Global Economic Governance for the Socio-Ecological Transformation

This research and policy advisory project provides strategic evidence and analysis to inform and strengthen German development cooperation in global economic governance. It identifies concrete policy options for BMZ and its partners to reform international trade and financial systems and strengthen rules-based multilateral cooperation amid geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation. By combining research with targeted policy advice, the project generates actionable insights to advance the 2030 Agenda and the socio-ecological transformation, promote gender equality, reduce poverty, and align economic systems with climate goals.

Project Lead:
Kathrin Berensmann
Clara Brandi

Project Team:
Bao-We-Wal Bambe
Hilbrich, Sören
Kornher, Lukas
Olekseyuk, Zoryana
Christoph Sommer
Frederik Stender
Tim Vogel

Financing:
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Time frame:
2024 - 2026 / ongoing

Project description

A rules-based multilateral economic order remains essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda and advancing the socio-ecological transformation. Yet geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism, and fragmentation increasingly challenge its rules and institutions.

Global economic governance shapes transnational economic relations through rules, institutions, and practices at national, international, and global levels. Its trade and financial systems can promote development, structural transformation, and poverty reduction, but must evolve to better support environmental sustainability and climate goals. Strengthening and reforming these systems is therefore increasingly urgent, even as geopolitical competition makes cooperation more difficult.

Against this background, the project provides policy-relevant research and advice on the future of global economic governance. It focuses on trade and financial system reforms that advance the SDGs and socio-ecological transformation, particularly poverty reduction, gender equality, and the restructuring of economies to achieve climate goals.

Publications

Events

3rd biennial “Africa in the Global Economy“ Conference

Sustainable Trade in Turbulent Times

IDOS at the WTO Public Forum and World Trade Forum

Geoeconomic Fragmentation, Global Value Chains, and the Future of the Global South

Green Finance – Beyond Transparency

Trade cooperation for climate action and resilient development

Climate and Trade Cooperation for Climate-resilient Development

Trade as a Driver of Economic Transformation in Africa

India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Geoeconomic & Geopolitical Implications for a Changing World Order

Fostering Sustainable Finance and Investment

How to Reform the International Debt Architecture for Global Justice

Tackling the Triple Crisis of Debt, Climate, and Development

How to implement Channeling Special Drawing Rights to Multilateral Development Banks?

Universal Principles for Lending and Borrowing

IDOS @ the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

Trade Policy in Turbulent Times: Perspectives from the Global South

Africa in the global economy

Channeling Special Drawing Rights through MDBs

Development Finance in Times of Multiple Crises