UN DESA | DPAD | Development Policy Analysis Division

DPAD conducts final training workshop in Nicaragua

On 22-25 January 2013 in Managua, DPAD provided practical training for government experts on the use of modelling tools needed to evaluate policies and strategies, including spending and financing options for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the effect of external shocks on the economy and the MDGs. The workshop is the latest in a series of activities conducted in Nicaragua under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

DPAD presents results of training in Costa Rica

On 28 January 2013 in San José, members of Costa Rica's technical national team participating in capacity development activities presented policy notes to government officials of that country. The notes present assessments of policy issues of national relevance and are the result of the activities led by DESA/DPAD, UNDP and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy of Costa Rica. The notes will be released as part of a single official policy bulletin of the Government in the coming weeks.

DPAD conducts training workshop and technical meetings in Ecuador

On 15-18 January 2013 in Quito, DPAD and UNDP-Ecuador provided practical training for government experts in the use of modelling tools needed for development policy analysis and methods for assessing human development strategies aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The workshop was followed by technical meetings to identify ongoing data requirements and to address methodological issues.

DPAD makes presentation to the President of Costa Rica

On 15 January, 2013 in San José, DESA/DPAD representative Marco V. Sanchez-Cantillo briefed the President of Costa Rica, Her Excellency Ms. Laura Chinchilla, and the Council of Ministers of the Government of Costa Rica on the implementation of the capacity development activities and on the main findings of the UN-DESA assessment of strategies to achieve the MDGs in Costa Rica.

DPAD presents the Minister of Costa Rica the findings of the project

On 17 December, 2012, UN-DESA staff presented the Minister of Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN) of Costa Rica, Mr. Roberto Gallardo, in San Jose, the main findings of UN-DESA's assessment of strategies to achieve the MDGs in Costa Rica. The presentation has followed the final training workshop held on 10-14 December, 2012.

Honduras expert team acquires expertise in Social Accounting Matrix building

In the continuous effort to develop capacities of the government experts of Honduras, DPAD has provided an expertise in building a Social Accounting Matrix to the expert team from the Central Bank of Honduras as part of the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

DPAD conducts training workshop and technical meetings in Honduras

On 10-12 December 2012 in Tegucigalpa, DPAD and UNDP-Honduras provided practical training for government experts on the use of statistical tools needed to estimate the impact of socio-economic and policy factors on Millennium Development Goals. DPAD also met with Honduran technical experts to coordinate future work.

Working meetings and training sessions are held in San José

On 28 November 2012, DPAD, MIDEPLAN and UNDP Costa Rica held working meetings and training sessions with the Government representatives of Costa Rica to discuss the progress of the capacity development activities and support the on-going work on simulation analysis.

Towards a sustainable social model: implications for the post-2015 agenda

Dr. Nazrul Islam, DPAD Senior Economics Affairs Officer, presented "Towards a sustainable social model: implications for the post-2015 agenda" today as part of the Development Policy Seminar Series hosted by the Development Strategy and Policy Analysis Unit of DPAD.

Towards a sustainable social model: implications for the post-2015 agenda

Join Dr. Nazrul Islam, DPAD Senior Economics Affairs Officer, as he presents "Towards a sustainable social model: implications for the post-2015 agenda" on Thursday, 6 December, 3 to 5 pm at S-2724 as part of the Development Policy Seminar Series hosted by the Development Strategy and Policy Analysis Unit of DPAD.

A Systemic Approach to Sustainable Development Strategies and Food Security

In order to achieve sustainable development, a good understanding of the interactions between economic, social and environmental factors is critical. In a Development Policy Seminar organized by DPAD, Dr. John Shilling of the Millennium Institute presented the Threshold 21 Model, a systemic approach to understanding these interactions and feedback loops. Scenario analysis based on the Threshold 21 model can be used to better understand the economic, social and environmental impacts of changing food consumption patterns, which is of interest for the Division's work on the post-2015 development agenda.

Keeping the momentum beyond 2015

"We hope to bring views from all corners of the world together because what we are striving for is an agenda that will take us to a shared, secure and sustainable global development for all, our generation and all future ones".
— Rob Vos

More than 900 participants took part in a live Facebook chat on "Keeping the momentum beyond 2015: Moving forward towards a new global development agenda". Panelists from the UN System Task Team on the Post-2015 Development Agenda included DPAD Director Rob Vos with DPAD colleagues Diana Alarcon and Sabrina Axster, Fred Soltau from the Division for Sustainable Development and Jose Dallo and Gina Lucarelli from the UNDP Bureau of Development Policy. The live chat was jointly organized by DESA and UNDP to engage various stakeholders in the preparations for a global development agenda beyond 2015 that can build on the progress of the MDGs and meet the new challenges ahead.

Training workshop and technical meetings took place in Jordan

DPAD and the Government of Jordan jointly organized practical training on November 12-14 for fifteen government experts on the use of modelling tools needed to evaluate MDG financing strategies, other public policies, and external shocks. The training was followed by technical coordination meetings with counterparts at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan. The workshop is the latest in a series of activities conducted under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

Keeping the momentum beyond 2015

Join DPAD Director Rob Vos and a panel of UN experts on Tuesday, November 27 from 9 to 11 am EST (2-4 pm GMT) for a live Facebook chat on how the world community can keep moving forward towards a new global development agenda. Post your questions on Facebook or on Twitter using #beyond2015.

Tax cooperation could yield $200 billion for development

Improved international tax cooperation could yield up to $200 billion annually for developing countries, almost double the amount of development assistance currently provided to them. A background paper by Prof. Valpy FitzGerald, commissioned in preparation for the World Economic and Social Survey 2012: In Search of New Development Finance, argues that changes to the existing international tax structures, which allow citizens and firms of developing countries to evade taxes on a staggering scale, could starkly reduce their aid dependence and raise significant resources for development.

DPAD continues training in Kyrgyzstan

In Bishkek, DPAD continues to provide practical training workshops for government experts on the use of an integrated macro-micro modelling framework to evaluate policy options and the impact of external shocks on attaining the Millennium Development Goals. The trainings activities are conducted by a DPAD-trained national consultant and are attended by representatives of different institutions of Kyrgyzstan's Government. The workshops are part of the activities conducted in Kyrgyzstan under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling", implemented in close collaboration with UNDP's Office in Kyrgyzstan and the Ministry of Economy and Antitrust Policy (MEAP).

Innovative Finance, 2015 and Beyond

New sources of innovative financing can play an important role in raising resources for development and the financing of global public goods post 2015. Rob Vos, Director of DPAD, highlighted this and other findings published in the World and Economic and Social Survey 2012—In search of New Development Finance in a presentation at the panel discussion "Innovative Finance, 2015 and Beyond", jointly organized by DPAD and the Missions of Cyprus, France and Mauritius.

Other panellists highlighted their country-specific experiences with innovative financing mechanisms and the positive contributions that such mechanisms have made, but also considered them in the context of much larger financing flows from other sources, such as traditional development assistance and foreign direct investment.

DPAD representatives demonstrate policy tool to 150 experts in Nicaragua

On 26 October in Managua, at the request of the President of Nicaragua's Central Bank, DPAD presented the integrated macro-micro modelling framework to the entire Economic Division of the Central Bank of Nicaragua. The framework is needed to conduct development policy analysis and assess human development strategies to attain the Millennium Development Goals. The presentation was followed by a lively Question and Answer session.

DPAD representatives will hold high level meetings to discuss technical advisory efforts

On 25 October in Managua, DPAD met with high level representatives of the Government of Nicaragua and of the UNDP country office to brief officials on the ongoing training efforts, and to ensure close coordination with the project organizers and the country stakeholders. The meetings were attended by Mr. Alberto Guevara (President of the Central Bank), Mr. Ovidio Reyes (Chief of Research, Ministry of Finance), Mr. Francisco Abea (Chief Tax Official, Minister of Finance), Mr. Pablo Mandeville (UNDP Resident Representative), and Mr. Benigno Rodríguez (UNDP Deputy Resident Representative). High level meetings were also held with representatives from UNICEF and the Inter-American Development Bank to inform them about DPAD's capacity development activities and exchange ideas on future collaborations.

DPAD conducts training workshop and technical meetings in Nicaragua

On 23-26 October 2012 in Managua, DPAD provided practical training for government experts on the use of modelling tools needed to evaluate policies and strategies to attain the Millennium Development Goals. The training workshop was followed by technical coordination meetings with counterparts in the Nicaraguan government. The activities were jointly organized by DPAD, the UNDP Office in Nicaragua, and the Government of Nicaragua. The workshop is the latest in a series of activities conducted in Nicaragua under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

Global Economic Outlook

Four years after the eruption of the global financial crisis, the world economy is still in a precarious situation. Growth has weakened considerably during 2012 and the prospects for the next two years continue to be challenging, fraught with a number of uncertainties and risks slanted towards the downside. Read the full report of the LINK Global Economic Outlook 2012-2013.

Joint Meeting of the Second Committee and the ECOSOC on the Global Economic Outlook

"The global economy is still in a very precarious situation and the outlook is most sobering". Robert Vos, Director of the Development Policy and Analysis Division of UN/DESA, presented the Global Economic Outlook at a special joint Second Committee and ECOSOC meeting in New York today and outlined three key messages on the current global economic situation:

• First, the weaknesses in the major developed countries continue to be at the root of these global economic woes. Most of these countries, particularly in Europe, are dragged in a vicious downward spiral, where heightened sovereign risks, continued banking fragility, fiscal austerity measures, slower growth and rising unemployment are feeding into each other.
• Second, the risks and uncertainties are slanted to the downside. Immediate risks are the further deepening of the euro crisis and the continued budget policy impasse in the United States that could lead to a renewed global recession. Many emerging economies could also face the risk of a hard landing after having grown very fast in the last decade.
• Finally, although there have been major efforts to break out of this vicious cycle, particularly with an emphasis on monetary expansion and structural reforms, the effects have been muted at best. The UN/LINK Global Economic Outlook proposes a different and more comprehensive policy approach, moving away from the current emphasis on fiscal austerity to focus more on short- and long-term measures to stimulate jobs growth, including by investing in green growth, accelerate financial sector reforms, and better coordination of fiscal and monetary policies at the national and international levels.

A full webcast of the meeting is available from UNTV

Twenty Philippines government officials participated in the workshop organized by DPAD

DPAD launched a capacity development project in the Philippines on 2-3 October 2012 in Manila. During the inception workshop, DPAD's technical team discussed the objectives of the project with government officials and described the integrated macro-micro modelling framework to workshop participants. The activities were jointly organized by DPAD and the Philippines Government.

Making rhetoric a reality

"Do not place the burden of fiscal austerity on the backs of the poor," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the international community, as he launched the MDG Gap Task Force Report 2012 in New York today . The Report gives specific, concrete recommendations on how to strengthen MDG 8, the Global Partnership for Development, which has experienced significant backsliding in various areas including official development assistance, trade protectionism and debt sustainability.

DPAD conducts training workshop in Uganda

On 11-14 September 2012 in Kampala, DPAD provided intensive practical training for government experts on the use of an integrated macro-micro modelling framework to assess and maximize the use of support measures and human development strategies. The activities were jointly organized by DPAD, the UNDP Office in Uganda, and the Government of Uganda. The workshop is the latest in a series of activities conducted in Uganda under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

DPAD conducts training workshop and technical meetings in Ecuador

On 28-30 August 2012 in Quito, DPAD conducted training to introduce government officials to modelling tools needed to evaluate human development strategies and how these can be influenced by economic shocks. It was followed by two days of technical coordination meetings.

Government officials in Bolivia received practical training on modelling tools for use in policymaking

On 24-27 July 2012 in La Paz, Bolivia, DPAD provided intensive practical training for Government experts on the use of the modelling tools adapted to evaluate the impact of external shocks on attaining the Millennium Development Goals, among other objectives. The activities were jointly organized by DPAD, the UNDP Office in Bolivia, and UDAPE (a technical unit of the Ministry of Development Planning of Bolivia). The workshop is the latest in a series of activities conducted in Bolivia under the project "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling".

Training workshop for government officials in Bolivia

A workshop on "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling" will be held on 24-27 July 2012 in La Paz, Bolivia. Jointly organized by UDAPE (i.e, a technical unit of the Ministry of Development Planning of Bolivia), UNDP and UN-DESA, this workshop will provide intensive practical training on the use of the modelling methodologies needed to evaluate the impact of external shocks on attaining the Millennium Development Goals, and other policies.

Government officials in Honduras received an introduction on modelling tools for use in policymaking

On 10 and 11 July 2012 in Tegucigalpa, DPAD conducted a workshop to introduce government officials to modelling tools needed to evaluate the impact of external shocks on attaining the Millennium Development Goals. The activities were jointly organized by DAPD, UNDP and the Central Bank of Honduras.

Training workshop for the government officials in Honduras

The workshop on "Strengthening Macroeconomic and Social Policy Coherence through Integrated Macro-Micro Modelling" will be held on 10 and 11 July 2012 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Jointly organized by DPAD, UNDP and the Government of Honduras, this workshop will provide training on the use of the modelling methodologies needed to evaluate the impact of external shocks on attaining the Millennium Development Goals.

In search of new development finance

The World Economic and Social Survey 2012 was launched today in New York. The need for additional and more predictable financing has led to a search for new sources – not as a substitute for aid, but as a complement to it. A number of innovative initiatives have been launched during the past decade, mainly to fund global health programmes aimed at providing immunizations, AIDS and tuberculosis treatments to millions of people in the developing world. WESS 2012 finds that while these initiatives have successfully used new methods to channel development financing to combat diseases, they have hardly yielded any additional funding on top of traditional development assistance.