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Expert Voices

Vol 28, No. 7 – July 2024

Growing or shrinking – what do the latest trends tell us about the global population?

Two years ago, our world marked the milestone of 8 billion people living on this planet. What has happened since then? How many lives are expected to see the light of day? Where do people settle down and how long do they live? Ahead the World Population Prospects 2024 launch on 11 July, we asked UN DESA’s Guangyu Zhang what we can anticipate from the new report.

Vol 28, No. 6 – June 2024

“Our goal is to make global SDG data accessible and understandable for everyone”

Later this month, UN DESA will be releasing the latest data tracking progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What goes into the work of collecting, monitoring and analyzing the data and what can we expect the latest report to show? Ahead of the launch, we spoke with UN DESA’s Heather Page who explains.

Vol 28, No. 5 – May 2024

“Forests play a pivotal role in addressing the triple planetary crisis”

Forests cover nearly one-third of all land on Earth. They sustain us in numerous ways and are critical in global efforts to address the triple planetary crisis. Ahead of the UN Forum on Forests and the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) this month, we asked UN DESA’s Peter Gondo about the Forum, the role of forests in small islands and why we need healthy forests for our survival.

Vol 28, No. 4 – April 2024

Urgent action needed to secure financing for our shared future

That the global community is seriously off track to achieve the global goals is nothing new. Neither is the fact that part of the reason lies in a lack of financing investments at the required scale. But what are the solutions? And what can we expect from the financing for development events happening at the UN this month? To find out, we spoke with UN DESA’s Mariangela Parra-Lancourt.

Vol 28, No. 3 – March 2024

Why the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) matters

What is the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), what does it measure and why is it important for countries in special situations? Ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) this coming May, Ambassador Walton Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, explains.

What is the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and what does it measure?

Vol 28, No. 2 – February 2024

“Data and statistics inform every decision we make”

Data plays a key role in global efforts to improve people’s lives on a healthy planet. UN DESA’s Statistics Division is leading efforts, working together with statisticians and data experts from across the world. Ahead of the annual UN Statistical Commission this month, UN DESA’s Linda Hooper tells us more about this important work.

Can you give our readers some insights into how data plays a role in global efforts to improve our world?

Vol 28, No. 1 – January 2024

Small islands prepare for their big moment in 2024

You may be aware that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contribute less than 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but face the worst effects of climate change. But have you heard that the UN will dedicate an entire conference in 2024 to help SIDS develop a path forward for their sustainable development? We asked UN DESA’s Sai Navoti to tell us more.

Vol 27, No. 12 – December 2023

United to achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities

The five dimensions of sustainable development – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships – are all essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahead of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we discussed with UN DESA’s Guozhong Zhang, how including persons with disabilities in all these dimensions can create a more equal world for everyone.

Vol 27, No. 11 – November 2023

Artificial Intelligence - a blessing or a curse for sustainable development?

In recent years, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly, affecting many industries and areas of human life. But should we view AI as a blessing or curse? How about its impact on social development and the global goals? We spoke with Professor Daron Acemoglu of the Department of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who shared his take.

A blessing or a curse? How do we ensure that AI is used for the greater good for people and planet?

Vol 27, No. 10 – October 2023

With concerted, ambitious action, we can reduce poverty drastically by 2030

Around the world, some 670 million people live in extreme poverty. Unless progress picks up pace, the international community is nowhere near ending this plight before 2030. Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, UN DESA’s Hantamalala Rafalimanana describes the dire situation and what it takes to end poverty once and for all.

Can you provide information on the current state of poverty worldwide?