The Development Strategy and Policy Analysis Unit (DSP) takes primary responsibility for the World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) and for analysis of long-term development trends. The coverage of the work undertaken by the Unit is broad in scope and includes, inter alia, the challenges of economic catch-up and structural change; institutional development and growth; poverty reduction, human development and equality; social and economic insecurity; and the policy challenges involved in the implementation of sustainable development.

Every year since 1948, the WESS has provided in-depth analysis of a chosen theme of relevance to the international development community, drawing on expertise from across DPAD and from other Divisions of DESA, along with inputs from outside experts and other parts of the UN System. The findings of the Survey are disseminated through discussion papers, policy briefs and opinion pieces produced by the Unit.

The Unit also organizes capacity development projects to advise and build analytical expertise of policy makers in developing countries with designing coherent and integrated macroeconomic, social and environmental policies through the use of modelling tools

The work of DSP is strongly policy research-oriented and responsive to the needs of Member States, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and major UN conferences and summits.