Turning Polycrisis into Polytunity

In this UNDP expert commentary, Yuen Yuen Ang argues that the convergence of global disruptions should be viewed not only as a period of crisis but also as an opportunity for systemic transformation. She introduces the concept of “polytunity” and proposes an Adaptive, Inclusive, and Moral (AIM) political economy as an alternative framework for addressing complex and interlinked global challenges. The author explains that conventional, linear models of development are rooted in industrial and colonial paradigms, and instead highlights the importance of adaptive approaches grounded in local knowledge and innovation. By encouraging a shift from control-oriented, mechanistic thinking toward flexible and context-sensitive strategies, the AIM framework seeks to guide institutions and policymakers in navigating the interconnected nature of contemporary global issues.