Many prominent challenges of the twenty-first century—such as populism, nationalism, and resistance to globalization—derive from the disconnect between economic and social prosperity. While GDP per capita has steadily increased over recent decades, this economic growth has not translated into greater societal well-being or environmental sustainability. In response, a new growth and development model is being proposed, which balances economic, social, and environmental outcomes. It also accounts for the uncertainty in policymaking and business by emphasizing adaptability and resilience.  

The new growth and development model rests on new types of social contracts, bringing the economic, social, and environmental needs of citizens and the purpose of business into closer alignment with the objectives of national governments, and bringing the objectives of national governments into closer alignment with multilateral institutions.