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Ekkehard Ernst, author of the International Labour Organization ) report: "", joins the to discuss how geopolitical tensions, climate change, artificial intelligence, and inequalities are affecting global labour markets.

Despite ongoing efforts, Asia and the Pacific's progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals remains insufficient, according to the latest for the region. The document shows that while notable gains have been made in areas such as industry, innovation and infrastructure, and good health and well-being, the region faces alarming setbacks in climate action. The report emphasizes the importance of citizen data, which complements traditional statistics and helps communities address local challenges, ensuring that no one is left behind.

For many developing countries, including the least developed countries, small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries, tourism is a major source of income foreign currency earnings, tax revenue and employment. Sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the . Global Tourism Resilience Day (17 February) aims to emphasize the need to foster resilient tourism development to deal with shocks, taking into account the vulnerability of the tourism sector to emergencies. 

The  on 5 February  is a key global and annual event bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle economic, social, and environmental challenges. This year’s focus includes health, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, ocean life, and partnerships. The Forum will spark new ideas and priorities to work on and will look to boost innovative collaborations that will drive action and commitment to the 2030 Agenda and emerging global challenges.

Dr. Tsebaot Meles, a young Ethiopian doctor, turned a distressing personal experience into a mission to transform lives. During a visit to Sekota, a small town in Ethiopia's Amhara region, Tsebaot faced an unsettling challenge when she tried to purchase sanitary pads. “I got my period and went to a local shop with my sister,” she recalls. “To our shock, the male shopkeeper refused to help, reprimanding us for daring to request such an item. He insisted they don’t sell such things there.” Desperate, Tsebaot resorted to cutting up a bathroom towel for use as a sanitary pad. The incident ignited a passion within her to address this critical issue. She began researching how to start a company that could make a difference and later founded Ngat Reusable Sanitary Solution, a social enterprise committed to empowering women and girls in underserved areas.

A lot happened in 2024, and not all of it was good. Wars continued, protracted conflicts sprung back to life, disasters struck and people took to the streets to protest for better governance, women’s rights and climate action. The 51�Թ� Development Programme in has a lot of work to do to put the world on track for a future that works for all. This means valuing the interdependent needs of humans, animals and nature, and keeping all the options open – environmental, economic, social – for current and future generations to flourish. As we look back to 2024 and forward to the next year, we have some New Year’s resolutions to guide our path, building on the good work and successes we’ve seen across Eurasia.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 11% globally in 2024, but excluding conduit economies, it fell 8%, signaling shifts in economic dynamics and persistent uncertainties.

Linda Ampah's journey from a small home workshop to leading a successful garment manufacturing business has empowered hundreds of women, improving productivity, safety, and social policies in the workplace.

In a , 2024 also brought moments of triumph and reasons for hope. From groundbreaking business innovations to examples of remarkable resilience during crisis, here are some stories that remind us that positivity and creativity still thrive even in the most turbulent times.

In Berd, a town in Armenia's Tavush region, a group of women is showcasing the power of sisterhood through the cultivation of beans, a staple symbolizing resilience in rural life. Beans represent nourishment and are part of a shared heritage of patience and hard work. Anahit Paytyan, Alina Paytyan, and Varduhi Melikbekyan each contribute their strengths to the "Berd Bean" Women’s Association. This group was formed under the “Local Empowerment of Actors for Development” (LEAD) programme, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51�Թ� (), the 51�Թ� Development Programme (), and funded by the European Union.

The women from the Novo Airão Artisans Association have gained business skills through the , a collaboration with , LVMH, and the Fundação Vitória Amazônica. This support has enabled them to earn a living from their handicrafts and achieve economic independence. By attracting visitors and selling their creations, they not only secure a steady income but also preserve their cultural heritage. Using natural materials like arumã fibres and bacaba stems, they create beautiful pieces that honor their traditions and promote responsible resource use.

Despite lower inflation, improved labour markets and steady GDP growth, economic progress remains slower than pre-pandemic levels, hindering progress, especially in crisis-hit developing countries. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 presents the economic outlook for this year, stressing the need for global cooperation and smart policies to lift growth. This year’s thematic chapter focuses on critical minerals for the energy transition to boost climate action, create jobs, and reduce poverty in developing countries. ! (9 January 12:30 pm, EST)

Mongolians lost more than 13 percent of their livestock during the last severe winter, known as the dzud. For rural communities, protecting biodiversity is not just about conserving wildlife—it’s about  their own future. 

Reducing poverty and inequality. Promoting human rights and governance. Building resilience to disaster and crisis. UNDP works to improve lives in more than 170 countries and territories. Here are some of the .

Service exports, representing 25% of global trade, grew by 5% in 2023, outpacing the contraction in merchandise trade and gaining traction as a development strategy.

Experts emphasize the significance of establishing a second Decade for People of African Descent for the period 2025-2034, building on the progress made during the first decade (2015-2024). 

They argue that such an initiative is essential to addressing ongoing challenges faced by people of African descent globally, including racial inequality, discrimination, and the need for greater inclusion. By focusing on areas like education, employment, health, and human rights, the proposed second decade aims to further empower African communities, promote social justice, and enhance their contributions to societies worldwide