World Bank Group

The global economy is facing a confluence of risks, which could severely disrupt economic activity and inflict significant damage on longer-term development prospects. These risks include an escalation of trade disputes, an abrupt tightening of global financial conditions, and intensifying climate risks.

Marking 70 years of publication, UN/DESA's flagship report on the state of the global economy, the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2017, was launched today in New York by Assistant-Secretary-General for Economic Development, Lenni Montiel, and Senior Economic Affairs Officer, Dawn Holland. The report states that world gross product is forecast to expand by 2.7 per cent in 2017 and 2.9 per cent in 2018, with this modest recovery more an indication of economic stabilization than a signal of a robust and sustained revival of global demand.  Regional launches will take place in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Moscow and New Delhi throughout the week.