Knowledge Brief

Global trade is facing heightened pressure from geopolitical fragmentation and unilateral actions, testing the limits of the rules-based trading system. Even so, global trade endures. This highlights the importance of adaptive reforms and collective leadership to preserve trust, stability, and long-term economic cooperation in a changing global economy. Read More

Information gaps shape how markets function, influencing trust, efficiency, and access to opportunity. Insights from the economics of asymmetric information highlight why transparency, credible signaling, and strong institutions matter in sustaining resilient markets, especially in an increasingly complex and fragmented global economy. Read More

Global trade is not retreatin; it is being rewired. As geopolitical risks reshape supply chains and investment flows, reglobalization reflects a shift toward resilience, security, and regional diversification, redefining how economies and firms pursue growth in an increasingly complex global landscape. Read More

In a fragmented global economy, trade is no longer a choice between openness and protection. A hybrid model—combining global integration with regional resilience—offers a practical pathway to sustain growth, manage risk, and navigate geopolitical uncertainty. Read More

Geopolitical tensions and regulatory divergence are reshaping global finance. As financial systems fragment, coordinated policies and resilient financial infrastructures are becoming critical to maintaining stability, sustaining cross-border investment, and supporting long-term growth in an interconnected global economy. Read More

Tourism growth is increasingly shaped by how destinations manage sustainability and governance. Evidence from global research shows that strong environmental, social, and governance practices support more resilient and competitive tourism development, reinforcing the role of responsible investment in the future of hospitality. Read More

Digital inclusion is shaping the Philippines’ pathway to inclusive growth. Expanding access, strengthening digital skills, and aligning public–private efforts are proving essential to ensuring that digital transformation delivers broad-based economic opportunity. Read More

Partnership-driven development remains central to the Philippines’ progress. The UN’s 2024 results and 2025 outlook highlight coordinated action on inclusive growth, climate resilience, and governance; reinforcing collaboration as a foundation for sustainable development. Read More

Empowering MSMEs is central to inclusive and sustainable growth. Five years of EU–Philippines collaboration through ARISE Plus highlight how partnerships, trade facilitation, and capacity-building can strengthen enterprise competitiveness and expand access to global markets. Read More

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FinTech played a vital role in sustaining financial inclusion in the Philippines. Digital platforms helped bridge access gaps, demonstrating how technology, policy, and inclusion must advance together to build resilient financial systems. Read More

The Philippines’ digital payments ecosystem is moving from rapid adoption to long-term stability. Strong regulation, interoperability, and consumer trust are shaping how digital finance supports inclusive and resilient economic growth. Read More

As AI adoption accelerates, a human development lens is becoming essential. Aligning AI innovation with skills, inclusion, and ethical governance helps ensure that technological progress expands human capabilities and supports inclusive growth. Read More

As the global financial system fragments, long-term institutional investors face new risks and responsibilities. Strong coordination, resilient financial infrastructure, and adaptive regulation are becoming critical to sustaining stability and long-horizon investment in a multipolar world. Read More

inancing development is becoming more complex in a fragmented global economy. A pragmatic, data-driven approach highlights the need for coordinated action and long-term capital to bridge financing gaps and sustain inclusive growth. Read More

As trade and finance face mounting strain, the global economy is approaching a critical juncture. Rising debt, fragmented markets, and volatile capital flows underscore the need for coordinated reforms and long-term investment to support sustainable and inclusive growth. Read More

The Philippines continues to show resilient growth, even as global and domestic vulnerabilities intensify. Managing fiscal risks, sustaining reforms, and strengthening institutions remain key to anchoring long-term investment and economic stability. Read More

Urban development is evolving from isolated projects to integrated platforms. Pasay 360 highlights how coordinated investments in infrastructure, connectivity, and public spaces can drive sustainable growth and transform cities into engines of inclusive development. Read More

Climate change is redefining how cities plan and invest in infrastructure. Strengthening climate resilience across transport, energy, and urban systems is essential to protecting long-term value and ensuring sustainable, people-centered urban development. Read More

Climate action and disaster resilience are now central to urban investment and development planning. Integrating risk-informed infrastructure, resilient cities, and coordinated governance is key to safeguarding growth in a climate-exposed future. Read More

People-centered investment is at the heart of the Philippines’ development agenda. Strengthening jobs, human capital, and social protection ensures that economic growth translates into improved livelihoods and shared prosperity. Read More

Jobs are central to inclusive growth. Success stories across East Asia and the Pacific show how targeted investments in skills, enterprises, and labor markets can improve livelihoods and translate growth into shared prosperity. Read More

Sustaining growth means turning investment into jobs. Stronger reforms and higher-quality investment are key to expanding employment opportunities and ensuring that economic growth delivers real benefits for Filipino workers and households. Read More

Remittances play a vital role in strengthening household welfare. Evidence shows they support everyday spending, education, and health—highlighting how migrant earnings contribute to resilience and inclusive growth at the household level. Read More

Remittances extend beyond household support—they contribute to broader economic activity. Evidence shows that migrant earnings strengthen household spending while generating ripple effects that support local economies and inclusive growth. Read More

As AI reshapes education and work, a human development lens is essential. Aligning AI-enabled learning with skills, inclusion, and ethical governance helps ensure that technology expands opportunities for youth and supports inclusive development. Read More

Digital inclusion is shaping how young people participate in the future economy. Expanding access and strengthening digital skills are essential to ensuring that AI and technology-driven growth translate into inclusive development opportunities. Read More

AI is being positioned as a national development tool in the Philippines. Investing in skills, education, and ethical governance is key to ensuring that AI empowers youth, strengthens public services, and supports inclusive growth. Read More

Preparing youth for an AI-driven future starts with education reform. Strengthening digital skills, ethical understanding, and regional cooperation is key to ensuring that AI-enabled learning supports inclusive and future-ready development across ASEAN. Read More

Education and migration policies shape how skills are produced and deployed. Aligning education systems with both global opportunities and national development goals is key to ensuring that youth skills support inclusive growth in an increasingly mobile world. Read More

Scaling finance for climate adaptation is essential to protecting ASEAN’s natural capital. Clear taxonomies and shared frameworks can help direct investment toward resilience, ecosystems, and climate-ready development across the region. Read More

Financing forest restoration is evolving through green FinTech. Digital tools and innovative finance models are helping channel investment toward nature-based solutions, strengthening climate resilience while protecting ecosystems and livelihoods. Read More

Local action is at the heart of climate resilience. Community-led initiatives across the Philippines show how protecting ecosystems and strengthening livelihoods can turn climate challenges into pathways for sustainable and inclusive development. Read More

Climate resilience begins at the farm level. Strengthening climate-smart agriculture and adaptive practices helps protect crops, farmer livelihoods, and the natural capital that underpins food security and sustainable development. Read More