US tariff changes are unevenly altering competitiveness, creating winners and losers, limiting value chain upgrading, and reshaping global trade flows.

The world is shaped by fast crises and slow, powerful forces. Among the most significant is a coming wave: 1.2 billion young people in developing countries will soon enter the workforce, but far too few jobs await them. This story explores why this demographic surge is often overlooked, why it matters for global stability, and how early investment—in skills, infrastructure, and thriving businesses—could transform a looming risk into a historic opportunity.

UNCTAD’s 2025 report warns that service growth in least developed countries is limited by low productivity, weak digital capacity, and insufficient job creation, restricting broad-based prosperity.

Despite ongoing efforts, Asia and the Pacific's progress towards our UN 17 global goals for a better world remains insufficient, according to the latest SDG Progress Report 2026 for the region. The document shows that while these countries have achieved notable success in reducing poverty, improving health and well-being, and driving rapid industrialization, these gains are being undermined by failures to protect the environment and reduce inequality in areas such as education and justice. At the current pace, 88% of measurable targets will be missed.

Maw Maw Hmwe operates a food stall selling rice noodle salads in Myanmar's Magway Region. As a mother of eight facing unstable crop yields due to climate change and political crisis, she needed a reliable income. In 2024, she joined a women's savings and credit group supported by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), which helped her access low-interest loans. Initially hesitant, she took a loan to improve her rice farming, which led to better harvests. The group not only provided financial support but also fostered a community where women share ideas and support each other during challenging times, giving Maw Maw a sense of confidence and independence.

At a time when nature needs allies, our money is still marching in the opposite direction. A new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report warns that for every US$1 invested in protecting nature, US$30 goes to activities that harm it. In 2023, nature‑negative finance reached US$7.3 trillion, driven by private sector flows and US$2.4 trillion in harmful public subsidies. The report calls for a major shift in global financing of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and phasing out harmful investments to deliver high returns, reduce risk exposure, and enhance resilience.

When the world stumbled, the economy kept walking, but more slowly. Despite recent shocks, the global economy has remained resilient, but long‑term growth has slowed, leaving many developing countries poorer than before the COVID‑19 pandemic. Rising inequality between high- and low‑income economies reflects policy setbacks, especially weakened fiscal discipline. The lesson is clear: strong governance, clearer fiscal rules and renewed reforms are essential for developing economies to regain momentum.

After leaving a successful corporate career, Nurcan Tekneci rebuilt her life around sustainable beekeeping in rural Türkiye, becoming an entrepreneur, trainer and community role model with support from FAO

In 2026, IFAD is strengthening rural economies by empowering youth, promoting resilience, and connecting small-scale producers to markets to drive inclusive, sustainable growth.

Seychelles recognizes its natural environment as both its greatest asset and vulnerability, facing issues like coastal erosion, droughts, and saltwater intrusion that threaten agriculture. The ‘Ridge to Reef Approach for Integrated Management of Marine, Coastal and Terrestrial Ecosystems’ project aims to conserve ecosystem services across islands. Praslin Island specifically serves as a testing ground for ecosystem rehabilitation, led by the Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles. The initiative targets the restoration of up to 30 hectares, successfully combining forest rehabilitation, invasive species management, and replanting efforts.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 presents global and regional economic outlooks, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to advance the SDGs. The report warns of a prolonged period of slower global growth compared to the pre-pandemic era, with uneven development leaving many behind. Geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty and fiscal pressures cloud prospects. While inflation has eased, rising living costs and risks of renewed supply disruptions—linked to conflict, climate shocks and trade fragmentation—remain key sources of global uncertainty.

Norbu Gyeltshen and his wife, Pema Sedon, have transformed their farm in Bartsham, eastern Bhutan, by introducing quinoa, which they initially planted as an experiment. Now, quinoa is central to their work, leading to a harvest of about 1,200 kilograms last season, boosting their income and community resilience. Recognized as Bhutan’s special agricultural product, quinoa has become a national priority, thriving across all 20 districts. Supported by the FAO's One Country One Priority Product initiative, farmers are receiving training and building seed banks, fostering confidence in sustainable farming practices.

Standards are the invisible threads that keep global trade and technology running smoothly—ensuring consistency, safety, and trust. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2025 reveals how these silent agreements can unlock growth, but warns that overregulation can choke progress. While vital for exports and innovation, developing countries often lack influence in setting them. A balanced mix of mandatory and voluntary, tiered standards plus strong quality infrastructure can boost participation and trust. Ambition must match capacity to avoid inefficiency and inequality.

Through the ILO’s SCORE programme more than 1,700 small and medium-sized enterprises have improved safety, productivity and competitiveness, helping them grow and create better jobs.

UNCTAD projects global economic growth will ease to 2.6% in 2025 and 2026, reflecting slowing momentum in major economies as temporary trade and digital boosts fade.