Power to the people; funding community-led development in Somalia

Power to the people; funding community-led development in Somalia

In the heart of Galmudug State, Somalia, the dream of two young women, Iftin and Aminaa, to attend university in Abudwaq was fraught with challenges. Frequent power cuts and a long, dark and possibly dangerous road between the campus and town made it nearly impossible for them and other girls to attend evening classes. Determined […]

What is financing for development?

What is financing for development?

These are part of 17 goals agreed by nearly every country, called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan is to hit these targets by 2030. But we’re falling behind. One big reason? There just isn’t enough consistent funding to make real progress. That’s why world leaders, economists, and other decision-makers are meeting at the […]

Development is ‘the first line of defense against conflict,’ Guterres tells Security Council

Development is ‘the first line of defense against conflict,’ Guterres tells Security Council

Ambassadors met to debate how poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment are fuelling conflict and instability, at a time when hostilities are increasing and demand for humanitarian aid is rising as resources dwindle.   Every dollar spent on prevention could save up to $103 in conflict-related costs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Sustainable development critical Conflicts […]

Power of football inspires team effort towards development goals

Power of football inspires team effort towards development goals

As the football Club World Cup gets underway in the United States, on the other side of the globe, Japanese club Gamba Osaka has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by becoming the first team in the country’s professional league to join the United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative. The initiative provides a platform […]

Global action needed as progress stalls on disability-inclusive development goals

Global action needed as progress stalls on disability-inclusive development goals

“The message is stark: persons with disabilities face higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to education, jobs, and digital technologies,” said Amina Mohammed. But action is underway. The 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18) will […]

‘Alarming’ slowdown in human development – could AI provide answers?

‘Alarming’ slowdown in human development – could AI provide answers?

For several decades, human development indicators showed a steady, upward curve and UN researchers predicted that by 2030, a high level of development would be enjoyed by the global population. Those hopes have been dashed in recent years following a period of exceptional crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic – and progress has stalled across […]

UN warns of $4 trillion shortfall threatening global development goals

UN warns of $4 trillion shortfall threatening global development goals

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General António Guterres, General Assembly President Philémon Yang and Economic and Social Council President Bob Rae stressed the need for more resources and a global financial overhaul. Without an effective response, they stressed, the world risks falling even further behind on ending poverty, fighting climate change, and building […]

14 Coastal Economic Zones to Come up Under Sagarmala Program

14 Coastal Economic Zones to Come up Under Sagarmala Program

The Indian Ministry of Shipping has identified 14 Coastal Economic Zones (CEZ) along the coastline under National Perspective Plan (NPP) of Sagarmala Program, said Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Lal Mandaviya in reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Thursday (08 Dec 2016). The CEZ are  spatial economic regions spread over multiple coastal districts with […]