The definitive report of the United Nations on the state of the world economy. The report highlights that there is a need to redouble efforts to bring the global economy back on a stronger and more inclusive growth path and create an international economic environment that is conducive to sustainable development.

Development is a transformational process, combining a series of interactive and cumulative linkages to create a virtuous circle of enhanced resource mobilization, higher incomes, expanding markets and investment, leading to more and better jobs. Such a structural transformation requires selective government policies to shift a country's productive structure towards activities and sectors with higher productivity, better paid jobs and greater technological potential what is commonly called "industrial policies." The Trade and Development Report (TDR) 2016 highlights the central role of...

This study provides an overview of the current policy and regulatory environment regarding sustainable construction materials in the building sector in Europe and North America, and, where applicable, offers a commentary on the effectiveness of such regimes in driving the adoption of wood products. The study s objective has been to conduct a broad survey across a range of policies, initiatives and programmes in order to document the current circumstances as a starting point for further discussions, technical meetings and policy debates with a view to enhance the use of wood in buildings...

This latest biennial Review sets out transport developments in the ESCAP region, focusing on trade trends and forecasts, and their effect on transport, while also taking into account the external factors affecting transport systems and infrastructure provision, in the context of transport s contribution the UN global agenda on sustainable development. The Review acts as a mechanism for reporting on the achievements made in the provision of transport infrastructure and services; the challenges remaining in regional, urban and rural connectivity; and on public health issues such as road safety...

In its latest edition, the Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean report analyzes in-depth the FDI received by the Caribbean, where these flows are much more significant than in the rest of the region as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study also examines the impact of FDI on the environment, which has not been measured or regulated sufficiently by countries in the region.

The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road is intended to increase the safety of international transport of dangerous goods by road. Regularly amended and updated since its entry into force, it contains the conditions under which dangerous goods may be carried internationally. This version has been prepared on the basis of amendments applicable as from 1 January 2017. It contains in particular new or revised provisions concerning for vehicles and machineries; battery powered vehicles and equipment; marking and labeling for lithium batteries in...

In 2016, an estimated 54.5 per cent of the world's population lived in urban settlements. By 2030, urban areas are projected to house 60 per cent of people globally and one in every three people will live in cities with at least half a million inhabitants. Understanding the key trends in urbanization likely to unfold over the coming years is crucial to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for efforts to forge a new framework of urban development during the Habitat III conference scheduled to be held in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016. This data booklet...

The Demographic Observatory 2015 contains selected indicators from the 2015 revision of estimates and projections for the populations analysed. The figures contained in this publication are a revision of those presented in the Observatory 2014 and include updates of the estimations and projections of national populations from 1950 to 2100, taking into account new information sources available for Chile and Guatemala. Future issues will incorporate new estimates and projections, also prepared using the component method, but by simple ages and calendar years.

The world is living a change of era. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals represent the international community s response to the economic, distributive and environmental imbalances built up under the prevailing development pattern. This document, presented by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to its member States at its thirty-sixth session, provides an analytical complement to the 2030 Agenda from a structuralist perspective and from the point of view of the Latin American and Caribbean countries. The...

This edition of the World Economic and Social Survey contributes to the debate on the implementation challenges of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addressing the specific challenge of building resilience to climate change, the Survey focuses attention on the population groups and communities that are disproportionately affected by climate hazards. It argues that, in the absence of transformative policies which coherently address the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development, building climate resilience will remain elusive and poverty and inequalities will...