World Economic and Social Survey (WESS)

The aim of WESS 2017 is to document the intellectual influence of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) through its flagship publication, World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) on its 70th Anniversary. First published in 1948, the Survey is the oldest continuous post-World War II publication of its kind that records and analyses the performance of the global economy and social development trends as well as offers relevant policy recommendations. WESS 2017 will highlight how well the Survey tracked global economic and social conditions, and how its analysis influenced and were influenced by the prevailing discourse during the past seven decades. It will also critically reflect on its policy recommendations and their influence on actual policy-making and the shaping of the world economy. Particular attention will be given to reflect on the lessons that a historical review of the policy analysis done by the Survey would provide for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

According to the Survey, economic insecurity arises from the exposure of individuals, communities and countries to adverse events, and from their inability to cope with and recover from the downside losses. Local concerns have been compounded by new global threats as unregulated markets and climate change. The Survey offers a different approach with a strong “social contract” and more integrated and pragmatic economic and social policy. It calls for more active policy responses to help communities better manage these new risks, increased investment in preventing threatening events from emerging and more concerted efforts to strengthen the underlying social contracts which are, in the end, the real basis of a more secure, stable and just future.

The World Economic and Social Survey provides objective analysis of pressing long-term social and economic development issues, and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies. The analyses are supported by analytical research and data included in the annex. According to the 2006 edition of the Survey, in the industrialized world, the income level over the last five decades has grown steadily while it has failed to do so in many developing countries, thereby causing a rise in already high world inequality.

The World Economic and Social Survey is the United Nations annual analysis of current developments in the world economy and emerging policy issues. It contains forecast of short-term global and regional economic trends and reviews major developments in international trade. Part One of this year’s Survey revolves around the economic recovery that is underway in some developed market economies and some developing countries. Part Two explores current social issues that are interlinked with economic development. Special attention is given to public-private cooperation in the light of drastic transformation of the role of the government. The Survey includes statistical tables, which give standardized data on international trade and finance, incorporating current data and forecasts. It is essential for decision makers in government and business, and provides valuable information to all interested in the trends of global economy.

The 2004 edition of the World Economic and Social Survey is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the state of the world economy in 2004 and the outlook for 2005. It includes a review of developments in international trade and finance and an overview of the situation in the world’s economies as of mid-2004 and their prospects for 2005. Meanwhile, the second part addresses international migration. It examines historical and recent surges in migration, policies towards migration, its economic and social effects, the question of refugees and the state of international cooperation regarding migration.

Part one. State of the World Economy: chronicles a remarkable recovery in the world economy after the crisis years 1997-1999. Although the volume of international financial flows has not returned to its pre-crisis level, international financial markets are again displaying a sense of calm. International trade has also largely recovered from the setback it suffered following the financial crises. Part two. Escaping the Poverty Trap: identifies a number of critical steps for the poorer countries to break out of their “poverty trap” and find a path to sustained and sustainable development. The objective of part two is to identify some of the actions that countries can take to start a period of rapid and sustained growth that would allow living standards to increase appreciably over a relatively short period of time.

Authoritative and reliable, the 1998 World Economic and Social Survey offers unique insight and commentary on current trends and policies in the world economy. Its forecasts and lucid descriptions make it an essential tool for those involved in international trade and finance. This new edition provides a comprehensive review of macro-economic developments in 1997 and the outlook for 1998 in developed, developing and transition economies. It also surveys major trends in international trade and financial flows; the net transfer of financial resources; implications of the European Union agreement to start monetary union in 1999; and emerging lessons from the international treatment of the Asian currency crisis. This essential Survey includes detailed statistical tables, incorporating current data and forecasts.