UNDP'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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Colours of Economy podcast cover with two suited hosts against a rainbow gradient.

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.