What direction for the UN?
Global governance — Global
The UN is under attack from virtually every quarter. What might an effective, reformed UN look like, one that remains a central player in addressing the world’s most pressing issues?
Reduce inequality within and among countries
By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total population
By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law
Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
Labour share of GDP
Redistributive impact of fiscal policy2
Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations
Financial Soundness Indicators
Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions
Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organizations
Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies
Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of monthly income earned in country of destination
Proportion of countries with migration policies that facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people
Number of people who died or disappeared in the process of migration towards an international destination
Proportion of the population who are refugees, by country of origin
Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements
Proportion of tariff lines applied to imports from least developed countries and developing countries with zero-tariff
Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes
Total resource flows for development, by recipient and donor countries and type of flow (e.g. official development assistance, foreign direct investment and other flows)
By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent
Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted
Global governance — Global
The UN is under attack from virtually every quarter. What might an effective, reformed UN look like, one that remains a central player in addressing the world’s most pressing issues?
Global governance — Global
The last nine years have seen seismic societal, economic, and political shifts around the world – meaningful progress on the SDGs isn’t among them. We know what needs fixing and in many cases how – the legacy of this generation of leaders will be whether it had the courage and wisdom to act
Data and monitoring — Global
For decades, vulnerable nations have sought a more accurate and impactful means to evaluate their need for global assistance. Can the new Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) live up to its promise and more effectively help these countries prepare for risks and threats?
Data and monitoring — Global
As momentum on the SDGs stalls, AI’s promise of exponential growth could offer much-needed rapid acceleration across the 2030 Agenda. To harness AI effectively, we must ensure it serves those most in need, and that all countries – not just those in the Global North – can tap into its development benefits
Data and monitoring — Global
Deep-rooted digital divides within and between countries are currently increasing inequalities, with huge disparities in access to technology, infrastructure, and digital literacy. How can the proposed Global Digital Compact create a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape?
Cyberspace — Global
In a global digital age, is protecting national sovereignty compatible with upholding human rights? How can the international community protect vulnerable populations from the external forces seeking to use digital infrastructure to control them?
Extractive and land resources — Sub-Saharan Africa
The shift toward cleaner energy requires high volumes of raw materials such as cobalt, copper, and lithium. These critical resources are often extracted from countries with poor governance structures and alarming rates of poverty. To achieve a just transition, we must confront and combat corruption in these resource-rich countries head on
Peace and security — Global
The war in Ukraine, the displacement of virtually the whole Palestinian population of Gaza, and Haiti’s spiral into anarchy have vividly exposed the UN’s inability to avert and resolve conflict. How might a changed UN apparatus be more proactive and effective in resolving disputes and bringing peace?
Gender — Global
Laws and treaties prohibiting gender discrimination have failed to alter the stark fact that, globally, women are still paid significantly less than men for the same work. Achieving gender equality in the workplace requires a transformation – of attitudes, economic structures, and opportunities – to enable women’s economic empowerment
Gender — Global
Women around the world face the brunt of severe hunger, with conflicts exacerbating the inequality. Ending this discrimination requires empowering more women and girls to lead on building peace and food security for all