Sustainability index that looks beyond GDP launched

The report presents a new economic index, which looks beyond the traditional short term economic and development yardsticks of gross domestic product (GDP) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) assesses changes in a country's productive base, including produced, human, and natural capital over time. By taking a more holistic approach, the IWI shows governments the true state of their nation's wealth and the sustainability of its growth.

Twenty countries were assessed in the IWR 2012 over a period of 19 years (1990-2008). Together they represent more than half of the world population and almost three quarters of world GDP and include high, middle, and low-income economies on all continents.

This is the first of a series of reports that will be published every two years to monitor the well-being and sustainability of countries.

The full report is publicly available for download. Free digital copies can also be ordered by leaving your business card at the UNU booth at the Rio+20 conference.

A Summary for Decision-Makers of the IWR 2012 is also available, print copies of which can be picked up at the UNU booth as well. To obtain the digital copy or sign up to order a print copy, please refer to the Inclusive Wealth Report pages of this website.

The IWR 2012 is a joint initiative of the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (UNU-IHDP) hosted by the United Nations University and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) and the Natural Capital Project.

http://www.ihdp.unu.edu/file/download/9927.pdf