To deepen the understanding of the different challenges women and men face in today’s world, statisticians use disaggregated data and gender statistics to allow for a unique insight into gender issues. The 6th Global Forum on Gender Statistics, organized by UN DESA’s Statistics Division and Statistics Finland, focused on data and statistical methods for the follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was an opportunity to take stock of progress towards the … [Read more...]
A world on the move: Refugees and Migrants
For a world on the move: The UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants The world is on the move, and the number of international migrants today is higher than ever before. In 2015, 244 million people lived in a country other than where they were born, including more than 20 million refugees and asylum-seekers escaping violence or persecution in their home countries. People have always moved in search of sustenance, safety and opportunity. By crossing borders and residing in other lands, … [Read more...]
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last year marked a watershed year for sustainable development. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets are expected to stimulate action over the upcoming years in areas of critical importance for people and the planet. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), meeting under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly, is the UN’s central platform for the follow-up … [Read more...]
Women in Science, 2030 Agenda
Involving women in science, implementing the 2030 Agenda | UN DESA | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Women and girls represent half of the world’s population. Yet, they are not fully participating within the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with a gender gap still remaining far too wide across the globe. Indeed, women account for less than 30 per cent of all researchers in the world and where one in nine men graduate in the fields of … [Read more...]
The Millennium Development Goals Report 2015, July 6
Final MDG report evaluates most successful anti-poverty movement in history The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been hailed as the most successful anti-poverty movement in history. On 6 July, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will officially launch the final report of the MDGs, summarizing the progress and highlighting the achievements of this monumental effort over the last 15 years. The report will also pinpoint areas that require further attention through the post-2015 … [Read more...]
DESA, Preparing for a year of Global Action in 2015
Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 2015 is expected to be a historic year for global sustainable development. A number of milestone events are expected to set in motion crucial actions that will benefit both the people and the planet. With UN DESA playing a leading role in these efforts, DESA News met with Mr. Wu Hongbo, UN DESA’s Under-Secretary-General, to learn more about upcoming events as well as gains made during the past year. “Critical, busy and … [Read more...]
MDG momentum – Post 2015
Providing key information for MDG momentum UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an end to the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals while speaking at a high-level event convened by the MDG Advocacy Group on 25 September. Organized by UN DESA in collaboration with a number of partners, the event featured the launch of a new publication as well as a data tool visualizing 14 years’ worth of MDG data from UN DESA’s Statistics Division. Gathering 300 global leaders, … [Read more...]
DESA, The role of partnerships beyond 2015
“Together, nothing is impossible; if we strengthen these partnerships among governments, business communities, civil organizations and philanthropists, then I think all these powerful partnerships can bring us towards the right direction” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Strengthening the global partnerships for sustainable development for the post-2015 development agenda will be the main topic of a thematic debate and Forum on Partnerships jointly convened by the President of the … [Read more...]
DESA, Key events for development in 2014
Looking ahead at key events for development in 2014 As 2013 came full circle, DESA News got an exclusive interview with the department’s Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Wu Hongbo, who shared some of the past year’s gains as well as some highlights for an eventful and action-packed new 2014. “We will discharge our mandates […] and do whatever we can to make our work a success next year,” said Mr. Wu. During an intense and activity-filled 2013, UN DESA has worked in many … [Read more...]
Securing financing for sustainable development, Shari Spiegel
“We have to create an inclusive financing system that would work for everybody around the globe.” ~ Shari Spiegel Securing financing for sustainable development New and innovative sources of financing are needed to supplement decreasing Official Development Assistance, but these should be additional to traditional assistance and not a substitute for it: this is one of the conclusions of the 6th High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development. In this video interview, Shari Spiegel, … [Read more...]