A look back at 2025—and what’s in store for 2026—from the Global Economy and Development program – Brookings

An Inflection Point for the Global Economy and International System

As 2025 concluded, the global economy faced significant challenges including geopolitical turbulence, trade disruptions, rising debt vulnerability, and climate change impacts. Experts from the Brookings Global Economy and Development program anticipate that 2026 presents opportunities to address these issues effectively, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

From Geopolitics to Technology—Two Major Issues

Rethinking Multilateralism

The evolving global economic and geopolitical landscape necessitates a reimagined multilateral system that addresses contemporary challenges. Research conducted jointly by Brookings and the Korea Development Institute explores shifts in global economic governance and their implications for multilateralism, focusing on international trade, global financial stability, artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and climate change. This work supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Managing Labor Market Impacts of Technological Transformation

Research analyzes historical labor market responses to technological changes and anticipates AI’s effects on work, income distribution, and inequality. The study aims to inform public policies that promote inclusive growth and reduce inequalities, advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Advancing Africa’s Future: Reflections on 2025 and the Road Ahead

The Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) at Brookings marked significant progress in 2025 by focusing on governance, economic transformation, and sustainable development. Key achievements include:

1. Analysis of political trajectories through the State of Democracy in Africa project to strengthen democratic resilience (SDG 16).
2. Release of a report on U.S.–Africa critical mineral supply chains to mobilize private capital and foster sustainable mining and trade (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production).
3. Publication of Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for Africa 2025–2030, highlighting progress toward the SDGs across the continent.
4. Research on job creation through service-led and agroprocessing industries to promote inclusive economic growth (SDG 8).
5. Engagement with African policymakers and global forums to inform strategies on economic resilience, digital finance, and governance.

Looking forward to 2026, AGI plans to release Foresight Africa 2026, incorporating diverse stakeholder insights to further advance SDG-related priorities.

Reflecting on Impact in 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

Africa demonstrated economic resilience in 2025 despite challenges such as debt vulnerability, trade uncertainties, conflict, and democratic backsliding. Key contributions include:

• Publication of Foresight Africa 2025–2030, providing solutions to complex development challenges and informing UN and global policy discussions (SDG 17).
• Release of the book “Realizing Africa’s Potential,” emphasizing the private sector’s role in sustainable development and economic transformation (SDG 8, SDG 9).
• Leadership in U.S.–Africa critical minerals dialogue to promote sustainable investment and trade (SDG 9, SDG 12).
• Research on democratic resilience and governance to support peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).
• Dissemination of knowledge through the Foresight Africa Podcast, engaging global leaders on development issues.

In 2026, focus areas include trade, investment, digital technologies, development finance, and governance to enhance Africa’s sustainable development trajectory.

Ensuring Inclusive, Equitable, and Relevant Learning for All Young People

The Center for Universal Education (CUE) engaged over 200 partners across 70 countries in 2025 to promote inclusive and equitable education aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education). Highlights include:

• Centering youth voices in education policy and research through symposiums and participatory studies.
• Addressing student disengagement and promoting girls’ agency in marginalized contexts.
• Supporting data collection and analysis for effective education financing.
• Exploring the impact of AI on learning and equitable outcomes through the Global Task Force on AI in Education.
• Hosting global symposia and collaborative research initiatives to transform education systems.

In 2026, CUE will publish research on AI and learning, a field guide on collaborative research, and co-host global symposia to further education system transformation.

Advancing Practical Solutions at the Frontiers of Development Challenges

The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) made significant strides in 2025 by addressing complex development challenges through research and policy engagement, supporting multiple SDGs including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Key initiatives include:

1. Leadership in climate finance and development system reform, including contributions to the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap and COP30 deliberations.
2. Innovations in public finance integrating gender equality, climate adaptation, and care.
3. Launch of America’s Rural Future commission to develop strategies for rural prosperity.
4. Research on collective intelligence, human-AI collaboration, and digital public infrastructure to enhance governance and institutional decision-making.

Looking ahead to 2026, CSD aims to translate frontier research into actionable solutions through partnerships and policy engagement.

The Workforce of the Future: Lessons from 2025 and What Comes Next

In 2025, labor market challenges in the United States were compounded by restrictive immigration policies and economic anxieties related to technological change. The Workforce of the Future initiative focuses on evidence-based policies to promote inclusive economic security and opportunity, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Key findings and efforts include:

• Research demonstrating that combining enforcement with lawful migration alternatives effectively manages migration flows.
• Analysis showing that restricting skilled immigration harms domestic workers by limiting firm growth and innovation.
• Evidence from Ecuador indicating that migrant integration can stimulate economic growth and reduce crime.
• Identification of labor market polarization and the need for modernized employment data systems to support worker mobility and skills development.
• Assessment of nondegree credentials’ value, emphasizing quality assurance and transparency in adult education.

Future work will focus on aligning economic development strategies with workforce needs to create pathways for economic mobility and social cohesion.

Conclusion

Throughout 2025, Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and Development program advanced research and policy solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis on multilateral cooperation, inclusive economic growth, quality education, sustainable development finance, and equitable labor markets underscores a comprehensive approach to achieving the SDGs. Continued collaboration and evidence-based policymaking will be critical in 2026 to realize these global objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses economic transformation, job creation, and poverty reduction in Africa, highlighting efforts to unlock growth and reduce poverty.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – Focus on inclusive, equitable, and relevant learning for young people, addressing education systems transformation and youth agency.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Mention of integrating gender equality into fiscal policy and co-creating lessons on girls’ agency in marginalized contexts.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Emphasis on labor market impacts of technology, workforce development, job creation, and economic security.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Discussion on technology, AI, digital infrastructure, and innovation as drivers of development.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing inequality through democratic resilience, migration management, and inclusive growth policies.
7. SDG 13: Climate Action – Climate finance, climate adaptation, and environmental outcomes are key themes.
8. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Focus on governance, democratic resilience, transparency, and institutional reform.
9. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Numerous references to global partnerships, multilateralism, and international cooperation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 1
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty by promoting inclusive economic growth and job creation.
2. SDG 4
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure education promotes sustainable development and global citizenship.
3. SDG 5
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full participation and equal opportunities for leadership.
   • Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, particularly ICT, to promote empowerment of women.
4. SDG 8
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
5. SDG 9
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.c: Increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
6. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
   • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people.
7. SDG 13
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to mobilize climate finance.
   • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management.
8. SDG 16
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.
9. SDG 17
   • Target 17.16: Enhance global partnership for sustainable development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Employment and Labor Market Indicators
   • Proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (SDG 8.6)
   • Employment rates by skill level and sector (implied in workforce and credential analysis)
   • Data on nondegree credentials and their labor market value
2. Education Indicators
   • Access to inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4.5)
   • Student engagement and voice in education systems
   • Participation rates in technical and vocational education (SDG 4.3)
3. Governance and Institutional Indicators
   • Measures of democratic resilience and transparency (SDG 16.6, 16.7)
   • Indicators on public access to information and fundamental freedoms (SDG 16.10)
4. Climate Finance and Environmental Indicators
   • Amount of climate finance mobilized (SDG 13.a)
   • Capacity-building measures for climate change planning (SDG 13.b)
5. Migration Indicators
   • Number of migrants with legal pathways and asylum claims processed (SDG 10.7)
   • Impact of migration on economic growth and crime rates
6. Technology and Innovation Indicators
   • Access to digital infrastructure and Internet (SDG 9.c)
   • Adoption rates of AI and emerging technologies
   • Measures of innovation and technological capability (SDG 9.5)
7. Partnership and Cooperation Indicators
   • Number and effectiveness of international partnerships and multilateral cooperation initiatives (SDG 17.16, 17.17)

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: brookings.edu