The signs of conflict, distrust, economic inequality, and the climate crisis are all around us. A staggering of the world鈥檚 8 billion people live in conflict. For them, planning next week, let alone the more distant future is an unimaginable luxury. The recent Summit of the Future launched a conversation on how to create a better present while preserving choices for future generations. The United Nations Development Programme () kicked off the debate with its latest report, which identifies areas where our legacy to future generations is in doubt.
Social Development
impacts millions of people worldwide, limiting their lives. Millions of individuals across the globe are not recognized as citizens of any country. This lack of nationality has severe implications for their lives, affecting their access to education, societal inclusion and economic opportunities. As of the end of 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees () reported that 4.4 million people were stateless or of undetermined nationality. However, due to the lack of accurate data and the challenges in counting individuals without legal identity, the actual number is believed to be much higher.
Adaptive proves to be a profitable investment, reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and bolstering resilience against climate change and shocks.
Cabo Verde is a Small Island Developing State consisting of ten volcanic islands with a population of just over half a million people. Fogo, the youngest and most volcanically active island, is home to the Pico do Fogo volcano, which erupted most recently in November 2014, forcing the evacuation of 964 residents. The community of Ch茫 das Caldeiras, located inside the volcano crater, was buried by lava. Despite this, the resilient community has bounced back, with around 500 people now living in the village and working in agriculture and tourism as part of Fogo Natural Park.
Safeguarding future generations in a world at a crossroads. With that goal in mind, the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research () is organizing a three-day (May 14-16) in Maputo, Mozambique. The event will be attended by renowned researchers and policy experts who will discuss the greatest development challenges of our time -climate change, persistent inequalities, and growing political instability- and what action is needed now to best protect future generations.
At the 1994 , world leaders recognized that sustainable development requires prioritizing human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and empowering women and girls. While progress has been made, it has not been equal for everyone, and crises like climate change and war threaten to roll back advances. 30 years later, 47 UN Member States are meeting to assess progress and commit to closing gaps and ensuring rights and choices for all.
, the largest annual gathering of young people under the UN banner convened at the United Nations from April 16th to 18th. echoed the theme of the 2024 High-level Political Forum: "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions." The three-day event featured plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally based discussions, and discussions on innovative solutions for young people in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. The International Day of Sport for Development and 大象传媒 (6 April), presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people鈥檚 lives across the globe. The global theme for 2024 is 鈥淪port for the Promotion of 大象传媒ful and Inclusive Societies鈥. The UN has long recognized the power and universality of sport and has used it to unite individuals and groups through the promotion of sports for development.
Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that usually manifests during early childhood. It affects people irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Autism Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society. The 2024 observance marks a significant milestone, as it endeavors to offer a comprehensive global perspective on the state of affairs concerning autism, uniquely centered on the voices and experiences of autistic individuals themselves.
The , "Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world" presents ways forward that hinges on reimagining cooperation in ways that do not assume away divergent interests or opinions but work with them to deliver global public goods that benefit us all. This report is the first in a new trilogy of human development reports that will further explore the layers of uncertainty: how to address polarization (2023-24), shape our shared digital future to advance human development (2025), and marshal human aspirations to navigate the Anthropocene (2026).
The World Day of Social Justice reminds us each year of the need to build fairer, more equitable societies. Support is growing for creating a wide-reaching Global Coalition for Social Justice to bolster multilateral cooperation and align policies to further social justice aims. To mark the Day, the is held in major cities around the world. The events bring together high-level speakers from across the world of work to discuss how to put social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas.
is a UNDP video series exploring the trends shaping our world. From digitalization to inequality, the nature and climate emergency to crisis response, we examine the critical challenges we must address to achieve the future envisioned in the .
Season 2 Episode 4: Futures scope - Development practice is vastly different that what it was 50 years ago.
A growing movement advocates for social justice as the guiding principle for all policies, arguing it enables cohesive societies and economies. But persisting injustices, insecurity, inequality, and crises threaten progress made. Proposals to advance social justice include improved governance of work; lifelong learning; fairer labour market outcomes; and extended social protections. A special , marking the World Day of Social Justice will amplify messages of justice and social change through the power of music.
The labour market showed modest improvement in 2023, with a decline in the unemployment rate below pre-pandemic levels. But the 鈥檚 finds worrying trends for 2024. The report reveals imbalances and vulnerabilities that are damaging prospects for a sustainable global recovery. A decline in real wages, persistent inflation, an increase in working poverty, and a deceleration in productivity growth create the conditions for greater inequality and undermine efforts to achieve social justice.
It can be difficult to ignore the negative news that surrounds us every day. We see evidence of a planet that is warming too quickly, conflicts and inequality that persist despite our best efforts. However, the reminds us that despite these challenges, there are still reasons for hope and optimism. In 2023, there was a significant drop in the deforestation rate in the Amazon compared to the previous year. Additionally, the world made progress towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution on both land and in the ocean. Alternative energy, particularly solar, is finding its place in the sun, even in the remotest communities.