In a report published by the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, the authors explain how people are “growing disillusioned with economic and political systems” as environmental crises intensify – despite economies continuing to grow.
While it remains an essential measure of economic output, they argue that relying on GDP alone risks an “incomplete picture of progress” as wellbeing, safety or environmental quality deteriorate sharply.
They propose “the first global blueprint” for how countries can make a comprehensive assessment of development, with the dashboard incorporating wellbeing, equity and inclusion, and sustainability indicators.
“This report is a landmark step in correcting a longstanding blind spot in measuring progress: the over-reliance on GDP,” said UN secretary-general António Guterres. “It was designed to be a narrow metric of economic output, yet became one of the most consequential numbers for international policy – something its architects never intended.
“This report makes concrete recommendations for complementary indicators that measure what matters most to people and planet.”
A total of 14 experts in economics, statistics, development policy, inequality, sustainability and public policy from diverse regions and backgrounds helped develop the dashboard, which governments can use immediately to inform decision-making.
It draws on the existing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) global indicator framework and established statistical systems, building on decades of efforts, including the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future.
The report also highlights areas that determine progress but that are often overlooked, such as cross-country spillovers, in recognition that wellbeing in one country is often influenced by activities and decisions in others.
It provides actionable recommendations for governments, the multilateral system, the statistical community, civil society and media, recognising that moving beyond GDP needs an “all-hands-on-deck approach” with sustained commitment by different stakeholders.
“Growth can mean many things. Growth in education. Growth in arts and leisure. Better health,” said High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP co-chair, Kaushik Basu. “Moving Beyond GDP does not mean eschewing economic growth – but instead reflecting progress across the critical dimensions of wellbeing for people and planet.”
The recommendations will be discussed by Member States at the General Assembly in September to agree on a plan to advance measures of progress at national and international levels.
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Chris Seekings is the Deputy Editor of ISEP’s Transform magazine, which is published biomonthly for ISEP members. Chris’s role involves writing sustainability-related news, features and interviews, as well as helping to plan and manage the magazine’s other day-to-day activities.
