🎉Celebrating 10 years of SOUTHMOD 🎉 To celebrate this milestone, we are excited to launch a special anniversary magazine. ✨ Discover insights, stories, and achievements ✨ Learn how SOUTHMOD influenced policy analysis ✨ Explore the people and partnerships behind the models go.unu.edu/CA9Wt

Does getting into university guarantee upward mobility? New #SATIED research shows that in South Africa, whether a degree translates into social mobility depends just as much on who graduates on time and into which qualifications. Learn more: go.unu.edu/LEoWE

📬 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄! Explore the latest blogs, new working papers on climate and poverty, female entrepreneurship, South Africa's electricity crisis, and much more. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲:🔗 go.unu.edu/VQC2p

📢SA-TIED research featured in BusinessDay. A new BusinessDay feature drawing on SA-TIED research examines the combination of macroeconomic pressures and spending dynamics that have kept the debt trajectory off course. Read more: go.unu.edu/CVWEi

🌍 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑬𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑫𝒂𝒚!🌱 To mark the occasion, we're sharing our latest blog asking a crucial question in our current time: How can waste become a driver of economic value? Read the blog 👉 go.unu.edu/Q6aIk

📢 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗜𝗥–𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 launches as a multi-year research and policy initiative led by ACEIR, LSE’s International Inequalities Institute, the World Bank, and UNU-WIDER. Launch blog: go.unu.edu/7huLX Learn more: air.wider.unu.edu/

Join us on 10 June 2026 for the launch event marking the new research partnership between IFPRI and UNU-WIDER. 📅 10 June 2026 | 9:00–11:00 EDT / 16:00–18:00 Helsinki 📍 In-person (Washington, DC) & Online 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄👉 go.unu.edu/QHGEp

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀' 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗲𝘀? A UNU-WIDER study finds that countries with dedicated climate disaster legislation tend to maintain higher tax compliance. Read: go.unu.edu/z3CTN

📉 New #satied research estimates that South Africa’s VAT reporting gap averaged 40.6% between 2016–2020. The paper points to a VAT system shaped by large refund flows, growing import-related claims, & a relatively small group of high-value taxpayers.

Open opportunities at UNU-WIDER 👇 - Research Assistant in Pretoria - UNU-WIDER & African Union Winter School on Public Finance Join cutting-edge research & capacity building in development and public finance. 👉 go.unu.edu/0pG8J

𝗜𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗽? A new WIDERAngle & GlobalDev blog shows that in Ghana, children of less educated parents still lag behind. Learn more: go.unu.edu/aajjn

What if fragility wasn't just a label but a risk? 📉 A new UNU-WIDER paper by Joan Margalef measures state fragility as the likelihood of failing core functions next year. Key findings show conflict is the main failure mode. Learn more: go.unu.edu/Xws8k

In November 2025 South Africa adopted a 3% inflation target. By February headline inflation had reached exactly that. A Middle East oil shock has since pushed it above target. Richard Kima and Keagile Lesame on what the evidence says about this transition: go.unu.edu/zfl73 #SATIED

Do tax amnesties boost compliance—or just short-term gains? Our new study on Zambia’s programme finds 17–18% higher reported sales & 16.5% more firms paying, but no rise in revenue. Amnesties may nudge participation, not sustainably increase revenue. go.unu.edu/BbJto

South Africa's corporate tax revenue losses to tax havens rose from USD 1.1bn to USD 1.82bn. New #SATIED research finds just 44 firms may account for over 63% of ZAR 5.29bn in estimated revenue at risk, flagged using existing tax and customs data. More: go.unu.edu/RVI4l

UNU-WIDER releases updated #SOUTHMOD bundle: ✅ Coverage extended to 2025 ✅ New Egypt model (EGYMOD) ✅ Stronger tools for tax–benefit analysis Free for non-commercial research on poverty, inequality & social protection 🔗 go.unu.edu/ZRZzK

In her first blog post as Director of UNU-WIDER Dr @apvjustino.bsky.social emphasizes that in times of global fragmentation, independent and policy-relevant research becomes more valuable, not less. go.unu.edu/W0Nei

We met with @UNESCO colleagues yesterday on the heels of the recently signed MOU between UNU and UNESCO. This has kickstarted an exciting new collaboration between UNU-WIDER and UNESCO on quantifying the impacts of education in an age of disruption.

At the LDC Future Forum 2026 in Helsinki, UNU-WIDER Director @apvjustino.bsky.social closed three days of dialogue on youth and sustainable development in least developed countries (LDCs), calling for evidence-based policy, real economic opportunity, and stronger trust in institutions.

Contributing research on Mozambique to discussions at the LDC Future Forum! UNU-WIDER's Sam Jones brought a data-driven perspective from Mozambique to a session on Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

A new public economics curriculum tailored to African universities is now available! Grounded in African policy, institutions & data, it equips students with practical tools for taxation, public spending & fiscal policy. 🔗 Learn more: go.unu.edu/3jDIp

UNU-WIDER is at the LDC Future Forum in Helsinki this week! Don't miss our speaking engagements on Thursday and visit our table near the registration area! go.unu.edu/CA8CC

Mozambique’s economy is faltering, and delaying reform could make adjustment far more costly. New UNU-WIDER blog by Sam Jones looks into the difficult policy trade-offs needed to restore growth and stability. Read more: go.unu.edu/eSEDn

📢 We're hiring a Research Assistant (Administrative tax data | Big Data) in Pretoria, South Africa. The role supports the SA-TIED programme and research using South African administrative tax data at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility. Apply: go.unu.edu/Eqeal

Global governance is no longer shaped only in Washington, Brussels, or New York, it is also being reshaped through Chinese-built infrastructure, Indian-made medicines, and new forms of South‑South cooperation. Read Dan Banik’s blog: go.unu.edu/ussvY

UNU-WIDER has joined the Addis Tax Initiative as a supporting organization! We're looking forward to reinforcing our commitment to advancing domestic revenue mobilization and supporting countries in building fairer, more effective tax systems. More: go.unu.edu/Dw178

Catch us at the #LDCFutureForum 2026 in Helsinki (19–21 May)! As a co-organizer, UNU-WIDER looks forward to discussions on education, digital learning, youth innovation, and inclusive growth to unlock opportunities for young people in LDCs.

Opportunity for early-career researchers in Africa! UNU-WIDER & the African Union launch a Winter School on Public Finance. 🗓️ Online: 28–30 July | In-person: 14–18 Sep (Addis Ababa) Apply by 7 June 2026: 🔗 go.unu.edu/s59tW

Tonight, we held a reception to formally introduce our new Director, Prof. Patricia Justino, to colleagues, partners, and friends of UNU-WIDER. We were privileged to have Pasi Hellman, from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, share his insights alongside Prof. Justino.

UNU-WIDER mourns the passing of Professor Erik Thorbecke, a dear friend, colleague, and towering figure in development economics. His impact on poverty, inequality, and growth will be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and all he inspired. Read our tribute: go.unu.edu/OIVWv

South Africa is implementing the global minimum tax framework. But how much revenue is it likely to raise? In this #SATIED seminar, new research suggests a simple domestic minimum tax could potentially raise more revenue than the current global model. 🎥 go.unu.edu/k025s

Want to become a UNU-WIDER intern? We have 3 openings in research, tech, and programme support, offering hands-on experience in international development. 📅 Apply by 24 May 2026 🔗 go.unu.edu/J2Vbk

Can taxation improve governance, not just revenue? A UNU-WIDER brief shows tax design matters: different taxes are linked to different governance outcomes. Tax design can both finance development and shape institutions. Read: go.unu.edu/vrsbv

UNU-WIDER contributed to the @oecd-ocde.bsky.social 2026 Tax Gap Community of Interest conference, where Amina Ebrahim presented recent work on tax gap analysis in African countries and the development of a practical tax gap toolkit. go.unu.edu/UrAWn

Big national surveys are costly and only run every few years, but policy decisions can’t wait. New UNU‑WIDER research shows how AI can fill the gaps between surveys, keeping policy models up to date in Ghana. 👉 Read the blog: go.unu.edu/qaaW3

We are pleased to announce that Prof @apvjustino.bsky.social has officially started her tenure as Director of UNU-WIDER. We look forward to seeing UNU-WIDER continue to thrive under her leadership go.unu.edu/fuKM2

The April WIDERAngle is out 📬 This issue looks into global inequality shocks, AI tools bridging Africa's data gap, caste & business success in India, and a farewell from our Director. Lots to dig into, read here to get the full picture: go.unu.edu/k1r40

📣 Call for papers! Join us in Quito 🇪🇨 for a conference on Rethinking Fiscal Policy in Latin America. We welcome papers on distributive fiscal analysis, policy simulation tools, fiscal policy for the green transition & fiscal digitalization. 🗓️ Submit by 27 May 🔗 go.unu.edu/2LFU3

Today, marks May Day, known as Vappu in Finland. Vappu is a festival that honours students, workers, and the arrival of spring. At UNU-WIDER we are proud to be part of this lively tradition in our host country. Hyvää vappua!

Today is the final day of Prof Kunal Sen as Director of UNU-WIDER. The most heartfelt thank you from all of us at UNU-WIDER for your guidance and intellectual leadership over the past 7 years. Read his last WIDERAngle blog reflecting on his contributions: go.unu.edu/Xx6S1

India has nearly closed the gender gap in education, but not in work. New research shows why: social norms formed in adolescence. Girls who joined the Meena Manch school programme were more likely to work, study, and aspire. Education & norms matter. 🔗 go.unu.edu/8UxFk

Can transparency boost resource revenues? New research shows yes! The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) can increase natural resource revenues by 1.7% of GDP in developing countries through improved governance, investment, and more. Learn more: go.unu.edu/tJdaJ

If children grow up in similar contexts, should race shape how far they go? In South Africa, it often does. Research shows: 📈Upward mobility improving for African children 📉Stalled or declining for Coloured children 🔒Post-secondary gaps persist 🔗 go.unu.edu/Txl6A

How ownership still shapes business outcomes in India New research shows how firms owned by Scheduled Castes and Tribes underperform compared to those with privileged owners. Fair market access could be the solution. 🔗 go.unu.edu/imnF6

E-invoicing can be a powerful tool to curb VAT fraud. But digital tax reforms need strong enforcement, good communication, and smart use of data. Read our latest brief on the impact of Uganda’s rollout of electronic invoicing (EFRIS) on VAT compliance go.unu.edu/M5u13

E-invoicing can be a powerful tool to curb VAT fraud. But digital tax reforms need strong enforcement, good communication, and smart use of data. Read our latest brief on the impact of Uganda’s rollout of electronic invoicing (EFRIS) on VAT compliance go.unu.edu/M5u13

"In a world of escalating conflict, multilateralism is under strain — yet without it, there is no credible path to peace." Today, on the #MultilateralismDay, we highlight our commitment to evidence-driven solutions for inclusive development and sustainable peace. #OneUNFinland

We had the pleasure of hosting @annebrockmeyer.bsky.social from the World Bank for a seminar yesterday. Prof Brockmeyer presented her new research challenging deeply held assumptions in public finance: that better public services naturally lead to higher tax compliance

Do foreign corporate tax cuts hurt 🇿🇦 exporters? New research says yes. When competitors cut taxes, South African export volumes fall, with knock-on effects for jobs and firm performance. Read the full research brief to learn more: go.unu.edu/VPR2m

Turning data into better policy takes more than tech: it takes trust, institutions, and peer learning. Read how countries across Africa are sharing lessons to strengthen data‑driven policymaking. 👉 Read the blog: go.unu.edu/slBEF