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The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that world economic growth is expected to decelerate from three per cent last year to 2.4 per cent through 2023, with limited signs of a rebound in 2024. These figures underscore the urgent need for reform of the global financial system, more practical policies to combat inflation, inequality, and sovereign debt, as well as enhanced oversight of critical markets. Avoid past mistakes Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General...

Global economic growth is declining to about 2.5 per cent this year, the UN said. Apart from the initial COVID-19 crisis three years ago, and the global financial crisis in 2009, this represents the weakest level since 2001. Given the size of the contribution of cities to national economies, the future of many countries will be determined by their productivity. Investment and access Urban areas can promote inclusive, green, and sustainable growth, UN Secretary-General António Guterres...

The focus of the plan is on criminal activity associated with casinos in the region, and other scams including money laundering and cybercrime. The plan of action was announced in the Thai capital by officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) together with partner China, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The new plan aims to strengthen prevention measures and improve the capacities of crime fighters to investigate international organised crime and human...

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres (centre) and the President of the General Assembly (2nd right) Dennis Francis attend the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development at UN Headquarters. 20 September 2023SDGs Taking urgent steps to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, world leaders launched a high level dialogue on Financing for Development on Wednesday. The big objective of the major UN General Assembly meeting is to unlock innovative and...

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), this represents between $1,179 and $1,383 per person, per year. The study factors in 50 SDG indicators across 90 countries, covering three quarters of the global population. For the world’s 48 developing economies, the shortfall is estimated at $337 billion annually, if they are to take the required action on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. When expanded to cover all developing economies, using the median...

Global inequalities The world is becoming increasingly unequal, according to Mr. Silva. Immersed in a world of intersecting crises, including COVID-19, security, racism, intolerance, and stable access to food and clean water, more must be done to ensure that inequalities do not continue to grow. “The ten richest billionaires have more wealth than the poorest 40 per cent of humanity,” said Mr. Silva. “The destiny of every child born on this planet seems to be decided while they’re still...

14 September 2023Humanitarian Aid Addressing the Security Council on Thursday, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, highlighted the growing need for humanitarian aid worldwide against a backdrop of reduced funding. She called for innovative public-private sector partnerships to respond to tomorrow’s crises. “I come from the private sector myself,” said WFP‘s Executive Director, at the start of a debate on the role of partnerships in humanitarian aid, initiated by...

13 September 2023Economic Development One in every six children is forced to survive on less than $2.15 a day, according to a new report from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank released on Wednesday. The findings show that 333 million children worldwide are living in extreme poverty – a decrease of almost 50 million over the course of the past decade. However, the report’s authors say that millions more should have been lifted out of extreme poverty had it not been...

In its latest report, the UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) body found that attacks on civilians, escalating fighting, economic decline and human rights violations persist, despite the country’s re-admission to the League of Arab States. The continued war in Syria is a “monument to the failure of diplomacy” said Inquiry Chair, Paulo Pinheiro. Speaking in Geneva at the launch of the report, Mr Pinheiro called on all parties to the conflict to cease the attacks on civilians following the...

9 September 2023SDGs The UN welcomed the adoption on Saturday of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, describing it as an example of effective leadership at a time of great divisions in the world. World leaders, meeting in the Indian capital for the annual G20 summit, reached agreement by consensus this afternoon on the declaration, which covers issues ranging from climate change and green growth to gender equality and countering terrorism. Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for...