GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
ISSUE #38
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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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Despite New START, nuclear modernization is speeding up
The U.S. announced the extension of the New START Treaty with Russia through February 4, 2026. Pentagon officials say it is "just the beginning of a larger discussion with Russia and China about placing further limits on nuclear weapons proliferation". However, as InDepthNews reports, global nuclear modernization continues: "Russia is finishing its nuclear modernization program, China is in the midst of rapid modernization, and the U.S. is just starting its nuclear modernization program". Read on.
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The coronavirus pandemic is a global threat to human rights
The U.N. warns that the violation of human rights has worsened worldwide since the outbreak of Covid-19. Many governments have been using the pandemic as an excuse to restrict fundamental rights, crack down on dissents and activists, and limit freedom of the press. Ultimately, the pandemic doesn't endanger only the health of citizens but also the democratic fabric of society. Read on.
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Female child soldiers, the invisible victims of armed conflicts
The recruitment of girls by armed groups across the globe is often overlooked. Yet today, in countries like Afghanistan, Colombia, Nigeria, Syria or Yemen, nearly 75% of conflicts involve the use of children, over half of which are girls. Female child soldiers must be seen and helped. Leaders and media have the responsibility to change their perceptions and include girls when referring to child soldiers. Read on.
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Gender disparities and mobility
To create transport services that are truly sustainable, legislators must pay more attention to women's needs. Policies around public transport and the design of infrastructures must take into account how men and women differently use these essential services, as well as the dangers of gender-based violence. Read on.
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Gender equality at the centre of the global recovery
Women have been particularly affected by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as they often work in some of the worst-hit sectors. On top of that, women keep earning less than men. For these reasons, gender equality and women's economic empowerment need to be at the centre of post-pandemic recovery strategies. Read on.
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The world needs to wait 130 years to have gender parity in political power
Globally, the highest political offices are still predominantly held by men. Women serve as Heads of State or Government in only 23 countries, while 119 countries never had a woman leader. According to a new report by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the current rate, parity won't be reached for another 130 years. Read on.
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The U.S. need to boost global climate action
Hours after being inaugurated, President Biden reentered the U.S. in the Paris Agreement. And in April, a virtual climate summit will be held at the White House to prepare for the next U.N. climate meeting in November. All good news. The bad news is that the world is already running out of time. Global warming is accelerating, and there is still a lot to be done to achieve the Paris goals -- starting with climate finance. Read on.
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POVERTY REDUCTION & INCOME INEQUALITY |
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Impact of COVID-19 on SDG 1 progress
According to the World Bank, COVID-19 is the newest and most immediate threat to poverty reduction. Without an immediate and significant global response, the goal of bringing the global absolute poverty rate to less than 3% by 2030 will be beyond reach. Read on.
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GLOBAL GOVERNANCE & CONNECTIVITY |
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Using community engagement to tackle misinformation
Engaging people on the ground is critical to effectively communicate credible information and respond rapidly to disinformation and misinformation while rebuilding trust in media, governments, and institutions. Read on.
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Vaccine diplomacy vs global health
Some countries are using Covid-19 vaccines to improve their diplomatic relations, enhance their global influence, and undermine international trust in rival countries. "The prospect of global health becoming a new arena for global power competition and rivalry should worry us all," writes Michael Jennings, Senior Lecturer at the University of London. Read on.
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Mexico is pushing ahead with its GMO corn and glyphosate bans
Mexico announced that it is phasing out the use of the herbicide glyphosate, the cultivation of genetically modified corn, and the imports of G.M. corn. The ban includes not only corn for human consumption but also yellow corn destined for livestock. The new policy has pleased green advocates but alarmed industry leaders on both sides of the border. Read on.
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Tech companies are removing pro-Navalny protest content
Complying with the request of Russia's internet and media regulator, YouTube, TikTok, and other tech companies are removing pro-Navalny protest content. "Internet companies that follow the kinds of censorship orders that Russia's internet regulator issued are complicit in the broader social, economic, and, in this case, especially, political picture of autocratic repression," comments Justin Sherman. Read on.
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The Global Citizens' Initiative |
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