Averting a development reversal, transforming economies, accelerating SDG progress

7^th Workshop organised and co-hosted by the OECD and the UNDP‌

Virtual and in-person meeting, OECD Conference Centre, Paris

24-25 November 2022 

Download the summary record / agenda and concept note 

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The world has been moving from crisis to crisis, with worrying consequences for developing countries and the most vulnerable people. As countries were still struggling with the pandemic and its health and economic consequences, the war on Ukraine started. Its human, economic and social repercussions are felt across the whole world and add to unresolved vulnerabilities and systemic challenges. Inflation of food and energy prices, disruptions to supply-chains and trade, mounting costs of living, debt-distress and the economic slow-down/contraction in several countries are generating immediate pain and put development gains at risk. The HDI contracted in 2021 for the first time from 0.739 in 2019 to 0.732 in 2021 (Human Development Report 2021/2022, 8 September 2022). With only 8 years left to achieve the SDGs, the distance to cover has grown in many respects over the last months.

The negative and significant impact of climate change and biodiversity crisis on development is also more evident by the day. The year 2022 was the hottest on record in many parts of the world. Extreme weather events cause growing problems in every country – with the most vulnerable and least equipped suffering the most. A growing disillusion with globalisation and discontent has been brewing across the world. We live in a world of worry and uncertainty. A new “uncertainty complex” is emerging, never before seen in human history.

In this complex situation, the leadership of the G20 and strong international co-operation are urgently needed. Leadership is required more than ever to address setbacks that have eradicated years of development progress and to implement the policies and mobilise the investment needed to sustainably transform our development model. G20 actions can also better reflect and address the concerns of developing countries.

 

As previous editions of the OECD-UNDP-G20 workshop, the 2022 edition will provide a platform for reflection and engagement, bringing together DWG delegates with experts, representatives of non-G20 countries, G20 engagement groups, and other guests for mutual exchange and inspiration in an open-minded and constructive environment. Building upon the results of recent presidencies, including the DWG outcomes under Indonesia’s leadership, they should focus on what would be needed to embark on a just transformation and transition of the world economy that deliver on the economic, social, climate and environmental fronts.

The workshop will focus on some pressing themes and on fundamental issues where the G20 needs to find common ground to ensure its ambition is commensurate to the challenges and its actions go beyond business as usual. To that effect, it will take stock of progress made by the G20 in advancing the 2030 Agenda to the benefit of low-income and developing countries and in the provision of Global Public Goods. It will discuss critical enablers and bottlenecks and put the spotlight on those key areas of the sustainable development agenda where consensus has been more difficult to achieve, with a view of broadening mutual understanding and common ground.

The 7^th edition of the workshop will help G20 delegates and workshop participants reflect specifically upon the following issues:

• What are the critical areas where the G20 needs to exert political leadership and accelerate implementation of its development commitments? What are the critical bottlenecks or enablers that the G20 should address as a matter of urgency to avert a development reversal and support developing countries achieve their priorities, including to jointly address climate and development objectives?
• Where does the G20 need to build greater mutual understanding and common ground to ensure its ambition is commensurate to the challenges, needs and opportunities to achieve sustainable development in developing countries and ensure the effective provision of global pubic goods?
• How can the DWG build on its past achievements and innovate where necessary, both in terms of its overall approach and by introducing topics of strategic importance, to lay out a compelling narrative and deliver concrete results for developing countries?
• How can the DWG contribute effectively to enhance the G20 response to the crisis and enhance the G20 focus on sustainable development, also by linking to other G20 actions, notably in the finance track?

To that effect, a range of stakeholders will provide fresh insights and ideas during two moderated panels to spur a reflection for the benefit of G20 delegates. 

Other related events:

      1) Multi-dimensional Development Metrics Exploring options for G20 well-being metrics, 23 November 2022

      2) Building the future: The role of quality infrastructure in bridging transport infrastructure gaps in developing countries, 23 November 2022

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