Introduction to the Global Economy and Development Program
As 2025 comes to a close, the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings reflects on the year’s accomplishments and looks ahead to what’s in store for 2026. The program’s experts weighed in on various topics, including trade, technology, labor, democracy, and education. In this article, we will delve into the key issues and challenges that the program addressed in 2025 and explore the opportunities and potential solutions for 2026.
An Inflection Point for the Global Economy and International System
Brahima S. Coulibaly, vice president and director of the Global Economy and Development program, notes that 2026 could be a year of opportunity despite the challenges faced in 2025. The world grappled with geopolitical turbulence, trade disruptions, rising debt vulnerability, and the impacts of climate change. However, Coulibaly believes that these challenges can be overcome, and 2026 can be a year of growth and development.
From Geopolitics to Technology: Two Big Issues
Zia Qureshi, a scholar at Brookings, highlights two key issues that the world is facing: geopolitics and technology. The global economy is undergoing transformative change, with major implications for both global economic governance and national public policies. Qureshi’s work in 2025 focused on two key issues: rethinking multilateralism and managing the labor market impacts of technological transformation.
Advancing Africa’s Future: Reflections on 2025 and the Road Ahead
Pierre Nguimkeu, a scholar at Brookings, reflects on the progress made in Africa in 2025. The Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) made significant strides in advancing Africa’s future, including the release of a flagship report on leveraging U.S.-Africa critical mineral opportunities. Nguimkeu notes that 2025 was a year of deep global engagement, with AGI scholars participating in various high-level policy forums and conferences.
Reflecting on Impact in 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
Landry Signé, a scholar at Brookings, reflects on the impact of the Africa Growth Initiative in 2025. Despite the challenges faced by Africa, including economic resilience and democratic backsliding, Signé believes that the continent holds extraordinary potential for growth and development. The initiative’s work on critical minerals, energy, and AI and emerging technologies will remain central to U.S.-Africa relations and Africa’s global partnerships in 2026.
Ensuring Inclusive, Equitable, and Relevant Learning for All Young People
Arushi Sharma, Jennifer O’ Donoghue, and Rebecca Winthrop, scholars at Brookings, discuss the importance of ensuring inclusive, equitable, and relevant learning for all young people. The Center for Universal Education (CUE) engaged with over 200 partners across 70 countries to develop solutions that impact young people’s lives. The center’s work in 2025 included a symposium on centering young people’s voice and agency in research and policy, as well as a report on the student disengagement gap.
Advancing Practical Solutions at the Frontiers of Development Challenges
Homi Kharas, a scholar at Brookings, notes that 2025 was a consequential year for the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD). The center advanced actionable approaches to development challenges, including artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, fiscal innovation, climate and development finance, and global economic governance. Kharas believes that CSD will continue to build on this momentum in 2026, translating frontier research into actionable solutions through partnerships and policy engagement.
The Workforce of the Future: Lessons from 2025 and What Comes Next
Marcela Escobari, a scholar at Brookings, discusses the Workforce of the Future initiative, which focuses on separating what feels true from what is true about immigration policy and labor markets. Escobari notes that the narrative of immigration chaos is morally thin and analytically wrong. The initiative’s research in 2025 sought to make a distinction clear and focus on what actually improves job prospects and economic security for ordinary Americans.
In conclusion, the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings addressed various challenges and opportunities in 2025, from geopolitics and technology to labor, democracy, and education. As we look ahead to 2026, it is essential to build on the momentum of 2025 and continue to advance practical solutions to development challenges. By working together and prioritizing evidence-based policy, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all. The future of the global economy and international system depends on our ability to navigate these complex issues and create a better world for generations to come. With the right policies and partnerships in place, we can overcome the challenges of 2025 and create a brighter future for all. The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings is committed to providing cutting-edge research and analysis to help policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions about the future of the global economy.
