Remittances - an untapped engine for sustainable development
“Migrants are needed in virtually all job markets; they bring skills and they help economies flourish. Although migrants represent just slightly over 3 per cent of the global population, they contributed 9 per cent of global GDP in 2015,” said Louise Arbour, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on International Migration, in her message to the Global… Read more ›
UN Forum to highlight forests’ fundamental role in supporting healthy, resilient societies
Throughout history, people have depended on forests and trees for the vital resources they provide, to sustain economies, societies and human well-being. It is estimated that the economic value of ecosystem services provided by forests globally could be worth as much as US$16.2 trillion. Billions of people rely on forests to generate energy, for materials to… Read more ›
Progress on sustainable energy too slow, but certain areas show promise, new report finds
The world is not on track to meet the global energy targets for 2030 set as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but real progress is being made in certain areas – particularly expansion of access to electricity in least developed countries, and industrial energy efficiency, according to the latest report by five global… Read more ›
Can science and technology really help solve global problems? A UN forum debates vital question
Science and technology offer part of the solution to climate change, inequality and other global issues, said UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Liu Zhenmin, spotlighting the enormous potential these fields hold for achieving humanity’s common goal, of a poverty and hunger-free world by 2030. Read more ›
Contributors, not troublemakers – stereotypes of migrants need to change
“I’m the CEO of 734 and I hire people who need jobs,” said Manyang Reath Kher, winning a burst of applause from the room. A Sudanese refugee, Mr. Kher came to the United States at age 17 and launched the successful coffee brand called 734. Earlier this month, he spoke at a UN briefing on… Read more ›
Debt as an Obstacle to the Sustainable Development Goals
A blog by Elliott Harris and Chris Lane In 2015, 193 countries adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an overarching policy roadmap through 2030. These goals are predicated on the idea that for a sustainable future, economic growth must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion and protection of the environment. Read more ›
At development financing forum, top UN officials urge breakaway from ‘short-termism’
The United Nations will support countries’ path to sustainable development by brokering partnerships, pursuing innovative finance, leveraging resources and building the necessary capacities, senior officials said Monday, highlighting the need for a change of mind-set from “short-termism” to long-term investments. “I will count on world leaders and all of you to invest in a sustainable… Read more ›
Amid uneven upturn of the global economy, countries meet to mobilize financing for the Sustainable Development Goals
The recent upturn of the world economy holds the potential to mobilize greater financing for sustainable development. However, inequalities between and within countries, lingering economic vulnerabilities and increased carbon emissions continue to threaten the achievement of the SDGs. Countries will be reviewing how resources can be mobilized more effectively and allocated more responsibly to achieve… Read more ›
ABOUT UN DESA
UN DESA is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. Learn more
USG LIU ZHENMIN
Mr. Liu Zhenmin of China was appointed as the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs effective 26 July 2017. Learn more
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