Inflation is down, but politics and conflicts dim economic outlook
IMF blames lackluster global economy on slowing growth, potential trade wars and regional conflicts.
Sustainable Development Goals
Many businesses, governments and organizations are committed to sustainable goals like reducing their environmental footprints and conserving resources. Sustainable finance includes environmental, social and governance considerations in investment decisions. In 2015, the U.N.'s 193 member nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Despite some progress, the U.N. says 83% of the agenda is off-track from the pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and conflict.
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Global demand for electricity is growing at a record pace, IEA says
A new report shows governments and consumers face tough choices over cheap supplies and surging electricity demand.
U.N. adopts 'pact' of new governance ideas for 21st century challenges
The pact, approved by consensus, outlines 56 broad actions, including an explicit call to phase out fossil fuels.
'Power of dialogue' takes on climate, conflict, and lagging development
U.N. leaders urged nations to bring the Sustainable Development Goals 'back to life' and chart a post-2030 agenda.
G-20 finance ministers agree higher taxes on super-rich are a priority
A proposed 2% minimum tax on billionaires will be taken up at Brazil's G-20 Leaders' Summit in November.
Heat, drought and death: A deadly combination around the globe
The effects of climate change hit hard from the bombed streets of Gaza to the glitzy venues of the Paris Olympics.
The Global Goals are 83% off track. That's actually an improvement.
The U.N.'s annual report card shows the Sustainable Development Goals improved from 85% off track last year.
Global public debt soars to record US$97 trillion, straining budgets
Developing nations' 30% share of global public debt in 2023, particularly in Asia and Oceania, rose from 16% in 2010.
AfDB boosts capital as African leaders target climate-tied debt
Calls for more debt relief and climate finance dominated the multilateral development bank's annual meeting.
WIPO treaty approved on genetic resources and traditional knowledge
The treaty is the first on genetic resources and traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab to exit leadership role
WEF said that since 2015 it has been transforming from a 'convening platform' to a leader of public-private cooperation.
Nations disagree over cuts in production on road to plastics treaty
Environmentalists said they were disappointed the treaty talks did not address plastic production measures.
Negotiators meet in fourth round over global rules in plastics treaty
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
Wealthy nations to provide US$11B for World Bank-led global solutions
The wars in Europe and the Middle East, climate change and soaring national debts hung over the annual talks.
Trillions needed for anti-poverty goals to deal with climate, debt, war
A new U.N. report shows how prioritizing debt over services like health care and education plagues the developing world.
Recycling rates falling behind the pace of e-waste generated globally
Just 22.3% of all the e-waste - any product that has a plug or battery - was properly collected and recycled in 2022.