More from UN DESA

How the planet’s “lungs” contribute to our health and well-being

Forests make our lives better in countless ways. They sustain us – from clean air and water, to food and fuel, to medicines and income. Being near trees helps boost our immune systems, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood. When forests are healthy and well-managed they safeguard the health of our planet, by mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and building resilience to natural disasters.

Urgently transforming institutions for a greener, more inclusive, and more resilient world

Five years ago, in July 2018, the UN ECOSOC endorsed the 11 principles of effective governance for sustainable development. These principles were developed by the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and focus on three governance pillars: effectiveness, accountability and inclusiveness.

Prioritizing the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable through risk-informed development cooperation

The world faces multiple crises involving climate change, economic uncertainty, food shortages and the energy crisis. Development cooperation is crucial during these times of global challenges and uncertainty. It underpins recovery efforts in developing countries, builds resilience and advances progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

One year of the war in Ukraine leaves lasting scars on the global economy

One year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war’s economic impact still reverberates around the world. The war – while not being the key factor explaining the slower-than-anticipated economic growth in 2022 and downgraded forecasts for 2023 – weighed negatively on global economic activity, adding to inflationary pressures worldwide and impeding the post-pandemic recovery.

Shaping the future of global statistics

The United Nations Statistical Commission is holding its 54th session from February 28 to March 3, 2023, at the UN headquarters in New York. Established in 1947, the Commission is the apex body responsible for the development of global statistical standards, bringing together chief statisticians from around the world to deliberate on a wide range of important statistical issues, such as data stewardship, data innovation, SDG indicators, social and demographic statistics, economic statistics, and many more topics.

Development policy and just transition

We can no longer talk about development policy without talking about both the risks and costs imposed by climate change and the challenges and opportunities related to climate action.

Cultivating and strengthening partnerships for the global goals

Under the overall theme of “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”, the 2023 Partnership Forum of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will take place on Tuesday, 31 January from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm (EDT), at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Leveraging private capital to achieve the global goals

Malawi, a beautiful and tranquil country located in Sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It has a youthful population of 20 million people, and an agro-based economy growing at 2.9 per cent per annum.

Energy crisis poses threat to Europe’s industrial sector

Europe is facing a difficult and uncertain economic outlook.  Governments, households, and firms are grappling with an energy and cost-of-living crisis that was exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Amid high inflation and rapidly tightening monetary policy, many European countries are expected to suffer a recession over the winter.

World Toilet Day 2022: Making the invisible visible

Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. This World Toilet Day is all about making the invisible visible and taking action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation for all. The 3.6 billion people worldwide who lack access to safely managed sanitation depend on these efforts. Learn more about the day and ways to get involved.

What is the aim of World Toilet Day?