This year’s UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) takes place at a critical juncture when countries are striving to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on economies and societies, wiping out hard-won gains in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HLPF will provide an opportunity to take stock of progress, identify challenges, and chart a course for “building back better” from COVID-19.
To help governments cope with the effects of COVID-19 and to promote a durable and inclusive recovery, UN DESA’s experts have developed an e-learning programme called COVID-19 Impact e-Learning which examines the social and economic impacts of the pandemic—particularly those that affect countries in special circumstances—and makes recommendations for policies that will mitigate these effects.
The free online learning programme is aimed at government officials, policymakers and other stakeholders interested in building their capacity to address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. A series of 5 courses, each consisting of 3 to 5 modules, explores macroeconomic impacts; fiscal and monetary policy response; impact on inequality and vulnerable groups; the need for a better science-policy-society interface; and a more effective governance for crisis response and recovery.
With this e-Learning initiative, UN DESA demonstrates its commitment to supporting Member States to develop economies and societies that are more resilient to future shocks in a way that minimizes negative consequences and promotes sustainable development.
The COVID-19 Social and Economic Impact online learning programme is available for free on the Moodle e-learning platform.