Members of the press,
Thank you for joining us at the launch of the Report on the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026.
As in previous years, this report was prepared by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in close partnership with UNCTAD and the five UN regional commissions, with valuable contributions from UN Tourism.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this longstanding and effective collaboration.
As we bid farewell to a turbulent 2025, our assessment indicates that the global economy has demonstrated resilience.
Growth has remained steady —below pre pandemic rates but stronger than previously expected.
We project economic growth to stabilize at 2.7 per cent in 2026, compared to 2.8 per cent in 2025.
In 2025, sharp tariff hikes disrupted global trade. Yet, the system proved more resilient than anticipated.
Merchandise shipments continued to grow, and cross-border services expanded, keeping trade a vital anchor of economic activity worldwide.
But resilience should not be mistaken for strength. Beneath the headline numbers lie persistent risks and deep imbalances.
High debt burdens and shrinking fiscal space are constraining investment. Elevated policy uncertainty continues to dampen confidence.
We expect trade growth to moderate under the combined pressure of protectionist measures and geopolitical tensions.
At the same time, cost‑of‑living pressures persist—hitting poorer households the hardest. Gender gaps remain wide, and youth unemployment continues to be stubbornly high.
Climate shocks add yet another layer of complexity –- disrupting supply chains, raising prices and threatening livelihoods.
And while artificial intelligence holds the promise of boosting productivity and growth, its potential to deepen inequalities is a serious concern.
The message is clear. Resilience alone will not deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
Subdued growth prospects and these persistent challenges are slowing progress towards the Goals.
Our report emphasizes that progress is achievable —but only through a balanced policy mix and stronger, more effective global cooperation.
The blueprints for sustainable development are already in place: from the Sevilla Commitment at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to the Doha Declaration of the Second World Summit on Social Development, and COP30’s Belém Package on climate action.
What is missing is not ambition, but implementation at scale and with speed. What is needed now is strong, coordinated action towards implementation.
I trust this report will serve as a valuable resource in that effort, offering guidance to build a more inclusive, stable, and sustainable global economy.
I now invite my colleagues to share further details of the report.
Thank you.