Economists and UN partners are advancing the “Beyond GDP” initiative, arguing that global policymaking relies too heavily on Gross Domestic Product as the primary measure of progress, despite its inability to capture human wellbeing, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Backed by UNCTAD and other UN bodies, the initiative reflects warnings from the UN Secretary-General that current economic metrics fail to balance economic growth with social and environmental realities, leading to policies that overlook what truly matters to people’s lives.
Supporters of the initiative contend that GDP often rewards activities that degrade ecosystems and accelerate climate change while undervaluing those that sustain health, communities, and the natural environment. This imbalance has become more pronounced amid worsening climate impacts, biodiversity loss, rising conflict, food insecurity, and persistent global inequalities, all of which expose the limits of growth-focused indicators.
The High-Level Expert Group driving the work is meeting in Geneva for its second in-person session since its establishment following the 2024 Pact for the Future. The group emphasizes that wellbeing factors such as health, social capital, and environmental quality are not only essential for societal welfare but are also integral to long-term economic prosperity, challenging the assumption that economic growth alone reflects progress.
Experts involved in the initiative warn of a growing disconnect between the economic picture presented by GDP and the lived experiences of citizens, a gap that is eroding public trust and weakening policy effectiveness. Renowned economists from around the world are contributing to discussions aimed at redefining how prosperity and progress are understood and measured.
The group’s work includes developing a set of universally applicable, country-owned indicators of sustainable development to create a practical dashboard for governments. This tool is intended to support evidence-based decision-making and help countries track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, with continued backing from multiple UN agencies to ensure broad adoption and effective implementation.
