Insights Blog

All countries maintain accounts that tell a story about their economy. The most well-known feature of these national accounts is Gross Domestic Product or GDP, a single number that summarizes the size of an economy represented by the total value of certain goods and services produced, usually each quarter or year. However, GDP leaves out important details when it comes to the ocean economy.

This blog post highlights the importance of clearly defined and objective-based green bond policy designs in ASEAN countries.

Over the next 6-18 months, it is estimated that countries will invest over $20 trillion to recover from the fallout of COVID-19. The make-up of these financial decisions will define the shape of our societies and economies for decades to come, including our ability to respond to greater environmental challenges lying ahead. In an interview, Mr. Nikhil Seth, the Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), discusses how education and learning can underpin a green economic recovery from COVID-19—as one that cuts CO2 emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and promotes sustainable economic activities to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Stimulus packages are central to rebooting world economies. Tax expenditures within those packages, if well designed, can enhance the targeting of policy measures and ensure they reach those in need as well as help achieve a broader sustainability agenda.