Women in Afghanistan: The future ‘depends on them’

Released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, Listening to Women Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, Their Struggle and Resilience, analyzes data collected over the last three years, providing one of the most detailed views into the changing circumstances of women entrepreneurs in the country. “Women entrepreneurs have demonstrated incredible grit, boldness, and resourcefulness under the … Read more

Embrace innovation ‘to make sustainable transport a reality for all’

Opening its High-level Meeting on Sustainable Transport, Assembly President Dennis Francis urged countries to seize the opportunity to shape a green, inclusive and prosperous future for today and generations to come.  “From public transport to maritime transport, we must embrace innovation-driven approaches – to make sustainable transport a reality for all,” he said.  Ensure equal … Read more

Indigenous Kalinago lead the way towards making Dominica ‘climate resilient’

Dominica, which lies in Eastern Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are being exacerbated by the climate crisis: Hurricane Maria in 2017 was a devastating example, destroying many homes and buildings. The indigenous Kalinago people were particularly affected but, since then, community leaders have been working with the UN to help its … Read more

Tourism ‘intrinsically susceptible’ to climate shocks, political unrest, pandemic threat

Addressing a high-level meeting on tourism as part of the General Assembly’s first ever Sustainability Week, Dennis Francis said it was a vital driver of economic growth and empowerment. In 2023, the sector contributed three per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to $3.3 trillion, and employed one in every ten people … Read more

UN leaders urge ‘wholesale reform’ of global financial architecture

Addressing a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on debt sustainability, António Guterres outlined the crippling impact of debt on developing economies. “No example of the international financial architecture’s failure is more glaring than its handling of debt. The last four years have been nothing short of a debt disaster,” he said. He noted that … Read more