OECD Observer

Energy security: looking towards uncertainty

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Energy markets in 2012, like the broader economic picture, are marked by significant uncertainty. From a policy perspective, global macroeconomic concerns in 2011 diverted attention away from energy policy and could do the same this year. That could have worrying impacts on policy progress, especially as recent months have ushered in record carbon dioxide emissions, worsening energy efficiency and sustained high oil prices.�

Leading by example

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Headline economic data

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A better future for Africa

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In many African countries, where unemployment rates can run as high as 30%, there is strong potential for entrepreneurship and employment. Development must focus on bringing down the barriers to progress.�

Progress: from compass to global positioning system

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For most of the last century, progress in the conditions of our societies was often assessed through the compass of economic growth, or GDP. In recent years, however, both governments and citizens have come to recognise that GDP provides only a partial view of today�s economic and social conditions and of whether these conditions can be expected to last in the future. Better indicators are needed that take into account sustainability, equity and quality of life.

A global safety net

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In October 2011, a high-level panel headed by the former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, delivered a ground-breaking report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, arguing that everyone around the globe should receive a living income, guaranteed through transfers in cash or in kind, such as pensions for the elderly and persons with disabilities, child benefits, income support benefits and/or employment guarantees, and services for the unemployed and working poor. Martin Hirsch, a member of that panel, explains why this proposal for a more socially responsible globalisation can work.�

Main economic indicators by country

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

GDP, output, inflation, current account, unemployment, interest rates for 40 countries plus euro area, as published in OECD Observer. Just print it out and pin it up.