12 October 2026 - As economic, digital and energy transformations reshape our societies, there’s no question that how well we adapt to change determines our future. But who gets to take part in that change, and does everyone get a fair chance to benefit?Ahead of the launch of the World Social Report this month, we spoke with Rashmi Banga of UN DESA’s Economic and Analysis and Policy Division about a new way of thinking about social inclusion, one that makes it an integral part of progress from the start.
This month, UN DESA will be launching the 2026 edition of the World Social Report. Would you be able to give our audience a sneak preview of the upcoming report and what findings to look out for?
"Our world is changing rapidly. Digital technologies like artificial intelligence along with climate pressures are reshaping the way we work, interact and participate in society. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are creating new uncertainties for the global economy. In this context, this year’s World Social Report asks a simple but urgent question: How can countries manage economic, digital and energy change in today’s uncertain world so that everyone has a fair chance to participate and benefit?
The Report is titled New Economics of Social Inclusion: making transformations work for all. It argues that while economic, digital and energy transformations are creating new opportunities, they are also leaving many people behind, especially those who are already at a disadvantage with limited access to education, skills, infrastructure, social protection or a say in decisions that affect their lives. This exclusion is not just a social failure but also poses an economic risk.
The Report emphasizes that social inclusion is not only a social goal, but also an essential condition for successful, resilient and sustainable development. To make transformations work for everyone, the report calls for paradigm shifts in development thinking, providing guiding principles for development planning and supporting policies to make transformations work for all.
The Report uses the available evidence to examine the progress of 168 countries over the last 25 years towards their economic, digital and energy transformations, and the degree to which the resulting benefits are shared across society. A key finding is that countries with similar levels of progress towards these transformations may differ significantly when it comes to how inclusive their transformations have been.
Policies and actions matter: the report presents some successful country experiences in these areas. These are not ready-made, one-size fits all solutions. Rather, countries can derive lessons to suit their own institutions, labour markets, public finances and development needs."
The report covers the concept of “New Economics of Social Inclusion”. Can you explain what this means and why it matters in our efforts to promote sustainable development for all?
"The “New Economics of Social Inclusion” (NESI) applies an economic lens to social inclusion. It provides a framework arguing that social inclusion is not something to address after an economy has grown, but is a part of what makes economic progress possible. Societies grow stronger and more resilient when everyone has a fair chance to build skills, access services and participate meaningfully. Exclusion, on the other hand, poses economic risks with costs of delayed inclusion rising with time.
NESI emphasizes two important guiding principles to make transformations socially inclusive, which are building people’s adaptive capacity so that they can cope with change, and strengthening inclusive institutions so that opportunities are open to everyone. Following these principles, NESI proposes a policy compact centred on investing in people.
NESI helps translate the economic, social and environmental pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into integrated policy actions. It supports the principle of “leaving no one behind,” which is central to the SDGs. It also emphasizes that national action will not be sufficient. Renewed multilateralism and stronger support for developing countries will be critical to ensuring that ongoing transformations are stable, balanced and inclusive."
What can policymakers and development leaders expect to gain from reading this report?
"This report provides policymakers and development leaders with a new evidence-based framework to help them design socially-inclusive economic, digital and energy transformations. When people participate in shaping transformations, it builds trust in public systems.
Three major takeaways for policymakers are: Firstly, the report proposes “New Economics of Social Inclusion” for designing socially-inclusive economic, digital and green transformations. It provides guiding principles and a policy compact that can be adopted to ensure that social inclusion is not merely a social outcome of growth, but a prerequisite for economic progress.
Secondly, drawing on evidence from 168 countries, the report demonstrates that transformations do not automatically result in social inclusion. This highlights the decisive role of national policies, institutions and governance choices. Thirdly, the report goes beyond theory and presents country experiences and policy examples that have helped countries’ progress on socially inclusive transformation.
For development leaders, the report’s central message is that today's overlapping transformations require a paradigm shift in development planning. Success should be judged by whether societies build adaptive capacities of people and inclusive institutions that allow everyone to contribute to and benefit from change."
Tune in to follow the report launch on 15 October: webtv.un.org
Access the story originally published on UN DESA Voice