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Measuring Sustainable Development by Moving Beyond GDP
James Foster
Professor of International Affairs and Professor of Economics
George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs His research broadly lies within welfare economics using economic tools to evaluate and enhance the wellbeing of people. His previous research ranges from work on inequality (with Amartya Sen), literacy (with Kaushik Basu), to multidimensional poverty (with Sabina Alkire). Current interests include intergenerational mobility, poor-quality employment, and what might be called intentional measurement a reflective process by which metrics are constructed to guide policy. His work has led to many successful metrics, including the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the UNDP and Oxford, dozens of National MPIs, the Gross National Happiness Index (GNI) of Bhutan, the World Bank Statistical Performance Index (SPI), the FGT poverty index, and others. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in international development. His wife, Dr Irene Raj Foster, is also Professor of Economics at the George Washington University.
Danielle Goldstein
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs Danielle Goldstein joined the Elliott School in 2019 after completing her M.A. in Education & Human Development, specializing in Higher Education Administration, from the George Washington University. Prior to joining the Elliott School, Danielle held roles in admissions and student affairs at various institutions and non-profit organizations. Danielle received her B.A. from the University of Delaware.
Professor of International Affairs and Professor of Economics
George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs His research broadly lies within welfare economics using economic tools to evaluate and enhance the wellbeing of people. His previous research ranges from work on inequality (with Amartya Sen), literacy (with Kaushik Basu), to multidimensional poverty (with Sabina Alkire). Current interests include intergenerational mobility, poor-quality employment, and what might be called intentional measurement a reflective process by which metrics are constructed to guide policy. His work has led to many successful metrics, including the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the UNDP and Oxford, dozens of National MPIs, the Gross National Happiness Index (GNI) of Bhutan, the World Bank Statistical Performance Index (SPI), the FGT poverty index, and others. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in international development. His wife, Dr Irene Raj Foster, is also Professor of Economics at the George Washington University.
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs Danielle Goldstein joined the Elliott School in 2019 after completing her M.A. in Education & Human Development, specializing in Higher Education Administration, from the George Washington University. Prior to joining the Elliott School, Danielle held roles in admissions and student affairs at various institutions and non-profit organizations. Danielle received her B.A. from the University of Delaware.On 22 September 2024, the gathered assembly at the UN Summit of the Future adopted a Pact for the Future that calls for work “to urgently develop measures of progress on sustainable development that complement or go beyond gross domestic product“ ‐ measures that span “economic, social and environmental dimensions.“ What role should measurement play in the international development agenda? Can measures be effective policy tools? How might this specific, urgent call to “go beyond gross domestic product“ be met? We discuss a general framework for evaluating and building good metrics. The focus is on global metrics that can be tailored by countries to reflect national priorities. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the National MPI of India are provided as key examples. We then address the challenge posed in the Summit and present a potential solution built upon the structure used by Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) index.
Understanding the Limits of GDP
Gain insights into global frameworks
Customizing Metrics for National Priorities
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The Elliott School prepares more than 2,500 students each year for meaningful careers in international affairs. We develop the next generation of international leaders: leaders with knowledge, character and skills. Our faculty conducts research, produces scholarship and contributes to the public debate on global issues to advance understanding and to help foster solutions. We are located just steps from some of the most influential U.S, international and nongovernmental organizations in the world. Our singular position in the heart of the District of Columbia enriches our teaching and research by giving our students and faculty unparalleled opportunities to engage with the international leaders who walk through our doors on a regular basis.
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