Madam Deputy Secretary-General,
Distinguished Members of the High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs,
My colleague, Ms. Alicia Barcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your participation in today’s launch event.
When the UN High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs was established two years ago, the goal was to enhance the thought leadership of the United Nations to respond to the needs of Member States, and support the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
In this context, the sixteen board members, all globally-renowned intellectual leaders, have helped strengthen the linkage between the UN’s work and the global economic and social policy research community. That strengthened link – which is also critical to the repositioning of the UN development system – has never been so important as it is today.
I am honoured to present to you today the compilation volume “Recovering better: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities.”
Authored by members of the High-level Advisory Board, with contributions from UN DESA and Ms. Alicia Barcena, the chapters in this edited volume reflect on a wide range of development trends and issues. The chapters contain critical analysis and messages that are important, not only to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and to the recovery from COVID-19. They address the uncertainties that the global economy is facing, putting into important historical perspective key economic trends – and, why an adjusted approach to economic development is needed. Importantly, the recommendations advocate for increased focus on the environment in the pursuit of economic and social development.
The volume explores implications of digital technological advances, calling for actively promoting:
- Research and Development,
- investing in infrastructure and education,
- introducing regulatory practices to ensure that technology-induced organizational arrangements generate decent, rising wages, particularly for lower-wage workers, and
- improvement in economic equality.
And it demonstrates the range of complex decisions that policymakers face in their pursuit of sustained growth and decent jobs through structural transformation. The topic could not be more timely and relevant for the post-COVID-19 world, which is certain to be much more digital than before.
The regional perspectives of Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean are also considered in the volume. Special attention is paid to the need for sustainable financing and greater attention to equality.
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Amidst COVID-19, the global community finds itself in an unprecedented situation. Parallel threats linked to health, economic and social crises have crippled countries and left us at a standstill. The poorest and the most vulnerable, are being affected disproportionately, and women and children are bearing the heaviest brunt.
As the world’s top scientists work around the clock to develop a vaccine, we are also looking for out-of-box policy solutions. Overcoming the crisis and getting back on track to achieve the SDGS will also require a strengthened multilateralism. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare how much leadership, foresight, and collaboration among all governments and stakeholders, matter. I believe your joint wisdom will lead us there.
In closing, I thank all the board members for your contribution in the past two years. We look forward to your continued engagement and discussions on those important issues in the next hour, and in the coming years.
Thank you.