As 2025 draws to a close, experts from across the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings reflect on the year’s accomplishments. They also look ahead at what’s in store for 2026 in areas spanning trade, technology, labor, democracy, and education. There was no shortage of challenges in 2025 as the world grappled with geopolitical turbulence, trade disruptions, rising debt vulnerability, and the impacts of climate change. But 2026 could be a year of opportunity, says Brahima S.