UNU-WIDER - United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research

From everyone at UNU-WIDER, we want to wish you a happy holiday season! As the UNU-WIDER offices will be closed until 2 January, we want to thank all of our followers, partners, friends, and colleagues for an eventful year. We are looking forward to continuing our work and partnerships in 2025!

In post-conflict settings, the ability to collect taxes is essential for building a strong government and supporting long-term development. How does Colombia's long history of conflict affect its financial capacity? Read this blog by Santiago Tobón: https://go.unu.edu/NbcTY

As we reflect on 2024, the Operation Vulindlela Conference was an excellent platform for collaboration on South Africa’s economic reforms. Leaders from government, business, and civil society discussed progress, challenges, and the path forward for unlocking growth and creating opportunities. 🎥 Watch this highlight for a closer look at the discussions. Access the full video here https://go.unu.edu/vQVlQ #SATIED

In a new blog with International Centre for Tax and Development, Pia Rattenhuber shares insights on SOUTHMOD tax-benefit models and their role in analyzing gendered impacts of tax policies. Discover how these tools help address fiscal inequalities: https://go.unu.edu/7xSUX #SOUTHMOD

Newly published in Economic Analysis and Policy! 🌍 Kwabena Adu-Ababio examines how microsimulation models uncover the limits of income and demand stabilization in Ghana, South Africa, and Ecuador during economic shocks. Can we really achieve poverty stabilization? Findings suggest ranges up to 46%! Curious to learn more? Read the full article here: https://go.unu.edu/pBnAl

🌍📘 How can we end global poverty while protecting our planet? Resources Matter: Ending Poverty While Protecting Nature by Tony Addison & Alan Roe tackles this urgent question. This open-access book examines how natural resource wealth—mining, oil, gas—can serve sustainable development without exacerbating environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss. Drawing on extensive research and case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, it presents actionable insights for governments and businesses alike. It’s time to rethink the role of extractive industries and prioritize solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. 📖 Read the book for free: https://go.unu.edu/haln2

Check out our latest paper on the VAT compliance gap for small, medium and micro enterprises in Tanzania, revealing a 62% gap, particularly in agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Our analysis from 2014 to 2020 shows significant VAT under-reporting and audit evasion tactics, highlighting the need for improved auditing resources. Curious to learn more? Read our full paper for valuable recommendations on enhancing VAT compliance! 🔗 https://go.unu.edu/RA1gj

Over the past two decades, Africa has faced rising violent conflict and civil unrest, deepening extreme poverty. Our research on Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme shows it can reduce civil unrest by increasing trust in the government. Can social assistance programs break the cycle of poverty and foster peace? Read more from the paper: https://go.unu.edu/Pp0Oq

In recent years, the external debt of low- and middle-income countries climbed to record highs and with it the size of the development finance gap. In our latest, Kevin Gallagher explains which solutions need to be at the top of the agenda in 2025's biggest forums. https://go.unu.edu/y15Zl

The final 2024 edition of our WIDERAngle newsletter is now available! This issue provides an in-depth look at key global development discussions and highlights a selection of our latest publications. Read it here: https://go.unu.edu/Mdq8w