Established by decision of member States of UNCTAD, the Global Network is intended to serve as the focal point for national and regional think tanks specialized in development policy advocacy and strategy setting. The Global Network is designed to act as:
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A forum of debate on development issues falling within the purview of UNCTAD's mandate and with particular focus on: (i) "burning" and emerging issues in the world economy and their implications on the development of developing countries and economies in transition; and (ii) exploring innovative development oriented concepts, with a longer term perspective and implications for the development of developing countries.
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A platform for exchange of experiences and lessons learned in the integration into the national policies of various development-oriented concepts and policy options; attention will be paid both to the conceptual aspects as well as to the practical dimension.
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A platform for sharing of research materials, publications, outline of future research work and policy analysis so as to bring to bear various perspectives derived from national, regional or international experiences; exchanges of publications and other research work and policy analysis will take place aimed at making them better known among development think tanks and at receiving feedback on the ideas, conclusions and policy options contained therein.
UNCTAD secretariat will provide substantive and logistical support to the Network. Any request for information or comments should be addressed to Mr. Heiner Flassbeck, Director of UNCTAD's Division on Globalization and Development Strategies on the e-mail address heiner.flassbeck.GNTT@unctad.org.