Global Scans · Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] In a region where the digital economy is projected to exceed USD 300 billion in gross merchandise value, integrating youth into growth sectors is a structural imperative. SIBS 2026
• [New] We expect China's actual economic growth this year to be around 4%. BOFIT
• [New] We expect China's actual economic growth to stay around 4% this year, and, due to the reduced boost from exports, growth should slow to around 15.5% in 2027 and about 3% in 2028. BOFIT
• [New] Latin America is expected to witness substantial growth in the upcoming years. Precedence Research
• [New] Rapid global urbanization, with 68% of the world's population projected to live in urban areas by 2050 (UN DESA), combined with 5G IoT deployment, AI-driven urban analytics, and government-mandated digital infrastructure investment programs are primary growth factors. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Asia Pacific represents the fastest-growing regional opportunity, fueled by strong passenger growth in China, India, and ASEAN nations. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Monetization through connected commerce and entertainment services will remain a key factor sustaining growth beyond 2030. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The Fed will pursue a more dovish policy - one that keeps interest rates low even if inflation accelerates - that is likely to make riskier assets that benefit from faster economic growth more attractive. Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)
• [New] The conference board maintains its 2.7% y/y forecast for global GDP growth in 2026 and continues to project a rebound to 2.9% y/y in 2027. The Conference Board
• [New] Economic optimism is strong: Over 60% of family offices expect growth in U.S. stock markets, private equity, and M&A activity in the coming year. Bank of America
• [New] In 2026, teaching will likely become more varied, with instructors redesigning their syllabi to reduce overreliance on AI-generated work. Aralia Education
• [New] On the demand side, Asia's industry and power sector keep expanding, with 7% growth in 2026 led by China and India, while Europe's heating and energy security needs sustain imports through 2030. Adipec
• [New] Prior forecasts, including the 2026 Global Investment Outlook by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), projected the UAE to lead regional growth with real GDP expansion of around 5.6%, supported by diversification initiatives and sustained investment activity. Masdarcityfreezone.com
• [New] While wider European GDP growth is forecast to reach just 1% in 2026 amid continued inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, Travel & Tourism GDP across Europe is expected to grow by 3.6%, nearly four times faster. Hospitality Net
• [New] German 2026 GDP growth is now projected at 0.5% from 1.0%; 2027 cut to 0.9% from 1.3%. The Rio Times
• [New] Berlin halved its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 0.5% from 1.0% projected in January, and cut the 2027 forecast to 0.9% from 1.3%, per Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. The Rio Times
• [New] The central question facing the UK economy is whether growth can accelerate without creating new inflationary risks. Kalkine
• [New] Slowing growth in China and uncertainty across European markets are creating additional risks for British exports and Manufacturing activity. Kalkine
• [New] 2026 will determine whether the UK economy can truly escape the cycle of slow growth that has dominated recent years. Kalkine
• [New] Education vertical SaaS shines in 2026 for vocational niches like skilled trades or corporate upskilling, projected to grow 20% as remote work evolves. Appscrip
• [New] Mental health SaaS tailored for workplaces is surging, forecasted at 25% growth in 2026 as burnout rises. Appscrip

Last updated: 24 May 2026