For decades, gross domestic product (GDP) has been the dominant indicator used to assess economic performance and national progress. While GDP remains an important measure of economic activity, it provides only a partial picture of development. As global challenges such as inequality, climate change and social fragmentation intensify, there is growing recognition that development progress must be assessed through a more comprehensive lens. 

The Beyond GDP initiative responds to this need by promoting the use of complementary indicators that reflect economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. Led by the United Nations and supported by Member States, the initiative seeks to improve how progress is measured to better inform policymaking, align national strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and support more inclusive and sustainable outcomes. 

At the centre of the initiative is the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, established by the UN Secretary-General and responding to a mandate laid out in the Pact for the Future. The Group is tasked with developing a conceptual framework and a set of indicators that can be used alongside GDP to track progress in areas such as well-being, equality, sustainability and resilience. Rather than replacing GDP, the initiative aims to place it within a broader measurement system that reflects what people value and what societies need to thrive over the long term. 

Why Beyond GDP Matters for UNCTAD 

For UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), moving beyond GDP is directly linked to its mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in developing countries. While economic growth remains essential, UNCTAD’s analysis consistently shows that growth alone does not guarantee poverty reduction, structural transformation, or shared prosperity. In many countries, rising GDP has coexisted with widening inequalities, persistent informality, and environmental degradation. 

UNCTAD’s Role and Contributions 

UNCTAD plays an active role in advancing the Beyond GDP agenda at the global level. It serves as part of the co-secretariat of the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, contributing to analytical, statistical, and policy expertise. In this capacity, UNCTAD supports the assessment of existing indicators, identifies data gaps—particularly for developing countries—and contributes to discussions on methodological coherence and policy relevance. The organization has also translated Beyond GDP principles into concrete analytical tools. Notably, UNCTAD’s Inclusive Growth Index combines economic performance with indicators on income distribution, living conditions, and environmental sustainability. The index highlights significant disparities across and within countries, demonstrating that higher GDP growth does not necessarily translate into inclusive development outcomes. These findings reinforce the case for adopting broader metrics in development planning and evaluation. In addition, UNCTAD uses its convening role to foster dialogue among governments, international organizations, researchers, civil society, and youth. Through expert meetings, high-level events and side sessions at major international forums, including UNCTAD16, the organization contributes to shaping a shared understanding of how progress should be measured and why it matters for future generations.