Across the world, women’s rights are increasingly under attack from conservative and populist forces. Defending these rights – through broad democratic alliances and institutional resilience – is critical to safeguarding democracy itself
Global
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Why demography drives global development: a hidden force behind the SDGs
Economic development
Demographic change is reshaping our world in profound and unequal ways. By planning for population shifts rather than reacting to them, we can seize opportunities to drive progress in areas like education, health, sustainability, and reproductive rights – and build a fairer future for all
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Social protection is a powerful – but underused – lever for gender equality and sustainable development. To get the SDGs back on track and close widening global gaps, governments must invest in inclusive systems that support women’s rights and needs at every stage of life
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Trade has the power to drive sustainable development – but only if the global system is fair. As rising tariffs and unequal rules threaten progress, countries must seize the chance to reimagine trade in support of people and planet
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Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of preventable health issues and premature deaths worldwide. Tackling them requires long-term thinking, including investing in adolescents – the next generation of parents, citizens, and leaders
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Bridging the divide: using technology and AI to close the development gap
Data and monitoring
Digital innovation can drive progress toward the SDGs – yet the countries that stand to gain the most often face the highest barriers to adoption. We need a more inclusive model of technology transfer to close, not widen, the global development gap
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Civilian protection in armed conflict remains more aspiration than reality, as recent crises expose deep flaws in the international system. To restore credibility, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) – a global pledge to prevent mass atrocities – must evolve and be backed by bold reform, regional initiative, and political will
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Denying women and girls access to technology is not a gap – it’s a systemic injustice with global consequences. Urgent action to expand digital access, education, and agency, especially in the world’s poorest countries, is essential to ensure that half the population can shape – not be shut out of – our digital future
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Can the G20 bridge a fractured world?
Global governance
As global power becomes more diffuse and traditional institutions lose traction, the G20 stands out as a forum with the potential to reconnect a divided international system. Its success will depend on whether member states can find common cause – and act decisively when others won’t
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Conflicting ideas of peace
Peace and security
Donald Trump’s vision of the UN as a great-power forum clashes with decades of evolution in global peacebuilding. How can UN members continue to advance peace as envisioned by the SDGs?
