ST/ESA/2002/DP.23 Strengthening Information and Analysis in the global Financial System: A Concrete Set of Proposals

Today, open and low-cost access to appropriate, timely and reliable information and analysis on emerging economies and international financial flows is of heightened importance to policy makers, investors and civil society. Despite enormous progress, serious failures persist in the information available (overload of some types and gaps in others relative to end-users’ needs), uncertain credibility of public and private sources of information and analysis (including concerns of provider bias), and inadequate timeliness compared to market and media reaction speeds. This paper, drawing on extensive research, recommends four inter-related mechanisms to bridge these costly information and analysis gaps. Go back to list of papers

ST/ESA/2002/DP.24 Multisectoral Global Funds as instruments for financing spending on global priorities

Multisectoral Global Funds (MGFs) are emerging as important new mechanisms for development financing. MGFs like the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are distinctive because they are governed and financed by multisectoral coalitions of national governments, multilateral agencies, the private sector and civil society, they operate independently of any one institution and are tied to issues or policy areas. This study considers the desirability of MGFs as instruments for international financial mobilization and resource allocation. MGFs hold considerable promise as focal points for generating additional public and private resources to address urgent global problems and to finance global public goods. They are partnership-based and may be more operationally nimble than traditional mechanisms. However, MGFs may also result in a less coherent response to global problems, duplicate existing structures and lack democratic accountability. Go back to list of papers

ST/ESA/2002/DP.25 GATS and its Implications for Developing Countries: Key Issues and Concerns

This paper discusses the General Agreement on Trade in Services or GATS and assesses some of the key issues and concerns that have been voiced about this agreement, particularly with regard to its implications for policymaking in important social service sectors. The paper provides an overview of the GATS in terms of its key features, structural characteristics, and negotiating modalities. It also assesses the nature of liberalization that has been realized under the GATS during the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations. The background discussion provides the context for discussing the various criticisms leveled at the GATS. The paper then provides a critical assessment of these criticisms and distinguishes between those that are based on misapprehensions and incorrect information or lack of understanding about the GATS, from those which are genuine concerns and where future negotiations can play an important role. The discussion indicates that while the GATS may generate benefits in the form of efficiency and resource gains, it may also hurt the realization of equity and developmental objectives and could pose challenges to governmental autonomy in the delivery and provision of various social services. However, an important point highlighted in the paper is that underlying domestic conditions and informed domestic policies and regulations can play an important role in facilitating the gains and mitigating the adverse consequences of the GATS. The paper concludes by highlighting the position developing countries could take in the ongoing service sector negotiations at the WTO, and notes the specific GATS provisions on which they need to focus in these discussions. Go back to list of papers

ST/ESA/2002/DP.26 Informal Money Transfer Systems: Opportunities and Challenges for Development Finance

This paper reviews the main types of informal money transfer systems (IMTS). Developed centuries ago as a way to settle financial obligations, IMTS remain today the preferred remittance vehicle among migrant communities. Characteristics, such as low transactions costs, speed, and little paperwork, render them more attractive than banking institutions. After September 11, IMTS were suspected of being used for terrorist purposes, leading some to call for their prohibition. The authors think such a response is too drastic and instead propose measures to make IMTS less prone to possible abuse by criminal elements and encourage the development of formal sector alternatives. Go back to list of papers

ST/ESA/2002/DP.27 Education by the State

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises free elementary education and free choice of schools. Why, then, do governments limit parents' choice of free education, often to schools owned and operated by the state? Defendants argue that this is necessary to transmit common values of society to the next generation, correct market failures of public goods, protect children from poor choices their parents might make, or promote equality of opportunity. This essay examines each of these arguments. Go back to list of papers