Trade And Development Report 2009 Responding To The Global Crisis Climate Change Mitigation And Development

The Trade and Development Report 2009, subtitled "Responding to the Global Crisis - Climate Change Mitigation and Development - addresses the main issues of global economic outlook and short-term policy response to the financial and economic crisis, international monetary reform to complement stricter financial regulation and climate change mitigation as a process of structural change. The report analyzes global economic prospects within the framework of the current economic and financial crisis. It also heeds the short-term fiscal, financial and monetary policies that were adopted in response to the impacts of the 2008-2009 crisis. It also looks at the question of how increased efforts aimed at climate change mitigation can be combined with forward-looking development strategies and rapid growth in developing countries

The Trade and Development Report 2009, subtitled "Responding to the Global Crisis - Climate Change Mitigation and Development - addresses the main issues of global economic outlook and short-term policy response to the financial and economic crisis, international monetary reform to complement stricter financial regulation and climate change mitigation as a process of structural change. The report analyzes global economic prospects within the framework of the current economic and financial crisis. It also heeds the short-term fiscal, financial and monetary policies that were adopted in response to the impacts of the 2008-2009 crisis. It also looks at the question of how increased efforts aimed at climate change mitigation can be combined with forward-looking development strategies and rapid growth in developing countries

What lessons have policy makers drawn from the global financial and economic crisis to reform the international monetary and financial system and the design of macroeconomic policies? The enthusiasm about system reform and a reorientation of macroeconomic policies has not lasted. Reforms of financial regulations are progressing slowly and only at the national level, monetary system reform is limited. After an interlude that some considered as a return to Keynesianism, the orientation of macroeconomic policy, especially fiscal policy, is back to business as usual. This will hinder a sustained recovery of the world economy and open the door for new financial crises. Thus, the rethinking of policies and reshaping the financial and monetary system remain an urgent task. The Report makes concrete proposals on how, and in which priority areas, to advance with the strengthening regulation of the financial sector and commodity markets, reform of the international monetary system, and the reorientation of fiscal policy.

This flagship publication examines different aspects of the nature and role of international trade in the era of hyperglobalization and considers related policy challenges that will need to be addressed if trade is to contribute to a more stable and inclusive global economic order. Research provides authoritative data and analysis on trade, investment, finance and technology. UNCTAD offers solutions to the major challenges facing developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable nations. Beyond tailored analysis and policy recommendations, UNCTAD research also generates global standards that govern responsible sovereign lending and borrowing, investment, entrepreneurship, competition and consumer protection and trade rules.

This publication was prepared by the UNCTAD secretariat to commemorate the first three decades of the Trade and Development Report (TDR) - UNCTAD's main flagship publication - whose first edition was published in 1981.Part one of this publication traces the key issues relating to the global economy and development strategies discussed in various TDRs over the past three decades. It also shows how the ideas, analytical perspectives and policy proposals expressed in the TDR have differed from "mainstream" thinking, and how they have evolved in response to new challenges arising from global economic developments.The salient features reviewed in this publication are: the concept of interdependence, which has shaped the TDRs' policy analyses and recommendations over three decades; the approach of the TDR to macroeconomic and financial policies in both developed and developing countries; the TDRs' contribution to the debate about the shortcomings and the need for reform of global governance in trade, finance and macroeconomics; the TDRs' assessments of the failures and successes of development policy, as well as their recommendations for development strategies, taking into account lessons from past experiences; and Issues that remain topical and others that may become relevant for analysis in future TDRs.Part two of the publication comprises the contributions of the experts who participated in a panel discussion on "Thinking Development: Three Decades of the Trade and Development Report", a pre-Conference event for UNCTAD XIII, which took place in Geneva on 20 February 2012.

The Trade and Development Report 2009, subtitled "Responding to the Global Crisis - Climate Change Mitigation and Development - addresses the main issues of global economic outlook and short-term policy response to the financial and economic crisis, international monetary reform to complement stricter financial regulation and climate change mitigation as a process of structural change. The report analyzes global economic prospects within the framework of the current economic and financial crisis. It also heeds the short-term fiscal, financial and monetary policies that were adopted in response to the impacts of the 2008-2009 crisis. It also looks at the question of how increased efforts aimed at climate change mitigation can be combined with forward-looking development strategies and rapid growth in developing countries

In the crowded field of climate change reports, 'WDR 2010' uniquely: emphasizes development; takes an integrated look at adaptation and mitigation; highlights opportunities in the changing competitive landscape; and proposes policy solutions grounded in analytic work and in the context of the political economy of reform.

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.