This publication provides a whole new set of ideas on how to overcome the deficiencies in the ongoing process of globalization and in the existing mechanisms for global economic governance. It points out promising directions for reform, including: strengthening government capacities for formulating and implementing national development strategies; doing more to ensure that official development assistance is aligned with national priorities; strengthening the international trade and financial systems so that countries with limited capabilities can successfully integrate into the global economy; and creating new mechanisms for dealing with deficiencies. The authors do not pretend to offer a blueprint, but aim instead at presenting ideas that could become the basis for a new, coherent “toolbox” designed to guide development policies and international cooperation.
Public Works Programmes (PWPs) are widely implemented in developing countries, often with funding from major international donor agencies. They provide employment for the chronically poor while creating assets for the state, offering a transfer of welfare which is also a tangible economic investment. This book critically explores the concept of the PWPs and questions their social protection performance in the context of chronic poverty. It reviews over 200 PWPs in eastern and southern Africa, using original research drawn from extensive field analysis, interviews and survey work. It also examines case studies of six international PWPs — in India, Argentina, Ireland, Ethiopia, Indonesia and the USA. It is argued that the current PWPs approach may not look so attractive from the beneficiary's perspective.
Publisher: United Nations University (UNU) Publication Date: July 2012 ISBN: 9789280812046 Pages: 304 Price: $35.00
Publisher: United Nations and Bloomsbury Academic Publication Date: August 2012 ISBN: 9781780932316 Pages: 256 Price: $38.00
The Millennium Development Goals Report 2012
Financing Human Development in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
This Report presents the yearly assessment of global progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), showing that although significant strides have been made since 1990, reaching all the MDGs by 2015 remains challenging because progress has failed to reach the most vulnerable. The report indicates what is required to ensure continued progress. This year's report also mentions the progress monitoring possibilities after 2015. The findings are based on a master set of data compiled by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on MDG indicators led by the Statistics Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The document aims at reaching policy makers, government statisticians, researchers and the press.
This book assesses feasible financing strategies for policymakers to follow in pursuance of human development, taking as reference the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their achievement by 2015. These strategies are analyzed in the context of broader concerns of economic development with special reference to nine countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East; that is, how to make macroeconomic policies support more effectively sustained growth while reducing widespread poverty and inequalities and other human development gaps in low- and middle-income countries, especially in times of global economic crises or external shocks. In this sense, this book adds new evidence regarding the social deficits in these countries and suggests policy options to overcome these.
Publisher: United Nations Publication Date: June 2012 ISBN: 9789211012583 Pages: 60 Price: $15.00
Publisher: United Nations and Bloomsbury Academic Publication Date: August 2012 ISBN: 9781780932200 Pages: 350 Price: $38.00
E CO N OM IC AN D S O C I A L S T U D I E S
World Youth Report 2011: Youth Employment Youth Perspectives on the Pursuit of Decent Work in Changing Times
This is a biennially recurring publication of the United Nations. This year, it is largely based on an e-discussion with young people and representatives of youth-led organizations on the transition from schools and training institutions into the world of work. It shares the participants’ views, experiences and recommendations on preparing for, entering, and remaining active in the labour force. Young people are crucial stakeholders in the pursuit of decent and productive work for all, often pioneers in their respective fields, yet, too frequently, their voices go unheard and their positive and negative experiences and viewpoints go unshared, particularly with decision-makers. This report brings young people’s voices into the forefront where youth issues are discussed and acted upon. .
Publisher: United Nations Publication Date: July 2012 ISBN: 9789211303193 Pages: 174 Price: $40.00
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE
Fostering Innovative Entrepreneurship Challenges and Policy Options
UNITED NATIONS
E CO N O MI C A N D SO C I A L S T U D I E S
Public Works and Social Protection in Southern Africa: Do Public Works Work for the Poor?
Retooling Global Economic Governance
Fostering Innovative Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Policy Options
This publication sheds light on innovative entrepreneurship and difficulties that entrepreneurs face when creating business based on research and development results. The legal and regulatory conditions for enterprise development and the existing infrastructure for applied research are explored in the context of creating a climate conducive to the emergence of new companies. Sources of financing for innovative entrepreneurs and roles of specialized financial providers are explored. Highlighted is the need to strengthen linkages between institutions that generate knowledge and the firms that strive to use it commercially. The publication also discusses government policies facilitating the emergence of new innovation-based enterprises and their initial growth. It focuses on identifying bottlenecks and corrective action that governments and other stakeholders should take.
Publisher: United Nations Publication Date: June 2012 ISBN: 9789211170566 Pages: 120 Price: $19.00
Africa Human Development Report
World Investment Report 2012
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of hunger in the world. Until this situation improves, the human development prospects of millions of Africans will remain at risk. United Nations Development Programme’s first Africa Human Development Report shows that food security and human development reinforce each other. If African countries are to realize their long-term potential, the report says, they must boost agricultural productivity to both improve the availability of food and reduce poverty. Policies to enhance nutrition are central to ensuring that access to food translates into human development. The report argues further that local populations must have the resources and decision-making power to produce and consume nutritious food throughout the year, overcoming the risks represented by continuing conflict, climate change and variations in food prices.
This annual report is widely regarded as the most authoritative source of data and analysis on the trends of foreign direct investment and developments in related national and international policy. Every issue of the report comprises an analysis of the trends in foreign direct investment during the previous year; with special emphasis on the development implications. It also provides a ranking of the largest transnational corporations in the world; in-depth analysis of a specific topic related to foreign direct investment; policy analysis and recommendations, and a statistical annex with data on foreign direct investment flows and stocks for nearly 200 economies. The 2012 edition presents a comprehensive investment policy framework for sustainable development, covering both its national and international dimensions.
Publisher: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Publication Date: July 2012 ISBN: 9789211128437 Pages: 250 Price: $95.00
Publisher: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Publication Date: May 2012 ISBN: 9789211263428 Pages: 200 Price: TBD
Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2012: Steering Inclusive Development through Global Turbulence in an Era of High and Volatile Commodity Prices
World Economic and Social Survey 2012
The World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) is a yearly publication that provides objective analysis of pressing long-term social and economic development issues, and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies. Scholars, policymakers, development thinkers and practitioners, as well as United Nations staff members have come together to develop the main messages for this year’s focus – Innovative Sources of Development Finance. This publication touches on topics such as conventional proposals of innovative international financing, existing mechanisms of innovative financing for development, and the allocation process, as well as the relation of international distribution mechanisms to development objectives.
This publication provides a review of the region’s outlook as it recovers from the global economic crisis, and assesses the region’s policy response to remaining and emerging vulnerabilities. Areas of economic and social policy analyzed include growth, inflation, trade and investment, financial markets, employment, migration and remittances. Key challenges ahead are addressed and policy responses recommended for countries in order to sustain their development. The publication also analyses the social and economic risks associated with price volatility of food and other agricultural commodities. Recent trends, main causes and short- and long-term effects of commodity price volatility are discussed. Policy responses are outlined that governments in the region can take to reduce the many risks associated with this issue.
Publisher: United Nations Publication Date: July 2012 ISBN: 9789211091656 Pages: 200 Price: $40.00
Publisher: United Nations Publication Date: April 2012 ISBN: 9789211206449 Pages: 202 Price: $85.00 10
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SPRING SUMMER 2012
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