee for Development Policy,?Report on the nineteenth session?(20-24 March 2017) (E/2017/33) ????,?

Slowdown in productivity growth posing a medium term challenge for developing countries Weaker-than-expected first quarter growth in the United States of America Plunge in cocoa prices delaying economic recovery in West Africa

Trade, investment and technology decisions at firm level interact with each other and affects aggregate productivity growth. This also illustrates the self-propagating forces of the current situation of the world economy.

The United States Federal Reserve raises its key policy rate by 25 basis points, amid continued strengthening of labour market conditions Rapid rise in inflation poses policy challenges for several developing economies in Africa, South Asia and Western Asia East Asian economies are experiencing a rebound in exports, but the trade outlook faces significant downside risks

A review of recent trends suggests the need for a renewed commitment and enhanced efforts by the international community to support financing for sustainable development. It also points out at potential risks of debt sustainability for a few developed and some emerging economies.