Old-age pensions and health care drive social protection spending to 23% of GDP across OECD and EU countries, but labour income, the main funding source, is under pressure, pushing governments to look beyond payroll contributions.
Africa is expanding its clean cooking supply chains through investments in LPG storage, electricity networks, biofuel production and cookstove manufacturing. According to the IEA, direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa's cooking sector reached approximately USD 675 million in 2023.
Globally, the World Bank Group committed to providing quality and affordable health care to 1.5 billion people by 2030, citing weak health systems as obstacles as well as harmful consequences of weak health systems.
International bank lending rose to $40.7 trillion in June 2026, up by 11% year-on-year. The BIS data show increased cross-border lending. Lending is increasing to emerging economies, and there is increasing use of euro credit.
From 2015 to 2024, 112 countries have reported progress in promoting peace, but the report warns that this headline number may mask a harsher reality. The majority of the improvement can be attributed to a single indicator, the telecommunications infrastructure, which rose by almost 37 percent.
Global growth holds at 3.1% in 2026, but the IMF says inflation will jump to 4.7%. Energy importers outside the tech supply chain face the toughest outlook as the buffers that protect economies start running out.
State Farm Auto policy anywhere in the last 12 months, you may be receiving a nice surprise in the mail. The mutual insurance company is giving back $5 billion to its customers, the largest dividend in the corporate history of the company that has been around for over a century.
The report from the United Nations' second Global Risk Report, which drew on the input of more than 1,300 people in government, the private sector, civil society, and the UN system, shows that the world is bracing for conflict.
The Fed's ninth straight hold came with its most divided vote since 2016, and the hawkish undertone is already tightening India's currency, equity, and borrowing conditions across seven sectors.
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Gender inequality limits women's economic potential in agriculture despite their vital contribution to global food systems. FAO highlights how empowering women farmers can strengthen food security, productivity and global economic growth.
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Air pollution kills 5.7 million people yearly and costs nearly 5% of global GDP, but integrated policies could cut deaths by 35% and unlock up to $2.4 trillion in economic benefits by 2040.
At the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Dalian, World Bank data shows China's total goods and services exports at $3.77 trillion, up from virtually nothing in 1980. Renewable energy exports hit 68GW in March 2026 and EV exports reached $9.1 billion monthly, up from under $1 billion in 2022. Yet retail sales growth was just 0.2% year-over-year in April 2026, the lowest since 2022. China targets 5% GDP growth in 2026 as it balances dominance in manufacturing and clean energy with slowing domestic consumption.
Traditionally, work was mostly linked with stability, having a stable job, predetermined working hours, a fixed income, and, most importantly, access to employment benefits and security of job.
India’s handloom exports are booming globally. Discover how govt schemes like NHDP, India Handloom Brand & GI tags are helping weavers reach international markets with sustainable products.
Water crosses borders. Learn how UNECE & UNISDR’s guide uses IWRM and DRM to manage floods, droughts & climate risk through cross-border cooperation and early warning.
