The Global Economy in 2026: Resilience, Risks, and Policies

The global economy proved more resilient than expected last year. Trade and financial flows held up better than anticipated, and many emerging market and developing economies navigated a challenging global environment with notable strength. Yet medium-term growth prospects remain subdued, policy uncertainty is elevated, and geopolitical tensions persist. As the world economy moves into the new year, critical questions loom: How durable is the recent momentum? What risks could derail the outlook? And which policies are needed to lift growth, create jobs, and strengthen macroeconomic stability? Join CGD for a discussion of these issues, drawing on the World Bank’s January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report.