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The project implemented by UNDESA focused on utilizing the High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) forum to strengthen linkages between UNDESA, the global economic and social policy research to offer a broad range of recommendations in response to economic and social recommendations issues.

The HLAB, consisting of 16 globally renowned experts in the economic and social policy fields, provided guidance to the research and policy analysis work of UN DESA, including topics for its flagship publications. The Board members themselves have played an active role in strengthening the linkage between UN DESA and the global economic and social policy research community.

First Meeting of the High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs, New York 9-10 July 2018

The main deliveries of this project were:

• Compilation of the HLAB volume entitled, ¡°Recover Better: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities¡±. The volume provides outside-the-box thinking and new solutions to some of this era¡¯s most pressing tests. The authors advance ideas on issues that include improving international tax cooperation, more equitable access to digital technological advances, and sustainable natural resource management that complement the broader recommendations of the Secretary-General regarding shared responsibility and global solidarity in responding to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19.
• 4 HLAB advisory seminars held on key aspects of sustainable development on economic and social issues:
  • At the first meeting held on 9-10 July 2018 (New York), the board discussed near term prospects for and risks to the world economy, economic and social implications of the rapid advances in many frontier technologies, globalization, inequality and migration.
  • At the second meeting held in Shenzhen, China on 16-17 October 2018, the board focused its discussions on four inter-related topics: a) globalization and multilateralism; b) China in inter-connected global economy; c) economic and social implications of frontier technologies; and d. World economic situation and challenges in financing sustainable development.
  • At the third meeting held in New York on 11-12 March 2019, the board exchanged ideas and held discussions over four topics: 1. Inclusive growth, macroeconomic stability and environmental sustainability; 2. Rapid technological change and rising inequality; 3. Conflicts, climate change and natural disasters; 4. A new multilateral order for sustainable development.
  •  At the fourth meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland on 8-9 October 2019, the board members held discussions over four sessions: 1. Global investment trends and prospects; 2. Harnessing the potential of labour and migration for accelerating SDG progress; 3. Rebuilding trust in globalization and multilateralism; 4. Emerging issues and potential themes for DESA¡¯s World Social Report.
• The Sub-forum on Frontier Technology and Sustainable development was held during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, on 29 March 2019, in Boao, Hainan, China. Two Board members and one guest speaker, Amb. Marie Chatardova, Permanent Representative of Czech Republic and Former ECOSOC President participated at the Subforum. The Subforum provided a unique platform for eminent personalities from the world of academia, politics business and technology to discuss how frontier technologies could accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The panelists also explored opportunities for countries to manage the impact of frontier technologies and advance their national innovation systems to leapfrog and bridge the technological divide. The panelists identified key areas of international cooperation that can help countries realize the full potential of frontier technologies.

HLAB meetings

• UN High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs meets to deepen discussions on global development challenges
• UN High-level Advisory Board calls for new multilateralism for sustainable development
• Strengthening Multilateralism key aim for UN High-Level Advisory Board
• First Meeting of HLAB on 9-10 July 2018 in New York renews hope for globalization

Board Membership

Following Members of the Board have been appointed for a two-year term:

• Giancarlo Corsetti, Professor of Macroeconomics, University of Cambridge
• Cristina Duarte, former Minister of Finance, Planning and Public Administration (2006-2016), Cabo Verde
• Marcel Fratzscher, President of DIW Berlin
• Anastasia J. Gage, Professor at the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University
• Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Merit E. Janow, Dean, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
• Ricardo Lagos, Honorary Chairman of the Inter-American Dialogue; former President of Chile (2000-2006)
• Justin Yifu Lin, Dean, Institute of New Structural Economics, Professor and Honorary Dean of National School of Development, Peking University
• Jos¨¦ Antonio Ocampo, Professor, Columbia University, and Chair of the Committee for Development Policy of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor, Columbia University
• Joseph E. Stiglitz, University Professor, Columbia University
• Heizo Takenaka, Professor Emeritus, Keio University, and Professor, Toyo University
• Izabella M?nica Vieira Teixeira, former Minister of Environment (2010-2016), Brazil
• Kori Udovi?ki, Head of the Center for Advanced Economic Studies (CEVES)
• Ernesto Zedillo, Director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization; former President of Mexico (1994-2000)
• Min Zhu, Chairman, National Institute of Financial Research, Tsinghua University
• Elliott Harris, UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Economic Development and UN Chief Economist (ex officio member)