Trade and Development Report 2020: From global pandemic to prosperity for all: avoiding another lost decade

The 2020 Report examines the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and assesses the risks of a prolonged period of weak growth, rising indebtedness and widening inequality. It analyses the interaction between public health emergencies, economic vulnerabilities and international financial conditions, highlighting how pre-existing weaknesses in the global economy amplified the effects of the crisis. Particular attention is given to the constraints faced by developing countries, including limited fiscal space, high debt-servicing burdens, dependence on external financing and widespread informality. The Report evaluates policy responses implemented at national and international levels and assesses their effectiveness in supporting recovery and resilience. It also examines the implications of the pandemic for globalization, multilateral cooperation and future development strategies. The analysis identifies policy priorities aimed at avoiding a lost decade of development and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable recovery.