Our Scans · (ZY.4.07) Development Studies · Weekly Summary

• [New] If current trends continue, cumulative losses between 2025 and 2030 are expected to reach $3.4 trillion, aligning with the 2030 deadline for the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve global food waste. New Food Magazine
• [New] A U.S.-brokered peace in Ukraine might pave the way for greater economic cooperation with Russia, in fields such as oil and gas exploration and other resource development in the Arctic. The Christian Science Monitor
• [New] Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, and any resulting disruption to Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities, would have direct and material effects on U.S. AI development and deployment, implicating core national security interests. National Law Review
• [New] By 2026, automation and AI-powered development assistants will reduce some labour costs, but the need for skilled auditors and security experts will keep average expenses steady. SMT Labs
• [New] By fostering a culture of collaboration between academia and industry, Brazil aims to harness AI's potential to drive economic development and improve public services. Weidemann.tech
• [New] Space-based resource development timelines extend beyond 2030 for any meaningful contribution to terrestrial supply security. Discovery Alert
• [New] By 2026, advancements in agricultural development will be shaped by an interplay of cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, inclusive extension services, and robust infrastructure. Farmonaut
• [New] At the regional level, ASEAN is preparing to launch its 2026-2030 ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan, aiming to deepen integration while addressing digital transformation, supply-chain security, and uneven development. The Southeast Asia Desk
• [New] The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport represents a major opportunity to deepen global understanding of transport's pivotal role for sustainable development. Polis Network
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects Euro Area GDP growth of 1.2% in 2025 and 1.0% in 2026. AXA IM UK
• Ultimately, 2026 is more than a symbolic milestone - it is a test of Bangladesh's ability to translate its achievements into sustainable development, inclusive governance, and social well-being. The Financial Express
• The AfCFTA has the potential to transform Africa's economic prospects by boosting intra-African trade, fostering industrial development and integrating Africa into global value chains. Eswatini
• Developing countries require an enhanced provision of means of implementation, including adequate, sustainable and timely resources, through international cooperation and global partnerships for development, and continued international support, to strengthen their efforts to reduce disaster risk. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• Agricultural commodity price cycles, global food security concerns, and alternative nitrogen source development could influence long-term ammonia demand patterns that underpin current expansion plans. Discovery Alert
• Although U.S.-induced changes could contribute to a negative global economic outlook, the development of Artificial Intelligence could improve the economic outlook, the WEF writes. Worth
• Jalali stated that Iran has prioritized rapid development over security considerations in recent years, which has exacerbated security vulnerabilities. Critical Threats
• With transport demand set to more than double by 2050, mobility-related choices made in the coming decade can lock in sustainable development pathways. United Nations
• Emerging economies are grappling with an annual shortfall of USD 3.7 trillion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) finance required to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Financial Express
• The BRICS economic shift represents a move toward more diversified funding sources, and officials will assess the New Development Bank's role in supporting South Africa economy growth through infrastructure development over the next year through site visits and stakeholder consultations. BRICS
• China's economic development plan for 2026 focuses on sustainable growth, advanced technology, and deepening reform, aiming for around 5% GDP growth, with projections of approximately $20 trillion. Modern Diplomacy

Last updated: 09 January 2026