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Policy Briefs |
Measured by the usual metrics of cases and deaths, Africa’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic seems mild, but the social and economic impacts of the crisis have hit hard. Across the continent, an estimated equivalent of 60 million full-time jobs were lost in the second quarter of 2020 and up to an additional 40 million people were pushed into extreme poverty by the end of 2020.
“The United Nations, and I personally, stand in total solidarity with the people and governments of Africa, and with the African Union, in tackling COVID-19,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Global solidarity with Africa is an imperative – now, and for recovering better.”
In its newly released policy…
Flagship Reports |
An urgent reconsideration of rural development is needed for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The current strategies and patterns of rural development are failing to meet either the socioeconomic or the environmental Goals of this Agenda. Four out of every five people who face extreme poverty around the world live in rural areas. Many rural areas are witnessing severe depletion and degradation of natural resources, contributing to climate change and the recurrence of zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic, together with already persistent high levels of poverty and inequalities, are threatening to stall progress for the world’s rural populations.…
Policy Briefs |
COVID-19 is accelerating the pace of digital transformation: implications for social inclusion
Successive lockdowns and confinement measures put in place by governments to curb the spread of COVID-19 are accelerating the pace of digital transformation as information and communications technology (ICTs) are used to sustain daily lives and support business continuity. Recent forecasts expect the number of employees working remotely globally is set to double in 2021 (Chavez-Dreyfuss, 2020). Internet traffic has surged, as individuals are increasingly moving online to work, communicate, socialise, consume and seek entertainment (OECD, 2020). Companies and industries have also been adapting to…
Policy Briefs |
The COVID-19 crisis has served as a reminder of the extent of economic insecurity, even in countries and among groups that previously considered themselves secure. This is likely to have profound consequences, threatening countries’ ability to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs.
Policy Briefs |
Fears related to economic insecurity are on the rise. Changes in the world of work, together with globalization and technological breakthroughs, have benefited many people but are also putting many others at disadvantage or at risk. These long-standing trends, which have raised aspirations but also fears, are compounded by evolving threats, including those brought about by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
UN General Assembly Reports on Social Development |
The report has been prepared pursuant to General Assembly resolution 74/120 on promoting social integration through social inclusion. The report focuses on digital and financial inclusion and their importance for the overall social inclusion of all, in particular young persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
UN General Assembly Reports on Social Development |
In the present report, the Secretary-General emphasizes the need to strengthen national action and regional and international cooperation for social development, focusing on a significant increase and/or more efficient utilization of the resources allocated to social development, in order to achieve the goals of the World Summit for Social Development, taking into consideration the multifaceted impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its consequences, especially on social development. He examines the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on social development and underscores the importance of developing long-term social policies to enhance people’s capacities and resilience for…
UN General Assembly Reports on Social Development |
The present note examines development challenges in rural areas and presents policy recommendations to promote inclusive and sustainable rural development. The note summarizes the main findings of the World Social Report 2021: Reconsidering Rural Development.