We monitor global macroeconomic trends and emerging policy challenges, and produce economic forecasts for a large number of economies worldwide.

We lead the production and dissemination of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) – the United Nations flagship publication on the state of the world economy. We also produce monthly briefings and regular policy papers that analyse relevant and contemporary macroeconomic policy issues and challenges worldwide.

We conduct research on frontier and emerging issues, as well as other economic challenges for countries in conflict and countries in special situations. We produce policy-oriented research papers and host briefings and seminars responsive to the needs of the ECOSOC and Member States. We produce the Frontier Technology Issues which delves deep into specific aspects of a new teachnology.

We contribute to the publication of the World Social Report (WSR), in collaboration with UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development and other United Nations agencies, covering selected long-term development issues and policies, particularly those which cross-cut the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Committee for Development Policy (CDP), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council, provides independent expert advice to the Council on a wide rage of issues related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Committee is responsible for reviewing the status of least developed countries (LDCs), recommending which countries should be included into or graduated from the list, and monitoring their progress during and after graduation from the category.

The 24 members of the Committee are nominated by the United Nations Secretary-General in their personal capacity, and are appointed by the Council for a period of three years. Membership is geared to reflect a wide range of sustainable development experience as well as geographical and gender balance.

Least developed countries are low-income nations facing severe obstacles to sustainable development. They are particularly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.

There are currently 46 countries on the list of LDCs which is reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development (CDP). LDCs have exclusive access to certain international support measures in particular in the areas of development assistance and trade.

The Economic Analysis and Policy Division leads UN DESA’s capacity-development and policy-advisory activities on economy-wide issues and on methodologies to integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Activities focus on training and advising policymakers in developing countries to enhance their analytical capacities in designing coherent and integrated macroeconomic, social and environmental policies; and enabling LDCs to make the most adequate use of benefits derived from their LDC status. The use of analytical and modelling tools, tailored to country needs, facilitate the implementation of capacity development activities.