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UN Sustainable Development Goals

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 were developed by the United Nations and its member states. The SDGs identify 17 goals as fundamental to the advancement and sustainability of humanity. The goals are relevant to and encompass the three components of human existence: economic, ecological, and human. The Sustainable Development Goals are designed to be achieved through partnerships and coalitions between the UN, its Member States, NGOs, and the private sector.

Below are some of our most popular news, articles, and podcasts related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their effect on the Earth and the political and economic conditions of its diverse populations. Click to see a list of other popular global topics.

How The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Was Formed
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2022, the origin of the UN’s Environment Program, including its key contributions to SDG15 and the 50th-year commemoration at the Stolkholm+50 conference. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Myth Of Chinese “Debt Trap Diplomacy”
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, the refutable myth of Chinese “Debt Trap Diplomacy,” including examples of Chinese-financed infrastructure investment projects under its “Belt and Road Initiative.” Click here to listen to the podcast.

Greta Thunberg Discussing Climate Action
Listen to Greta Thunberg discussing, in October 2021, the disappointing level of commitment from national leaders to climate action and her expectation for the UN COP26 climate change conference. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Cryptocurrency Impact On Global Development
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2021, cryptocurrency and its use in developing countries to remove real-world obstacles, and accelerate economic and development projects. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The United States Agency For International Development (USAID)
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2021, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), its broad trends, leadership, and potential priorities for global development under the Biden administration. Click here to listen to the podcast.

European Country Rankings In Progress On UN Sustainable Development Goals
Read the report, from December 2020, about the country-level progress made toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Each EU country is scored and then ranked on a composite score for all 17 goals. Click here to read the report.

Impact Of COVID-19 On UN Sustainable Development Goals
Read the report, from April 2020, about the economic impact of COVID-19, the potential for devastating global poverty, and the overarching implications for achieving the other UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Click here to read the report.

UN Human Development Index Ranks Countries By “Planetary Pressure”
Read the report, from January 2021, that ranks countries on an updated Human Development Index.  For the first time, the Index considers planetary pressure and each country’s environmental impact. Click here to read the report.

Country Rankings For Child Abuse and Child Safety
Read the report, from January 2019, that ranks countries on a new index that evaluates how well they’re responding to the threat of sexual abuse and exploitation against children. Click here to read the report.

10 Worst Corporate Tax Havens In The World Are Stifling Sustainable Development
Read the report, from May 2019, that ranks countries as corporate tax havens. Learn about Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16) and the impact that tax avoidance has on inequality, political extremism, and failing democratic institutions. Click here to read the report.

Why Do Some Countries Succeed in Economic Development While Others Fail?
Listen to Stefan Dercon, in August 2022, sharing his perspectives on the “elite bargain” and “shared underlying commitment” from his book “Gambling on Development: Why Some Countries Win and Others Loose”. Countries need to understand how to program projects for success. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What Will Drive The Agenda At COP27?
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, the key issues, debates, and expected outcomes driving the agenda of the United Nations’ 27th international climate conference in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Learn why this year’s conference is both an Implementation COP and an African COP.  Learn why irreversible climate-related “damage and loss” may dominate the debate. See applicability to SDG13 (Climate action).  Click here to listen to the podcast.

Africa Is Rolling Out A New Plan For Pandemic Preparedness And Health Emergencies
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, Africa’s new “Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies” which incorporates pandemic preparedness.  Learn about pan-African country commitment and the development of country-based emergency response teams programmed to stop outbreaks at the source in fifteen days (7+1+7). Learn why this is an excellent example of implementing SDG3, (Good health and well being for all), and SDG17, (Partnership for the Goals), on a pan African scale. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Foreign Policy Implications of the US Midterm Elections
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, the role of the US Congress in Foreign policy and the possible implications of a 2023 republican-controlled house or full congress.  Learn which elections and candidates have the greatest potential to alter current foreign policy, and what it could mean for existing policy toward Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Taiwan and SDG16. Click here to listen to the podcast.

A Major UN Biodiversity Conference Seeks New Goals to Save Nature
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15, and the need for a global action plan to preserve nature and biodiversity. Learn about the linkage between climate (SDG13) and biodiversity the need to integrate indigenous people into the plan, and the proposed conservation target of 30% of land, (SDG15), and 30% of marine habitats, (SDG14), by 2030. Click here to listen to the podcast.

A New Plastics Treaty Is Being Negotiated At The UN: What You Need To Know
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, why regulating plastics through an international agreement is necessary.  Learn about the treaty negotiation process, the progress made in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, and the initial positions of global governments. Countries weighing in include the USA, China, the European Union, and the global south. (SDG14, SDG15). Click here to listen to the podcast.

A New Study Shows How to Counter Violent Extremism Through “Social Cohesion”
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, how experimental social-cohesion programs reduced villager recruitment into the violent extremist groups in the Tillaberi region of Niger. Learn why peacebuilding projects like ”social cohesion” are such important alternatives to the military removal of terrorist groups and fit within SDG11. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Top Global Crises To Expect In 2023 | David Miliband
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, the International Rescue Committee’s global crises watchlist for 2023.  Learn about the methodology of creating a crisis watchlist, the top crises of concern, existing humanitarian solutions, and where humanitarian needs are expected to be most acute, SDG3. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What Kind Of Energy Should Fuel Household Cooking Appliances Around The World?
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the linkage between dirty burning cooking fuels and excessive disease and climate change in the developing world. Learn how a transition to clean gas and electricity, in cooking appliances, could significantly combat smoke-related disease, death, and climate change. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Nigeria Elections: The Key Challenges Facing Incoming President Bola Tinubu
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the three candidates’ Nigerian presidential results and the challenges that face the incoming government.  Learn why the new president will need to articulate a positive vision, increase revenue, and negotiate a fuel subsidy. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Better Know Ajay Banga, Biden’s Pick To Lead The World Bank
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Ajay Banga, World Bank Presidential nominee, and the challenges ahead for the Bank to grow its global relevance.  Learn about member pressure for the bank to better align with global initiatives of climate change, climate shock, sustainability, and to achieve the required capital capacity. Click here to listen to the podcast.


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