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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16-- The global growth of 2.5 percent in 2020 is possible, but a flare-up of trade tensions, financial turmoil, or an escalation of geopolitical tensions could derail a recovery, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2020, which was launched Thursday. In a downside scenario, global growth would slow to just 1.8 percent this year. A prolonged weakness in global economic activity "may cause significant setbacks for sustainable development," including the goals to eradicate poverty and create decent jobs for all. At the same time, pervasive inequalities and the deepening climate crisis are fueling growing discontent in many parts of the world, said the report which was launched at the UN headquarters in New York. Impacted by "prolonged trade disputes," the global economy suffered its "lowest growth in a decade," slipping to 2.3 percent in 2019. The world, however, could see a slight uptick in economic activity in 2020 if risks are kept at bay, said the report. EAST ASIA LEADS GROWTH In the United States, recent interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve may lend some support to economic activity. However, given persistent policy uncertainty, weak business confidence and waning fiscal stimulus, GDP growth in the United States is forecast to slow from 2.2 percent in 2019 to 1.7 percent in 2020. In the European Union, manufacturing will continue to be held back by global uncertainty, but this will be "partially offset by steady growth in private consumption," allowing a modest rise in GDP growth from 1.4 percent in 2019 to 1.6 percent in 2020. | 
