Development Research Branch (DRB)

The Economic Analysis and Policy Division of UN DESA collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme, UN Regional Commissions, international organizations, as well as universities and research institutions, to develop modelling methodologies ...

Access to knowledge and technology have contributed to solutions for environmental, social, and economic problems. From opening new options for renewable energy, to revolutionizing the delivery of government services, improving health care, and creating new jobs, technology impacts almost everyone’s lives.

Will the blockchain technology that underlies cryptocurrencies fundamentally transform the interactions across industries? On February 1, our Development Strategy and Policy Analysis Unit will be hosting a Development Policy Seminar on the Frontier Issue of “Understanding Bitcoin, Blockchains and the Crypto Economy”.

An Expert Group Meeting on Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Development was held in New York on December 14 and 15 to discuss the background, objectives and outline of the World Economic and Social Survey 2018.  

DPAD joins panel discussion on the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event was held at St. John’s University, organized by the Economics & Finance Society and The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.

Pingfan Hong, Director of the Development Policy and Analysis Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs delivered a keynote speech at the 2nd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Event held in Vienna, Austria from 26 to 28 Sept ...

Summary: In June 2017, the Fed raised its key policy rate for the fourth time since December 2015, and announced plans to gradually reduce the size of its balance sheet. Amid high economic and policy uncertainty, however, rising interest rates by the F ...

Since 1947 the World Economic and Social Survey has promoted a broader understanding of development, emphasizing the importance of advancing the structural transformation of the economy, progress in social development and environmental sustainability. ...

Participation in global value chains (GVCs) can foster development, but the underlying dynamics as well as economic and social effects can vary strongly across countries. To what extent can countries upgrade through GVC participation? What is the role of intangible assets in GVCs trade and the effects of intellectual monopolization on development patterns? What is the role of policy?