The 2024 edition of the United Nations' World Economic Situation and Prospects report comes amid stark global economic inequalities and high geopolitical tensions. While rich economies have largely bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic, developing economies have lost ground. Many are drowning in debt, with more than a third at risk of crisis. Investment in climate action and sustainable development is falling woefully short. Hunger and poverty are on the rise. And growing divisions between countries and economies are preventing an effective response. As this report makes clear, 2024 is projected to be another tough year. Sluggish global growth is projected to slow further. Investment will remain weak. The debt crisis will continue to spiral, as debt service obligations reach new heights. Devastating conflicts and escalating extreme weather are bringing uncertainty and risk to the global economy