Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures 2021

UNCTAD's Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures report highlights the strengths and challenges facing small island developing States (SIDS) in recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, exacerbated by vulnerabilities worsened by the pandemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 467 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: United Nations

The purpose of this statistical report is to promote UNCTAD statistics and UNCTAD's engagement with Agenda 2030. Small island developing States (SIDS) face an uphill battle as they strive to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis amid vulnerabilities worsened by the pandemic. The 2021 edition of UNCTAD's Development and Globalization: Facts and Figures report, highlights the numerous strengths and challenges facing these economically vulnerable countries.

SIDS are characterized by their small size, isolation, and dependence on natural resources, making them particularly vulnerable to external shocks and economic downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these vulnerabilities, leading to a sharp decline in tourism, trade, and investment, which are crucial sources of revenue and employment for SIDS.

Despite these challenges, SIDS have demonstrated resilience and creativity in responding to the crisis. Many countries have implemented measures to support their economies, such as providing financial assistance, implementing social safety nets, and promoting digitalization and innovation. UNCTAD has played a crucial role in supporting these efforts by providing technical assistance, policy advice, and data analysis.

One of the key strengths of SIDS is their natural resource endowment, which includes abundant fisheries, renewable energy sources, and mineral resources. These resources can be leveraged to promote sustainable development and economic growth. However, SIDS also face challenges in managing these resources sustainably and effectively, particularly in light of climate change and other environmental threats.

UNCTAD has recognized the importance of sustainable resource management and has worked to promote it through its work on fisheries, renewable energy, and minerals. For example, UNCTAD has developed guidelines and standards to support sustainable fishing practices and has promoted the use of renewable energy technologies in SIDS.

In addition to its work on sustainable resource management, UNCTAD has also focused on promoting inclusive and sustainable development. SIDS are characterized by high levels of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, which can hinder their ability to achieve sustainable development. UNCTAD has worked to address these challenges by promoting policies that promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and gender equality.

UNCTAD's engagement with Agenda 2030 is a key aspect of its work. Agenda 2030 is a United Nations initiative that aims to achieve sustainable development by 2030, with a focus on poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental protection, and economic growth. UNCTAD has played a critical role in supporting the implementation of Agenda 2030 by providing technical assistance, policy advice, and data analysis.

One of the key achievements of UNCTAD's engagement with Agenda 2030 is the development of the Trade and Development Report (TDR). The TDR is a flagship publication of UNCTAD that provides an annual assessment of the state of trade and development in the world. The 2021 edition of the TDR highlights the importance of promoting inclusive and sustainable trade and the role that SIDS can play in achieving this goal.

In conclusion, SIDS face an uphill battle as they strive to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis amid vulnerabilities worsened by the pandemic. However, they have demonstrated resilience and creativity in responding to the crisis, and UNCTAD has played a crucial role in supporting these efforts. SIDS have natural resource endowment that can be leveraged to promote sustainable development and economic growth, but they also face challenges in managing these resources sustainably and effectively. UNCTAD's work on sustainable resource management, inclusive and sustainable development, and engagement with Agenda 2030 is critical to achieving sustainable development in SIDS and beyond.

Weight: 1151g
Dimension: 297 x 211 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789211130287