LocationsUNDP's new podcast: Colours of the Economy talks
October 13, 2025
UNDP's Istanbul Regional Hub launches its new podcast Colours of the Economy talks, hosted by Regional Chief Economist Şebnem Şahin.
Colours of the Economy talks explores the shifting economies of Europe and Central Asia— where the greens of climate transition signal the urgency of sustainable growth, the yellows of innovation and knowledge drive new sectors of opportunity and the purples of culture and inclusion anchor prosperity in social values. Our regional Chief Economist Şebnem Şahin talks to thought leaders from international financial institutions, development banks and governments about pressing trends, offering evidence, insights and forward-looking perspectives that bridge global currents with regional realities—giving listeners a front-row seat to the debates, dilemmas and directions shaping the region’s economic future.
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Episode 3
Guest: Can Erbil, Development Economist, Boston College
In this episode, Can Erbil, a development economist from Boston College, discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping education systems and what this transformation means for economic development. The conversation examines the implications of AI for skills formation, leadership development, and access to opportunity, particularly in developing and emerging economies. It also reflects on institutional readiness, governance challenges, and the risk of widening inequalities in the context of rapid technological change.
Listen 🎧 here.
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Episode 2
Guest: Nigel Pain, Head of the Macroeconomic Policy and Research Division, OECD Economics Department
In this episode, Nigel Pain, Head of Macroeconomic Policy and Research at the OECD, discusses the Economic Outlook Interim Report: Finding the Right Balance in Uncertain Times, including the impact of tariff escalation, challenges of narrowing fiscal space for investment and the optimal sequencing of economic reforms. The conversation also covers broadening the domestic revenue base, improving spending efficiency, providing targeted support for households and firms and implementing productivity-enhancing measures to sustain economic growth and price stability across Europe and Central Asia.
Listen 🎧 here.
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Episode 1
Guest: Ivailo Izvorski, World Bank Chief Economist for Europe and Central Asia
The series opens with Ivailo Izvorski, World Bank Chief Economist for Europe and Central Asia, reflecting on the Greater Heights report and its call for the 3i strategy as a blueprint for rebalancing growth. This launch conversation moves through three defining debates: how underused pillars can be reignited, why human capital bottlenecks continue to fuel skills mismatch and talent flight, and what energy transition trade-offs are politically feasible in one of the world’s most energy-intensive regions. Sharp and forward-looking, the episode bridges global insights with regional realities, setting the stage for the conversations to come.
Listen 🎧 here.
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