In turn, the economist Ahmed Akl stressed that the world is facing a set of challenges, most notably the high cost of assets, high inflation rates, the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the consequent sharp rise in food prices, and economic and geopolitical shifts that have led to a noticeable slowdown global economy growth rates.
Akl told Qatar News Agency that the negative repercussions of international conflicts, unfair trade, climate change, and development problems are all challenges that affect the stability of the global economy and make it more difficult to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a related context, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently projected in its report on “World Economic Outlook Update,” that the global economy fall from an estimated 3.5 percent in 2022 to 3.0 percent in both 2023 and 2024, while global headline inflation is expected to fall from 8.7 percent in 2022 to 6.8 percent in 2023 and 5.2 percent in 2024.
Economic expert Ahmed Akl emphasized that the UN’s role in facing economic challenges is to provide financial and technical assistance to member states, through its programs, institutions, and development funds, whereby it supports countries in developing their economic sectors, implementing sustainable development policies and provides low-interest loans and assistance in improving infrastructure and developing key industries, as well as provide training and modern technologies to countries to help them develop work skills and increase their ability to compete in global markets.
The world is looking forward to the outcomes of these meetings that can contribute to addressing the challenges of the global economic system as a whole. It is expected that the international community will focus on issues of sustainable development, the development, and promotion of vital economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and technology, to achieve sustainable economic growth and job opportunities for the population, and the ability for these sectors to compete internationally and increase export capacity, which requires strengthening international cooperation and exchange of experiences.
In 2015, the UN Member States unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ( 2030 Agenda) with its 17 goals, 169 targets, and 231 unique indicators. The plan aims to set the direction of global and national development policies and bridge the gap between human rights and development. It also constitutes a general framework that guides global and national development action.
Specific SDGs include eradicating poverty and hunger, improving health and education, ensuring availability of clean water, promoting decent work opportunities, achieving sustainable economic growth, building sustainable communities, promoting peace and justice, and building strong institutions. They also include core content for economic, social and cultural rights, as well as goals on some core dimensions of civil and political rights, including personal security, access to justice, and fundamental freedoms.
These goals and rights are pursued through multisectoral efforts, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, and aim to improve the quality of life for all human beings and to promote justice and equality.
Source: Qatar News Agency