2024 Year In Review

Today, we are living through an economic and technological realignment unlike anything in recent history. Supply chains are shifting. Industries are being reshaped by AI. The forces of nationalism and protectionism are sweeping across governments. And new pressures are forcing a rethink of how rapidly the world will be able to transition away from traditional energy sources.

As I look at the global macroeconomic landscape, I see storm clouds. There are extraordinarily high levels of national and private debt, giving governments much less fiscal capacity to respond to economic disruption. There is also a great disparity in economic performance among both developed and developing countries. These imbalances are creating—and are likely to create—even more serious economic and financial distress and disruptions.

Biodiversity loss and climate change continue to pose severe threats to human health and economic security. As ecosystems degrade, the risk of zoonotic disease increases. And as global temperatures rise, so too does the frequency of billion-dollar weather disasters— from floods and hurricanes to wildfires and droughts.

In short, there is a great need to question old models and approaches to governance and policy. How can we better balance energy security with climate imperatives? What can be done to ensure that strategic competition does not tip into full-blown conflict? And how do we promote broad- based, sustainable growth in a world that is becoming increasingly protectionist?

These are not easy questions, and I don’t pretend to have the answers. But I do know that it is more important than ever to have platforms for serious, fact-based analysis and to seek pragmatic solutions that can bridge divides—and that is precisely what we do at the Paulson Institute.

We are committed to providing clear-eyed, independent analysis that helps policymakers, business leaders, and global institutions navigate the complexities of economic, financial, and geopolitical change. Through our research, convenings, and partnerships, we work to advance sustainable growth and maintain global order in a rapidly evolving world.

None of this would be possible without the engagement and support of our partners and stakeholders. Thank you for being part of this important work.

—Hank Paulson
Chairman, Paulson Institute