Foreword

Many parts of the world economy were sent reeling in the past two years by the fragility of financial systems and their international connectedness. On the whole, we seem to have hit bottom and most of the affected countries are moving towards recovery. Yet we see none of the buoyancy in international trade and finance on the horizon that earlier in this decade held out such promise to economies that had successfully positioned themselves to take advantage of it. We are impatient for more rapid economic growth in the developing world, particularly in Africa and especially in the least developed countries. As we review the progress being achieved towards our goals in the social, environmental and development fields, we have to have very mixed emotions. We thought we would be much further along than we are. A more dynamic world economy is one factor that could help, but we frankly do not foresee it in the short run. This is the outlook in part one of World Economic and Social Survey, 1999.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Climate Action