Features

Jump-starting a stalling global economy

Countering the worldwide economic meltdown is going to require massive coordinated global economic stimulus packages which go well beyond the liquidity and recapitalization measures already taken by industrial country governments. But the global economic landscape still remains very bleak. In 2009, world per capita income is expected to decline, export growth and capital inflows will fall, and borrowing costs for developing countries will rise.

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United Nations connects to civil society in real time

For the United Nations maintaining a close relationship with civil society organizations (CSOs) is an integral part of ensuring that its work reflects the will of “we the peoples,” as foreseen in the Organization’s charter. As Under-Secretary General Sha Zukang points out, "from the very beginning, civil society has played a critical role in major UN conferences and summits."

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Climate Change Conference lays foundation for Copenhagen deal

At the end of the two-week United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznań, Poland, on 12 December, UNFCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer said that “the main goal of delivering practical results on the road to Copenhagen 2009 had been achieved”. Parties had agreed on a work programme that would lead to intensified negotiations next year.

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Publications and websites

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2009

The world economy is mired in the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression. Growth in world gross product is expected to slow to 1.0 per cent in 2009, a sharp deceleration from the 2.5 per cent rate estimated for 2008, and well below the more robust pace of previous years. While most developed economies are expected to be in a deep recession, a vast majority of developing countries are experiencing a sharp reversal in the robust growth registered during the period 2002-2007.

Handbook on the Least Developed Country Category: Inclusion, Graduation and Special Support Measures

This Handbook aims at promoting a better understanding of the LDC category and the benefits derived from membership therein. It contains a comprehensive explanation of the criteria, procedures and methodology used by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) for establishing which countries are eligible for inclusion in, or recommended for graduation from, the LDC category.

Integrated Civil Society Organizations System

This consolidated database of civil society information in economic and social affairs provides online participation and facilitates the application procedure for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Users can search and browse more than 12.000 organizations to find out more about their activities, meeting participation and accreditation status.

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Comings and goings

Comings

The following staff members were promoted in December:

Mr. Win Khine, Information Systems Assistant, Communications and Information Management Service

Mr. Hermanus Smith, Chief of Section, Statistics Division

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