Reflections on Global Progress: Insights from 2025
As the year 2025 comes to a close, experts from the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings share their reflections on the accomplishments, challenges, and anticipated trends for 2026, spanning areas such as trade, technology, labor, democracy, and education.
An Inflection Point for the Global Economy
Brahima S. Coulibaly, Vice President and Director of the Global Economy and Development program, notes that 2025 witnessed considerable turbulence, including geopolitical conflicts, trade disruptions, increasing debt vulnerabilities, and the pervasive effects of climate change. Yet, he suggests that 2026 could present a unique set of opportunities to innovate and collaborate globally. This perspective marks a turning point—the potential for a more resilient and sustainable economic system.
From Geopolitics to Technology
Zia Qureshi highlights transformative shifts in geopolitics and technology, emphasizing their profound implications for global governance and national policies. With a focus on rethinking multilateralism, Qureshi’s research investigates how today’s geopolitical contexts demand a reimagined system of international cooperation. Notably, a collaborative project with the Korea Development Institute delves into the new architecture for multilateral governance, shedding light on pertinent challenges in international trade, AI regulation, and climate initiatives.
Simultaneously, the labor market’s evolution due to technological advancements is under scrutiny. This research analyzes historical labor market transformations alongside AI’s impact. The upcoming report titled “From Luddite Fears to AI Anxieties” aims to offer critical insights into how societies have previously navigated similar challenges and what lessons could be applied in the present context.
Advancing Africa’s Future
Pierre Nguimkeu emphasizes the significant strides made by the Africa Growth Initiative in 2025. High-profile elections illustrated the centrality of governance for economic transformation in Africa. The initiative’s flagship “State of Democracy in Africa” project provided a nuanced analysis of political dynamics in selected countries and laid out actionable recommendations to fortify democratic resilience.
Moreover, 2025 was marked by a critical report that assessed the U.S.–Africa critical mineral supply chain, facilitating discussions on mobilizing private capital for Africa’s mining sectors. Events such as the publication of “Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for Africa 2025–2030” underscored a commitment to sustainable development and emphasized Africa’s potential for job creation and innovation.
Reflecting on Impact and Looking Ahead
Landry Signé articulates that while 2025 presented numerous challenges for Africa—including debt vulnerabilities and political instability—there was also abundant hope. The anticipated release of the “Foresight Africa 2026” report is set to enlist voices from various sectors to craft actionable solutions, aiming to leverage the continent’s strengths in technology, energy, and human capital.
This insightful terrain reflects both the urgency and the potential for African nations to shape their developmental futures through renewed partnerships and responsive policy frameworks.
Ensuring Inclusive Learning
Jennifer O’Donoghue and Rebecca Winthrop from the Center for Universal Education emphasize their commitment to inclusive and equitable learning systems. Engaging over 200 partners across 70 countries, the focus is on embedding young people’s voices in educational policies. The Center’s initiatives aim to address the student disengagement gap while advocating for family-centered education systems. Upcoming projects include pioneering research on AI’s intersection with education, providing a roadmap for integrating new technologies to foster equitable outcomes.
Advancing Practical Solutions to Development Challenges
The Center for Sustainable Development reports notable progress in navigating complex global policy landscapes. The discourse on climate finance and adaptation underlined significant partnerships and innovative solutions aimed at bridging theoretical frameworks with actionable strategies. This intersection of governance and fiscal policy serves as a vital driver in addressing pressing development challenges.
The Workforce of the Future
Marcela Escobari discusses the evolving landscape of U.S. labor markets. In 2025, the discourse surrounding immigration became particularly contentious, influencing public perception of economic stability. The Workforce of the Future initiative seeks to address and clarify these complexities, advocating for policies that acknowledge the interconnectedness of labor migration and domestic job markets.
Escobari’s analysis reveals that effective migration policies—when grounded in reality—can facilitate economic growth rather than detract from it. The emphasis on data-driven practices aims to enhance transparency and create pathways for skills recognition, facilitating smoother transitions in the labor market.
Final Thoughts
The developments of 2025 hint at an intricate tapestry of challenges and opportunities ahead. Each expert’s insights provide a glimpse into how organizations and nations can adopt a forward-thinking approach, leveraging research and collaboration to forge resilient systems that foster inclusive growth and development.