Issue LXXIII | February 2024 | |
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GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
ISSUE #73
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Global Development Update is a monthly bulletin that informs readers about the events, ideas, and people that are shaping an emerging world community. It is produced by The Global Citizens' Initiative- a non-profit working to help develop a sustainable world community for all. Click below to sign up for a free Global Development Update subscription. | |
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Dear Global Global Development Update Subscriber,
Attached is the latest issue of Global Development Update (GDU)--a monthly bulletin intended to keep you up to date with the policies, events, and people that affect our planet as a whole. The publication of GDU for the last 5 years has depended entirely on small and medium-size contributions from readers like you. We take no government or corporate funding. We need your support. We would greatly appreciate your clicking the DONATE button and making a small contribution that can help sustain the work we do.
Best Regards -- The Global Development Update Team.
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2024 Global Risks: Misinformation Takes the Lead
The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 has identified misinformation and disinformation as the top risk over the next two years, followed by extreme weather events and societal polarization. Read on.
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EBRD Faces Scrutiny Over Human Rights Concerns
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is under fire for alleged human rights violations in projects like Uzbekistan's cotton production and Bosnia's silver mine. Civil society organizations are urging EBRD to enhance transparency, consultation, and responsibility in its Environmental and Social Policy. Read on.
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Addressing the Climate Finance Gap in Asia-Pacific Cities
Despite Asia-Pacific hosting over half the world's urban population and facing climate vulnerabilities, a $6-$12 trillion funding gap hinders climate action projects, with only 10% directed towards adaptation. Urban-Act, backed by Germany's International Climate Initiative, aims to address this gap by facilitating project preparation and offering solutions for effective climate finance in cities. Read on.
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Small Nuclear Reactors: Promise, Challenges, and the Global Race to Address Climate Change
As the world races to reduce carbon emissions, some see small modular reactors (SMRs) as potential game-changers, offering emission-free electricity. Over 50 designs are in development globally. Read on.
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POVERTY REDUCTION & INCOME INEQUALITY | |
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CGIAR TAAT Model Emerges as Key Player in Transforming Africa's Food Systems
Under CGIAR's leadership, the TAAT model stands out as a crucial tool in tackling Africa's food crisis by delivering technology to over 40 million smallholder farmers, aiming to double productivity and generate an additional 120 million metric tons by 2025. Read on.
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UN Tax Convention: Shifting Global Tax Power and Future Outlook
The UN General Assembly's recent decision to draft the UN Tax Convention marks a significant shift in international tax cooperation, potentially giving all countries, especially those in the Global South, a fairer share of tax revenues. Read on.
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Empowering Women's Health: A $1 Trillion Boost to the Global Economy by 2040
A report by the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute reveals that closing the gender health gap could contribute over $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040. The research indicates that every $1 invested in improving women's health could generate $3 for the economy. Read on.
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GLOBAL GOVERNANCE & CONNECTIVITY | | |
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Over Seventy Countries Face Elections in 2024, Posing Varied Democratic Challenges
In 2024, elections are scheduled in over seventy countries, encompassing diverse democratic challenges. While some nations face issues of democratic backsliding and contested electoral processes, others contribute to the global democratic landscape, highlighting the varied nature of political transitions around the world. Read on.
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Canada Faces Isolation and Global Changes as Middle Powers Adapt to New Realities
The geopolitical landscape has shifted, and Canada, once considered a middle power adept at navigating global dynamics, now finds itself more isolated and grappling with an unpredictable United States. In an era marked by fraying multilateral institutions and power shifts, the traditional role of middle powers faces new challenges. Read on.
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Navigating the Ethical Landscape: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Freedom of Thought
As social media, AI, surveillance, AR/VR, and BCI technologies converge, concerns arise about compromising freedom of thought. Historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari warns of potential human "hacking," urging critical examination and legal boundaries. Read on.
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Dutch Internet Community Divided Over Outsourcing to Amazon's Cloud
The Dutch Internet community is divided over the decision by Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland to outsource functions to Amazon's cloud service. Critics argue it compromises digital sovereignty, while supporters emphasize economic benefits and autonomy in choosing service providers. Read on.
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Investing in Youth Peacebuilders Vital for Lasting Security
Investing in youth-led peace initiatives is crucial for sustainable peacebuilding, with one in four children globally affected by conflict or disaster. The UN Progress Study on Youth, Peace, and Security underscores the positive contributions of young people in conflict prevention, peace education, and formal/informal peace processes, urging funders to allocate $1.8 billion by 2025 to support these initiatives. Read on.
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February 2024 Global Citizen Blog | |
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In this new issue, we explore the importance and complexity of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing their role as a collective framework for global progress. Read on.
Additionally, we delve into the concept of planetary commons, advocating for a new level of transnational cooperation to safeguard critical Earth system functions beyond national borders. Read on.
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If you find this issue to be of interest, we invite you to make a Donation to help support our work. | |
The Global Citizens' Initiative | | | | |
