The United Nations has projected global economic growth of 2.6 per cent in 2026, warning that widening technological and financial inequalities threaten development prospects in poorer countries.
UN Trade and Development disclosed this on Friday in its flagship Trade and Development Report 2026, released in Geneva.
The agency said global growth was expected to decline from 2.9 per cent in 2025, while developing economies would experience a sharper slowdown.
It projected economic expansion in developing countries at four per cent, compared with 4.7 per cent recorded in 2025.
UNCTAD attributed the weakening outlook partly to geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs, financial instability and changing international trade policies.
The agency warned that developing economies faced growing difficulties accessing advanced technologies, investment and higher-value manufacturing opportunities.
It also projected a further decline in official development assistance, adding to financing pressures confronting poorer countries.
The report advocated stronger regional economic integration, investment in productive industries and international cooperation to address widening development inequalities.
