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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Afghanistan has least hope for future in global history
By Stephen Beech Afghanistan has the lowest well-being levels in recorded history following the withdrawal of American forces, according to new research. Afghans' life satisfaction and hope for the future are both at all-time, global lows, suggest the findings. People living there reported an average life satisfaction of just 1.28, on a scale from zero to 10, following the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country and the Taliban regaining power in 2022 - the lowest figure recorded anywhere in the world. The figure is lower than life satisfaction scores recorded in more than 170 countries since 1946, when global ratings were first calculated after World War Two. In 2022, the global mean life satisfaction rating recorded in the Gallup World Poll was 5.48, with most people in economically developed Western countries recording between six and eight, according to the study published in the journal Science Advances. Afghans also showed little hope for the future. When asked to imagine what their lives would be like in five years on the same scale, hope among Afghans fell even lower than their life satisfaction, at 1.02. The War in Afghanistan began in 2001, triggered by the United States and its allies when the Taliban government refused to surrender al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 terror attacks. The subsequent conflict led to the violent deaths of more than 165,000 Afghans, while it is estimated that at least as many died due to the lack of necessities, such as food and medicine, as a result of the conflict. Study lead author Levi Stutzman, of the University of Toronto in Canada, said: "Globally, people expect their future to be better than their present. "People are optimistic about their future. "Afghanistan is quite different as Afghans have reported low life satisfaction and even lower hope, which likely reflects profound distress and despair within the country." He added: "This research shines a light on the well-being, the life satisfaction, of people who have been left behind. "They've been left behind by the United States, they've been left behind by the international community, and they've been left behind by international news organisations." The research team says their findings also underline the impacts that life circumstances and structural factors, such as war and political unrest, can have on subjective well-being. Life circumstances have previously been downplayed in leading well-being theories and models, which prioritised genetic factors and intentional activities such as exercise and practicing gratitude. Doctoral student Stutzman said: "Our own sense of well-being, our own happiness, isn't solely up to us. "A lot of it is structural." The research team analysed face-to-face interview data collected in Afghanistan over three periods: before the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and 2019, during the U.S. withdrawal and the first month of Taliban rule in 2021, and after the U.S. withdrawal in 2022. In 2018, Afghans rated their life satisfaction at 2.69, and that did not significantly decline in 2021, during the early stages of the withdrawal of US and UK troops from Afghanistan and the first month of renewed Taliban rule. But after the U.S. withdrawal was completed and the consolidation of Taliban rule in 2022, life satisfaction in Afghanistan dropped to previously unseen levels. In 2022, nearly all Afghans reported a life satisfaction score below five, and two in three Afghans reported a life satisfaction score of either zero or one. A deeper analysis shows that women and people living in rural areas have been disproportionately affected, due to the Taliban placing increased restrictions on women's rights and rural communities lacking resources to help combat food insecurity. The research team said that the struggles facing Afghans have not been widely reported on since 2022, when thousands of them descended on the airport in Kabul desperately trying to flee their country, some clinging to the outside of aircraft trying to take off. Study co-author Dr. Felix Cheung, Assistant Professor in psychology at the University of Toronto, added: "Just because the war has ended, it doesn't mean that every problem has been solved. "That is the first step of a very long recovery process - a process that requires investments in necessities like healthcare, food and water, and infrastructure- and is informed by evidence." The post Afghanistan has least hope for future in global history appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Technical.ly
19-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship Siegfried fellows meet with Vera Leung & Jim Clifton
Recently, the Siegfried Fellows program from the University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship department brought two impressive leaders to campus: Vera Leung, content and creative senior director at the International Rescue Committee, and Jim Clifton, chairman of Gallup. In their unique ways, each of them brought to the campus transformative perspectives on leadership, creativity and decision-making, leaving a lasting impact on students and faculty alike. Siegfried Fellows is a highly selective, cohort-based, 10-month immersive program for student leaders. Programming is designed to expand and deepen understanding of oneself as a leader, promote connections with and learning from regional leaders and inspire initiative for positive impact. Fellows are emerging leaders who seek to develop and apply entrepreneurial mindsets, such as resiliency in the face of setbacks and creative problem solving, while also cultivating character virtues in themselves. Vera Leung: Leading with empathy and storytelling Vera Leung's visit was a masterclass in the power of storytelling as a leadership tool. As a cause-driven creative leader, Leung emphasized the importance of crafting narratives rooted in dignity and humanity. Her work at the International Rescue Committee ensures that every data point reflects a human story, reminding leaders to center empathy in their decision-making. Leung shared how storytelling can empower not only individuals but also entire systems. 'The most compelling stories center on people's humanity,' Leung said . 'Leaders don't just amplify voices; they listen deeply and tell the truth with care.' This insight resonated deeply with attendees, particularly those aspiring to purpose-driven careers. Kayla Barr, a student who had the chance to connect with Leung over lunch, reflected on the experience: 'Hearing her story and achievements was truly inspiring and gave me valuable guidance as I plan to pursue a similar path in the future.' Jim Clifton: The science of leadership decisions Jim Clifton brought a data-driven perspective to leadership, drawing from his decades of experience at Gallup. Known for innovations like the Gallup Path and Gallup World Poll, Clifton underscored the importance of using metrics to guide decisions. He challenged attendees to think critically about how leaders can eliminate uncertainty by asking better questions and trusting data-informed intuition. 'Great leaders don't guess; they measure,' Clifton said. He encouraged students to focus on clarity by understanding what people truly need and using data to illuminate their path forward. This approach is particularly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world, where artificial intelligence and analytics are reshaping industries. Javier Cruz-Mendoza captured the essence of Clifton's message: 'I enjoyed how we spoke about our own goals to further humanity and thinking about the near future and the use of AI to help us in our leadership and entrepreneurial ventures later on in life.' Key leadership takeaways Both engagements highlighted essential qualities for effective leadership: Empathy as a foundation for leadership: Leung's emphasis on storytelling rooted in dignity reminds leaders that behind every strategy or decision is a human impact. Data-driven clarity: Clifton demonstrated that bold decisions must be informed by rigorous measurement and analysis, not guesswork. These visits exemplify the Siegfried Fellows program's mission to connect students with visionary leaders who inspire thoughtful action and meaningful change. By engaging with leaders like Vera Leung and Jim Clifton, students are equipped with tools to navigate complex challenges while staying true to their values.
Hans India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Social protection floors can ensure health care and basic income security
Investing in quality education, healthcare, and social protection is essential for reducing inequality and promoting economic security. Effective social spending is a necessary investment that fosters productivity, resilience, and social cohesion. The World Social Report 2025 addresses global social challenges and advocates for a new policy consensus to promote equity, security, and solidarity in response to rising inequalities and insecurity. The world is facing significant social challenges, including rising inequality, insecurity, and distrust, which threaten global cooperation and social progress. The report emphasizes the urgent need for a new policy consensus centered on equity, economic security, and solidarity to address these issues effectively. Rising tensions and polariation are undermining global cooperation. Inequality, insecurity, and distrust are prevalent, with many struggling economically. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are off track, necessitating urgent action. A new policy consensus is proposed, focusing on equity, economic security, and solidarity. Despite improvements in material well-being, many people globally feel economically insecure, with a significant portion living on the edge of poverty. The report highlights the need for resilience against economic shocks, climate change, and conflicts that exacerbate poverty. Persistent inequality and exclusion Income inequality has increased in many high-income and some middle-income countries, while some regions have seen declines. Social cohesion is weakening globally, with declining trust in institutions and increasing polarization among communities. This erosion of trust hampers cooperation and collective action, exacerbating social divides. The report calls for a comprehensive policy framework that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions to address current social challenges. Current social challenges and inequalities Despite significant progress in reducing extreme poverty, many people experience growing insecurity and persistent inequalities. This situation threatens social cohesion and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Around 60 per cent of respondents in a Gallup World Poll reported feeling 'struggling,' while 12 per cent felt 'suffering.' Economic and social inequalities remain high, with many individuals facing precarious job conditions and financial vulnerability. Need for a new policy consensus The report advocates for a new policy consensus based on equity, economic security, and solidarity to address the current social crisis. The prevailing policy approach has favored free markets and economic efficiency, benefiting only a few. A new consensus must recognise that addressing social challenges requires structural transformations in policies and institutions. Future summits The 2023 SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future emphasized the need to strengthen trust and social cohesion. The Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 is a chance for governments to make concrete commitments to accelerate progress. Challenges in eradicating poverty Despite progress in reducing extreme poverty before 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic has reversed many gains, leading to an increase in global poverty levels. The most significant challenges remain in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Extreme poverty rose to 692 million by 2024, close to pre-pandemic levels. Complex dynamics of poverty movement Households frequently move in and out of poverty, with many experiencing temporary escapes rather than permanent solutions. Longitudinal data reveals that poverty dynamics are more volatile than previously understood. Many households experience fluctuations in income and consumption levels. Sustained escapes from poverty are infrequent; many fall back into poverty. Chronic poverty affects a significant portion of the population in certain regions. The composition of those in poverty changes constantly, complicating eradication efforts. Health shocks and informal employment are significant contributors to this precarious situation. Recent crises, including climate change and conflict, have exacerbated vulnerabilities and hindered poverty reduction efforts. The impacts of these crises are felt most acutely in low-income countries, where recovery is slow. Nearly 20 per cent of people are at high risk from climate-related hazards. Conflict-affected countries have seen an increase in extreme poverty, rising from 20 per cent in 2000 to 48 per cent in 2019. The current trends suggest that two-thirds of people in poverty may live in fragile countries by 2030. Income inequality Income and wealth inequality remains a significant global issue, with varying trends across different countries and regions. While 52 out of 128 countries have seen rising income inequality, 66 have experienced declines. Investing in people Investing in quality education, healthcare, and social protection is essential for reducing inequality and promoting economic security. Effective social spending is a necessary investment that fosters productivity, resilience, and social cohesion. The ILO calls for a universal labor guarantee to ensure fundamental workers' rights and decent working conditions. Over 90 per cent of countries have minimum wage laws, but many pay below living costs. Active labour market policies are needed to support job transitions, especially in informal sectors. Boosting social protection systems Social protection is essential for managing risks and reducing poverty and inequality. Comprehensive systems must be inclusive and adaptable to the changing world of work. Social protection helps manage everyday risks and provides support during unexpected events. Almost 48 per cent of the global population lacks access to social protection, with significant gaps in low-income countries. Countries must build social protection floors to ensure access to essential health care and basic income security. Building a new policy consensus The upcoming global forums in 2025 are crucial for advancing a new policy consensus focused on equity, security, and solidarity. This long-term effort requires sustained cooperation and commitment from the international community beyond 2025. The pursuit of a new policy consensus is an ongoing process, not a one-time negotiation. The focus must be extended beyond efficiency and growth to include universal moral foundations. The task is fundamentally about people, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue and representation in decision-making processes.
Russia Today
16-04-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Most Russians feel ‘happy'
Almost 80% of Russians feel happy despite the external challenges, according to a nationwide poll released on Wednesday. The survey by state pollster VCIOM suggests that the overall sense of wellbeing among the population remains robust, with only the proportion of individuals identifying as absolutely or moderately happy fluctuating from month to month. In its latest poll, which surveyed some 1,600 Russians over the age of 18 last month, VCIOM asked the respondents: 'There are good and bad things in life, but overall, would you say you are happy?' READ MORE: Russia achieves lowest ever infant mortality rate – Mishustin The pollster found that 79% of Russians described themselves as 'happy in one way or another,' with more than a third (36%) saying they were 'absolutely happy.' 'As recent years have shown, happiness levels in Russia have remained surprisingly resilient in the face of external shocks,' the pollster noted. VCIOM cited the Covid-19 pandemic, which it claims did not lead to widespread despondency, as proof of 'the psychological resilience of the population.' According to the latest World Happiness Report, meanwhile, Russia ranked 66th among the 147 countries surveyed last year. Finland was reported as the happiest and Afghanistan the least happy. READ MORE: Many Russians oppose women as bosses – survey Among European nations, the unhappiest was Ukraine, which also ranked 111th globally. The World Happiness Report is an annual publication that measures global contentment based on life evaluations, social support, freedom of choice, GDP per capita, and additional indicators of wellbeing. The data is drawn from the Gallup World Poll and various supplementary sources.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
The 25 Happiest Countries In The World Just Dropped For 2025!
The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025! The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness! Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024. Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption. This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24. According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives." "Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added. The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us. Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction. It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food. The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024. Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants. Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches. Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for. Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10. If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting. Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches. Finland Denmark Iceland Sweden Netherlands Costa Rica Norway Israel Luxembourg Mexico Australia New Zealand Switzerland Belgium Ireland Lithuania Austria Canada Slovenia Czechia United Arab Emirates Germany United Kingdom United States Belize Looking for more travel news? Sign up for our so you never miss a thing!
