UNEN working group on human-centred economics and sustainable development

Convened by Richard Samans, in partnership with the TASC Platform and the Geneva Graduate institute

This new initiative, led by a dedicated working group of the United Nations Economist Network and convened by CTEI Senior Fellow Richard Samans, aims to strengthen international collaboration among academic networks working on fundamental reform of the growth and development model.

Anchored in the UN system and supported by the TASC Platform, the group will foster a global community of economists and policy experts advancing more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic paradigms. The initiative builds on Samans’ extensive experience across global economic governance and his recent publication, Human-Centred Economics: The Living Standards of Nations, recognised by the Financial Times as one of the best economics books of 2024.

News, blogs & publications

  • Rethinking our economic model for decent work and human development

    Join us live for a high-level discussion on rethinking economic models for decent work and human development. Moderated by Rick Samans, the session features Sangheon Lee, Danielle Guizzo, Pedro Conceição, and Agustín Mario, discussing innovative ideas to advance social justice, inclusion, and sustainability in today’s complex and rapidly evolving global economy.

  • Book Talk with Prof. James Galbraith

    Watch the recording of this insightful discussion with Professor James Galbraith on Entropy Economics, co-authored with Jing Chen. Moderated by Richard Samans, with remarks from Anastasia Nesvetailova and Steve Keen, the session explores bold ideas for rethinking economic growth, sustainability, and resilience—launching a new UN Economist Network initiative.

  • Anchoring Economic Growth and Development in the Pursuit of Human Flourishing

    Richard Samans explains why today’s global economic challenges—rising inequality, environmental risks, and growing uncertainty—demand a fundamental rethink of growth and development. Drawing on insights from the recent Global Social Summit, he calls for bold, coordinated action to place human well-being, resilience, and inclusion at the heart of national and international economic policy.

  • A four-part “G3” US-Europe-China accord to address global economic imbalances

    In his latest Brookings article, TASC Senior Fellow Richard Samans highlights that while global economic rebalancing is essential, tariff-led, unilateral strategies are the wrong approach. He calls for a more effective, cooperative path grounded in coordinated fiscal, monetary, trade, and social policies to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth worldwide.

  • Richard Samans joins the Geneva Graduate Institute as a Senior Fellow

    The Geneva Graduate Institute and Center for Trade and Economic Integration (CTEI) is delighted to be joined this year by Richard Samans, a leading author and international authority on the fundamental reform of economic policy, corporate governance and the academic discipline of economics to support a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable future.