More from UN DESA

It is time to build forward together

The COVID-19 pandemic that continues to grip the world has caused over 3.7 million deaths and is reversing decades of progress in the fight against poverty. It is a matter of fact that the impact of the coronavirus has been the hardest on people who - for generations - have lacked equal access to public goods and services, quality healthcare systems and strong social protection, making it harder to cope with global crises.

Achieving SDG7 will put us on a pathway to net-zero

By Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy

Doing good while doing well – private sector and SDGs

In recent years, a new generation of consumers has begun demanding companies to act in the interest of sustainability. Purpose-driven businesses are also recognizing the benefits of focusing on the long-term. These leaders have committed to creating value for all stakeholders and taking concrete actions to align their business models with sustainable development principles. But we still need to do much more to mobilize private finance and align business practices with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Is unconventional monetary policy reaching its limits?

Since the onset of the pandemic, central banks around the world have deployed massive stimulus to limit the economic damage and support the recovery. Just like after the global financial crisis of 2007–08, unconventional monetary policy measures have played a crucial role in the response to COVID-19. Developed country central banks have purchased trillions worth of securities through quantitative easing programs, leading to an unprecedented expansion of their balance sheets.

Do you speak gender data?

Are you looking to learn more about gender data and why it matters? Look no further! The 8th United Nations Global Forum on Gender Statistics  with the theme “Building forward fairer with gender data at the centre”,  featuring a star line-up of panelists will discuss how gender equality and the production of gender statistics have changed in the aftermath of the pandemic and why.

Global preparedness in focus for new ‘Future of the World’ series

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that universal social protection systems are the foundation for social inclusion and economic prosperity. Countries that had more social protections in place before the pandemic were better prepared for the multitude of socioeconomic issues related to health, jobs, gender equality and the environment.

Robust economic recovery is underway — for some

The past few months have brought a string of upbeat news on the global economy, suggesting a vigorous recovery from the COVID-19 crisis may be under way. But are these developments too good to be true?

World merchandise trade and industrial production have indeed soared and are already well above the pre-pandemic levels. Prices of key raw materials have reached record levels, with oil prices having climbed to a two-year high. Against this backdrop, macroeconomic forecasters have raised their global growth projections for 2021 and 2022 – often by a lot.

Will the pandemic trigger a baby boom or baby bust?

Today, there are about 7.9 billion people in the world. The population will continue to grow in the coming decades, albeit at a progressively slower pace. Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to affect this trajectory in the long run, it is expected that, in the short run, some countries will experience a baby boom, whereas other countries may face a baby bust as a result of the pandemic.

Cutting the cost of family remittances

Every day, millions of families around the world visit their post offices, banks and money transfer operators to collect money sent to them by their relatives working abroad. These family remittances are often what allows them to send their children to school, make home improvements, set up small businesses or simply get by.

New efforts needed to invest in climate action

Recent data from the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that current climate-adaptation costs in the developing world stand at $70 billion a year and could increase to as much as $300 billion a year by 2030 without urgent action. For every dollar invested now in climate-resilient infrastructure, $6 can be saved, writes Selwin Hart, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Action, in a new op-ed.