Population ageing is a defining global trend of our time. People are living longer, and more are older than ever before. Spectacular improvements in health and survival and reductions in fertility have driven this momentous shift, which has begun or is expected to begin soon in all countries and areas.
The United Nations Secretary-General has issued a new report, Promoting Social Integration through Social Inclusion (A/80/155), highlighting the transformative role of social capital in advancing social progress and reducing multidimensional poverty.
The report stresses that poverty is not only economic but also relational — shaped by trust, participation, and social networks that expand or restrict opportunities. Building social capital can therefore help dismantle structural barriers, foster inclusion, and strengthen resilience.
Cooperatives have long stood at the intersection of economic empowerment and social solidarity. The Secretary-General’s latest report to the General Assembly, Cooperatives in Social Development (A/80/168), underscores their transformative role in advancing poverty eradication, decent work, and social integration—the very pillars of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development.
Young people are at the forefront of global transformation. With more than 1.2 billion youth worldwide, their energy, creativity, and activism are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In honour of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 9 August, the UN hosted a virtual commemoration on Friday on the theme AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) wrapped up at UN Headquarters in New York, following 10 days of intensive discussions among Member States, civil society, and UN agencies on advancing the 2030 Agenda.
Each year on 12 August, International Youth Day (IYD) brings global attention to the challenges and opportunities facing young people. Spearheaded by UN DESA, IYD celebrates youth contributions to all aspects of global development.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. For Indigenous Peoples, this technology can bring both significant challenges and promising opportunities.
Catch up on intergovernmental milestones, side events, and fresh insights from the DESA Programme on Ageing in the latest edition of our newsletter.
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The United Nations commemorated the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives with a high-level celebration at its New York Headquarters, recognizing the pivotal role of cooperatives in building more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies. Held during the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the event convened global leaders under the theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions For A Better World”.
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