Big data and data science play a key role in addressing global challenges

The world faces many global challenges related to the environment, climate change, health, food insecurity, economic recovery and human displacement. COVID-19 and the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine have caused disruptions in supply chains and have raised energy and food prices significantly, making it difficult for millions of people around the world to cover their basic needs of food, water and shelter. The resilience of our societies is further tested by typhoons, flood, drought and other severe weather patterns.

Growing old and staying resilient

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly or indirectly caused the loss of lives of over 12 million older persons. Yet this constituency chose to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated globally on 1 October, by calling for public recognition of their strength, participation, productivity, resourcefulness and humanity in sustainable development.

Dignity for all in practice

Both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the World Summit for Social Development are committed to seeking lasting solutions to eradicating poverty, creating full employment and decent work for all, and building more inclusive societies.

What does a stronger U.S. dollar mean for developing countries?

The U.S. dollar has reached historic high levels not seen for two decades, as the United States Federal Reserve has been increasing its interest rates aggressively since March 2022 amid stubbornly high inflation. Higher interest rates and the relative stability of the United States economy have boosted the dollar’s appeal and triggered a ‘flight to safety’ in the international capital market.

Water and sanitation for all: is the glass half empty or half full?

In 1977, the first Apple II computers were sold and the first Star Wars movie premiered. But did you know that 1977 was also the year of the first ever United Nations Water Conference, held in Mar del Plata, Argentina?

Almost fifty years later, where are we now on the issue of water and sanitation for all? Is the glass half empty or half full?

A bleak outlook for the global economy

The global economic outlook looks bleak. Persistent high inflation, aggressive monetary tightening, and uncertainties from both the war in Ukraine and the lingering pandemic has battered and bruised the global economy. In addition, soaring food and energy prices are eroding real incomes, triggering a global cost-of-living crisis, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Behind the numbers: explore vast assets of SDG data

Alongside The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 are an array of assets to guide audiences to dive deeper into the SDG data, trends and real-life stories behind the numbers to help further understand SDG progress globally. Start exploring here:

Business leaders gather to find solutions for the SDGs

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the outlook for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. Food, fuel and energy prices are skyrocketing as a result of the war in Ukraine. Heat waves and drought have had consequential effects on consumption and production processes across the globe.

How can responsible businesses navigate the current multiple crises while contributing to the long-term success of building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world within the planetary boundaries?

Mixed views on global economic outlook amid rising inflation and volatile markets

The global macroeconomic outlook continues to fluctuate amid growing uncertainties, pronounced monetary policy tightening and roiling financial markets. On 15 June, the Federal Reserve hiked its main policy rate by 0.75 percentage points—its largest increase in 28 years. The rate hike was higher than had been expected which caused turbulence in bond markets in June, with rising yields (declining prices) of long-term government bonds with high volatilities.

Youth and Indigenous Women headline August events

As part of its advocacy work on social inclusion and development of youth and indigenous peoples, UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) is organizing two events this coming August: 

Shining a spotlight on Inspiring Indigenous Women

Indigenous women are the backbone of indigenous peoples’ communities and play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge. They are the caretakers of our natural resources and keepers of scientific knowledge.