Despite significant progress in much of Asia and the Pacific social protection policies still lag behind other areas of the world, according to a new report.
Social Development
We are living in uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the climate crisis threaten the world daily. So where do we go from here for a more hopeful future? The upcoming 2021/22 Human Development Report (HDR) seeks to address these questions. , the 2021/22 HDR examines how inequalities and uncertainty reinforce polarization and undermine our sense of control over our lives. But this report is also about opportunity: working towards shared goals and on human development is critical to creating a future in which we can all thrive.
Observed on 1 June every year, the Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their "selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship." Like no one else, parents and caregivers shape the experiences that build their children’s brains and set them on a path towards healthy development. Parenting is too big a job for parents and caregivers to do alone. They need support to give their children the best possible start in life. On this global day, let’s appreciate and support all parents throughout the world!
Urbanization is one of the most important megatrends shaping our world and the life and wellbeing of families worldwide. Sustainable urbanization is related to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets, including eradicating poverty and reducing inequality. Under the theme, “Families and Urbanization”, this year’s International Day of Families (15 May) aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable, family-friendly urban policies.
Safety and security are at the base of the ‘hierarchy of needs’ pyramid, second in importance only to life’s absolute necessities—air, water, food and shelter. In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, people were on average living healthier, more prosperous and better lives than ever. Yet still a growing sense of unease had taken root and is flourishing. A new report, , says six out of seven people all over the world—including in the wealthiest countries— were experiencing high levels of insecurity even before the pandemic.
The concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since the birth of the Organization. The creation of the United Nations drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The Organization was founded on the basic premise of unity and harmony among its members, expressed in the concept of collective security that relies on the solidarity of its members to unite “to maintain international peace and security.” On this International Human Solidarity Day let us continue celebrating our unity in diversity.
We believe in the future. We believe that people and planet can thrive as one. We believe that lessons learned can guide generations to come. We believe that moving forward means leaving no one behind. We believe that sustainability is survival. And that equality will become universal. We know the challenges are extraordinary. But we can achieve the extraordinary. And we believe that working together is what makes the world strong. At , we believe in everything we do. Now we can do even better.
The question is formulated at the (HLPF), the core UN platform for follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). This next (6-15 July) focuses on a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19. The HLPF will review 9 of the 17 SDGs, where ministers and other participants will explore policies and international cooperation to control the pandemic and its impacts. To reach a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030, the world needs to be back on track in less than a decade.
Observed every year on 1 June, the Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents throughout the world for their "selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship." Families bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Family-friendly workplace policies and practices help to promote children’s safety and wellbeing. Vaccines help to keep families and communities safe. They are the best hope we have of ending the COVID-19 pandemic and getting back to doing the things we enjoy with the people we love.
Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity to reset socioeconomic policies in order to restart economic growth. This means sustainably improving the living standards and well-being of all people as an integral part of efforts to promote the socially just transition to sustainable development envisioned in the 2030 Agenda. Digital technologies can facilitate that transition and create a more inclusive, equitable, resilient and sustainable society for all. Focused on this topic, the 59th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD59) starts today in New York.
Despite ample examples, quantitative evidence on the link between epidemics and social unrest is scant. fills this gap by offering global evidence of this link in recent decades. History is replete with examples of disease outbreaks casting long shadows of social repercussions: shaping politics, subverting the social order, and some ultimately causing social unrest. Why? One possible reason is that an epidemic can reveal or aggravate pre-existing fault lines in society.
The (HDR) doubles down on the belief that people’s agency and empowerment can bring about the action we need if we are to live in balance with the planet in a fairer world. It shows that we are at an unprecedented moment in history, in which human activity has become a dominant force shaping the planet. These impacts interact with existing inequalities, threatening significant development reversals. Nothing short of a great transformation is needed to change the path we are on. The Report explores how to jumpstart that transformation.
Amid a global health crisis and widely varying government responses, a group of 16 former heads of states, ministers, eminent economists, and social scientists – offers a set of new solutions for governments to build back better, greener and fairer after COVID-19.
In Barrio Curita, in the General San Martín municipality of Buenos Aires, an unlikely group of men and women helped connect 450 homes to water services – a lack of access to water is an all too common issue in low-income neighbourhoods.
The coronavirus crisis is pushing critical economic, social and environmental development targets beyond reach, warned through its .