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. 

West Africa’s economic prospects at pivotal moment as regional integration faces major challenge

On 29 January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger notified the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS. Established in 1975 to promote economic integration, ECOWAS has been instrumental in developing institutional mechanisms for regional cooperation.

Join us in celebrating forests and innovation!

Forests sustain us in countless ways – from clean air and water to food and medicine, income and livelihoods, and even sustainable fashion. Being near trees and forests can inspire creativity, reduce stress, and improve your mood.

The world’s forests cover nearly one-third of all land, providing carbon storage and biodiversity habitat while building our resilience to withstand storms and other natural disasters. Yet despite all that they provide us, forests are often undervalued, and every year we continue to lose ten million hectares of forests.

ECOSOC convenes the 2024 Coordination Segment

The international community will come together at the 2024 ECOSOC Coordination Segment in early 2024, to examine some of the major trends shaping our world.

Leveraging partnerships to achieve the global goals

At the 2023 SDG Summit, global leaders called for action, stressing the urgent need to engage and partner with a diverse range of actors to achieve sustainable development.

The 2024 UN Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which will be held on 30 January at UN Headquarters in New York, will heed this call by bringing together Member States, the UN system and diverse stakeholders to showcase and discuss how partnerships can help drive the implementation of the SDGs.