We advanced economies might be mired in economic gloom but the global economy, powered by the currently developing nations, is growing very nicely indeed.

FORBES: UN Population Predictions: Up To 15 Billion by 2100

He added that the former head of the Strategic Investment Board David Gavigan had said Northern Ireland had a decade in which to re-position itself in the global economy before facing unprecedented competition from developing countries.

BBC: All-island economic regeneration motion falls

For, by definition, developing economies are small compared to the global economy.

FORBES: Yes, Let's Design A New International Corporate Tax System. Let's Not Tax Corporations At All

By building competitive, commercially viable financial institutions that provide a healthy return on capital and by taking bold risks and investing in innovative ways to expand financial services to the poor, Accion and our partners are spurring new opportunities and sustainable progress throughout the developing world, and helping to bring billions more into the global economy.

FORBES: Investing In Inclusion: How To Deliver Financial Services To The World's Poor

Education is a major factor in developing the human capital to enable countries to compete successfully in the global economy.

UNESCO: 14th UNESCO BANGKOK Conference: ��Education for Human Resources Development��, UNESCO BANGKOK, Imperial Queen��s Park Hotel, Bangkok (Thailand), October 21-23

In light of growing concerns about the global economy, the new UNFPA report highlights financial dangers facing people in industrialized and developing nations.

CNN: U.N.: World can 'thrive' as population reaches 7 billion