UNEN working group on human-centred economics and sustainable development
Convened by Richard Samans & Prof James K. Galbraith, 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 co-convened by CTEI Senior Fellow Richard Samans and Professor James K. Galbraith, 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
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Decolonizing Economics: An Introduction Global Book Webinar
Join UN Economist Network for a thought-provoking webinar with Devika Dutt, Carolina Alves, Surbhi Kesar, and Ingrid Harvold Kvangraven, authors of Decolonizing Economics: An Introduction, as they explore how reimagining economic thought beyond its Eurocentric foundations can drive equity, sustainability, and inclusive global development.
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Rethinking our economic model for decent work and human development
Watch the recording of the 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
