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The COVID-19-related global recession and economic policy response have triggered a surge in debt levels in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). Coming on top of a surge in global debt since 2010, this creates new risks. Read More. 

Half the children in low- and middle-income countries are unable to read and understand a simple text by age 10. These children are considered learning poor. Learning poor refers to children at the end of primary school who read at below the minimum proficiency level and children out of school who are assumed to not read proficiently. About 10 percent of children are out of school, and another 40 percent are not learning while in school. Learning poverty rates exceed 50 percent in four regions. Learn More in the 2020 SDG Atlas.

Almost all commodity prices recovered in the third quarter following steep declines earlier in the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crude oil prices have doubled since their April low, supported by sharp oil supply cuts, but prices remain one-third lower than pre-pandemic.  Metal prices recovered rapidly in response to a faster-than-expected pick up of China’s industrial activity. Some food prices have also risen. Looking ahead, oil prices are expected to increase gradually from current levels and average $44 per barrel in 2021, up from an estimated $41 per barrel this year, as a slow recovery in demand is matched by an easing in supply restraint. Metal and agricultural prices are projected to see modest gains in 2021. The main risk to price forecasts is the duration of the pandemic, including the risk of an intensifying second wave in the Northern Hemisphere. Explore Data