World Oceans Day: A call to action to save our ocean

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, produce over half of the world’s oxygen, regulate the climate and absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide generated by human activities. Home to an incredible diversity of life, oceans provide food and livelihoods for billions of people. The health of the oceans is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Integrated big data informs policies on climate change and sustainable development

As the world grapples with numerous global challenges, including environmental issues, climate change, health crises, food insecurity, economic recovery, and human displacement, the need for knowledge integration has never been more critical. Amid a data landscape with fast-increasing volumes of big data, information remains compartmentalized to pre-defined scales and fields, rarely building its way up to collective knowledge. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Spotlight on older persons in emergencies

As the world prepares to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June, this year UN DESA programme on ageing, in partnership with the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), will focus on the theme, "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," to highlight the critical need to protect and support older persons during crises. 

Established by the United Nations in 2011, WEAAD aims to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation that older persons face, while promoting respect and dignity for this population.

Hopeful horizons: Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing gears up for crucial session in May

The 14th session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) from 20 to 22 and 24 May 2024 is an opportunity to ensure that older persons everywhere can age with security and dignity and participate fully in their societies as citizens with equal rights.

ECOSOC examines AI to advance sustainable development

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful social and economic force, influencing industries and the job market around the globe. AI, which involves machines simulating human intelligence processes, includes a variety of technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. These frontier technologies have the capacity to transform how we tackle complex societal issues, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Amidst intersecting crises and challenges, stakeholders examine ways to accelerate SDG 16 progress

Conflict, inequality, corruption, and failure to respect human rights continue to pose substantial, intersecting and growing challenges to societies. These challenges are reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – a prerequisite for sustainable development and an enabler of all other SDGs.

Acting together to accelerate SIDS progress

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are on a collective journey toward sustainable development, seeking innovative solutions to address their unique challenges. The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda from 27-30 May 2024 is happening at a critical juncture. Many SIDS are still reeling from the double shocks of the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also dealing with the rapidly accelerating impacts of climate change. It can no longer be “business as usual” for SIDS.

Peoples’ lives are improving, but greater efforts still needed to ensure no one is left behind

Human life expectancy has improved across many parts of the world, according to recent data. Great strides have also been made in lowering fertility rates among young people and in reducing poverty globally. Many regions of the world have also seen improved access to, and reduced gender gaps in, education, health services, including sexual and reproductive health services and living conditions. 

New governance insights to boost SDG progress

New approaches are needed to bolster efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), eradicate poverty and eliminate hunger, while navigating and addressing multiple crises. Effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, combined with adequate governance arrangements, must deliver sustainable, resilient, innovative, and citizen-centred solutions. 

Tackling domestic debt sustainability challenges in Africa

Public debt levels are growing in Africa, with many countries already in or at risk of debt distress. Impacts of global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and spillover effects of high interest rates in many developed countries have further exacerbated debt vulnerability. This is also weighing on delivery of health, education and other public services.