Boosting the global economy

The global economy in 2013 remained suspended between the poles of hope and uncertainty. While recovery gained momentum, particularly in some advanced economies, the world economy is not yet flying on all engines - and is likely to remain underpowered next year as well.

The International Monetary Fund's latest forecast puts global GDP growth at 3.6 percent in 2014, which is decent, but still below potential growth of around 4 percent. In other words, the world could still generate considerably more jobs without fueling inflationary pressure.

This means that International Monetary Fund members - whether advanced, emerging-market or developing economies - have more work to do. A strong and lasting recovery that lifts all countries and all peoples requires policymakers to press ahead on all fronts - fiscal, structural, and financial. At the same time, the international community must reinvigorate its efforts to strengthen cooperation through the G20, the IMF and other actors. Indeed, only through such collaboration can we overcome the lingering impact of the global financial crisis.