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L'Orient-Le Jour
3 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Blerta Aliko, UNDP resident representative to OT: Lebanon's recovery hinges on recovery of its people
BEIRUT — Appointed as the head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, Resident Representative Blerta Aliko took on her role a year ago, shortly before the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which erupted on Oct. 8, 2023, into a full-scale war. Aliko began her career in her home country, Albania, and has worked within the United Nations system since 1996. She has experience in several settings and countries: conflict, mid-income and post-crisis recovery. Committed to gender equality and women's empowerment, Aliko held various positions within agencies such as UN Women, UNICEF, and served as the Resident Representative of UNDP in Algeria before relocating to Beirut. In an exclusive interview with L'Orient-Le Jour/Today, Aliko discusses the findings of a new joint report by several U.N. agencies (including the UNDP, U.N. ESCWA, UNICEF, ILO and U.N.-Habitat) on the socio-economic impact of Israel's war on Lebanon and emphasizes the need for reforms to support the country's recovery. On a socio-economic level, what impact did the war leave on Lebanon? Approximately 4,300 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, 30 percent of whom were women and children. Nearly 500,000 children saw their education disrupted for several months, and 362 schools were damaged – an impact that threatens to undermine Lebanon's education system and hinder the development of its future human capital. The country's Human Development Index (HDI) has fallen back to 2010 levels, effectively reversing over a decade of development efforts. On the economic front, the toll has been equally severe. An estimated 689,000 jobs were lost, representing a 25 percent decline in employment during the war, while 15 percent of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were forced to shut down permanently. These figures do not account for the extensive damage sustained by productive infrastructure, including factories, farmlands and assets in the tourism sector. Lebanon's productive base has severely regressed and been paralyzed, which will have catastrophic consequences for the country's broader socio-economic development. What is the price of inaction, stalled reforms and the near-daily Israeli violations of the cease-fire for the country today? The fundamental cost of inaction is Lebanon's human capital. Unemployment rates are likely to rise further, and in a country with a young population, prolonged joblessness will inevitably push more people toward alternative means of income generation, such as migration, thereby exacerbating the ongoing brain drain. These trends are neither sustainable nor supportive of national recovery. Continued violations of the cease-fire and the stalling of reforms also risk eroding public trust in state institutions and the newly formed government, authorities in whom many had placed renewed hope. That optimism must be channeled into tangible results. Failure to do so could seriously undermine Lebanon's broader peace and security. What do you call on the government to do today to counter the lingering impact of the war and the multifaceted economic crisis? Lebanon's recovery hinges on the recovery of its people. If Lebanese citizens do not feel tangible improvements in their daily lives (basic services, job opportunities and overall living conditions), then we cannot speak of a recovery for Lebanon. Even if the country were to report economic growth, that growth must translate into real, lived improvements. I've seen firsthand how, in other countries, reported growth has failed to translate into practical improvements such as poverty reduction and meaningful job creation. For Lebanon, economic recovery must be planned in an inclusive way. In the report, we strongly emphasized that the first step toward meaningful recovery is rebuilding state institutions and restoring their core functions. A strong, capable state is essential, not only to deliver services efficiently and accountably, but also to ensure national ownership and serve its citizens with credibility. The second priority is jumpstarting the country's economic recovery. As I've mentioned, optimism and trust will only return when people begin to see and feel concrete results, such as access to jobs and equitable services like water, health and education. The third pillar is strengthening social protection and expanding assistance programs to curb rising poverty levels across all regions of Lebanon. Finally, reforming the financial sector is crucial, and financial inclusion is a top priority. Today, 80 percent of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) rely on access to financing, and this sector remains a vital engine for job and wealth creation. But with the banking sector paralyzed by delayed reforms, MSMEs can't get back on their feet or scale up at the necessary pace.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HDI's Service Management World Announces 2025 Conference Program
#1 Event for Service Management Professionals Offers Education, Tech and Connections SAN FRANCISCO, July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HDI, the leading organization dedicated to elevating service and support across the enterprise, today unveils the 2025 Service Management World conference program. Service Management World, the #1 event for service management professionals, takes place November 16-20, 2025 at the Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. Register here. Cindee Stott, Events Director, HDI said, "Service Management World is dedicated to helping service management professionals manage customer and business expectations, discover emerging resources and technologies, and stay ahead of evolving practices and frameworks – all with the goal of helping attendees transform their organizations." The Conference Program offers dozens of sessions from industry experts through four tracks: Connecting the Dots: Frameworks and Methodologies Optimizing Culture and Leadership Driving Strategic Decision-Making Modernizing Service Management Service Management World will offer over ten Case Studies from leading organizations such as DeSimone Consulting Engineers, GTS Technology Solutions, City of Henderson, The Home Depot, Pennsylvania State University, PeopleReign, SAIC, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Maryland and Wilk Consulting Group. Attendees will get a unique look into the key successes and lessons learned when implementing a successful service management strategy. The event will also feature insightful and inspiring Keynote Presentations. Steve Lerch, Innovation Evangelist, will present "Innovation Leadership: Inspiring People to Think Differently." Lerch will reveal the strategies driving the most innovative organizations, and how those strategies can be applied to any business, regardless of size, industry, or budget. DeeDee Trotter, three-time Olympian will present "I Can, I Must, I Will: Harnessing Your Own Internal Force to Break Limits." Trotter knows what it takes to turn pressure into power. In this session, attendees will learn how to harness internal forces to break limits, elevate careers, deepen relationships, and crush goals. Adam Braun, Business Insider 40 Under 40 and Wired's 50 People Who Will Change the World, will present "Build For Where The World Is Headed: How The Best Leaders Navigate Uncertainty To Shape The Future." Through a teachable four-step framework, Braun will show attendees how great companies anticipate tomorrow's reality, today. Attendees have the opportunity to attend six pre-conference training courses, including: Support Center Director Support Center Manager Knowledge-Centered Service Principles ITIL® 4 Foundation - Accredited Experience Foundation AI in the Support Organization View the program here. The Expo Hall will feature sponsors showcasing dozens of products and services. Select exhibitors include: Freshworks, ManageEngine, and InvGate. In addition, the event will offer unlimited Networking Opportunities for service management leaders. To register for Service Management World, click here. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Keith Gregory at Media interested in a media pass, email Meryl Franzman at Click here for more information on Service Management World or stay up to date on Facebook or LinkedIn. About HDI For more than thirty-five years, HDI has partnered with thousands of professionals and their organizations to improve their performance by helping them to: drive change, harness knowledge, transform teams, make connections, and turn challenges into opportunities. HDI empowers the technical support and service management community to advance their strategy, operations and teams through optimized service delivery. From the employee to the enterprise, HDI transforms service and support through its comprehensive lineup of training and certification courses, industry-leading annual conferences, results-driven consulting services, community-based networking opportunities, and insightful research and informational resources. What does HDI stand for? HDI stands for smarter service resulting in better business outcomes. Learn more at HDI is brought to you by Informa Connect. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Meryl FranzmanHDI's Service Management
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Isn't the fault actually in our stars?
While the world sets its sight on mars, Pakistan is moving in a backward trajectory. The latest Human Development Index (HDI) ranking speaks volume. According to the 2025 HDI ranking, Pakistan has dropped 4 places to 168 out of 193 countries, landing in the 'low human development' category. HDI shows the socio-economic development of a nation with its three major indicators: health, education, and living standards. The lower ranking of HDI means that all the mentioned indicators are in bad condition. Overall, the low HDI translates into poor economic growth in the future. Sadly, Pakistan is flattering in all the three indicators. How is a country supposed to develop when the coverage and quality of its education is below the threshold? Pakistan is one of the unfortunate countries where one-third of children are out of school — one of the highest figures globally, i.e., 26 million, and the number is burgeoning. Despite the twice declaration of government of an education emergency in 2024, no practical steps are taken in this regard. The country only spent 0.8 percent of its GDP on education, which is lowest in the whole region. The situation of higher education is also in a dismal state. Being the fifth most populous country in the world, and possessing one of the youngest populations, no university in the country has managed to enter the top 350 QS ranking. There is no environment of research and development in the country. In such a situation, how can one expect that the country will ascend the ladder of development? The youth is one of the determining factors of any country destiny however, the country is witnessing brain drain, with skilled professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities. 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves'—W. Shakespeare The second main pillar of HDI is health. A healthy nation can work for the prosperity of a country. Regrettably, the health sector of the country paints an equally bleak picture. The expenditure on health is only 0.9 percent of GDP. With such low spending, how will the country cope with the problem of child stunting? The country is witnessing a very disturbing number — 40 percent of its children are stunted. The situation is further exacerbated by rising poverty in the country. A high fertility rate in the region, coupled with limited resources, leads to malnutrition and ultimately to premature mortality. According to UNICEF, 8 out of 10 children in the country do not receive the right quantity and type of food. The health sector is in complete doldrums— Basic medical supplies are often unavailable even in emergency wards, as I personally witnessed in a DHQ hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The same situation also persists in other parts of the country. When the combined expenditure on health and education is only 1.7 percent of GDP, how can one expect a better living standard, which is the third pillar of the HDI? With exponential population growth, the already scarce resources are depleting at an unprecedented rate. The country, with its stressed economy, is facing high unemployment and inflation. According to the World Bank's new threshold of US$3 for the international poverty line, 44.7 percent of Pakistanis are poor, with 16.5 percent living in extreme poverty. The situation is further worsened by precarious housing availability, with a shortage of around 2.1 million units. These factors are contributing to declining living standards. In such circumstances, where food, health, and shelter are not adequately available to citizens, how is the country supposed to improve its HDI ranking? Economic growth remains a far cry in the wilderness in the absence of human development. If citizens receive the basic amenities of life, they will naturally divert their attention toward growth and prosperity. Our regional competitors are progressing on both human development and economic fronts. The fault, however, lies in our own neglect not in our stars. We have overlooked human development—and this is costing future generations. Without investing in human development, Pakistan's future is at risk. Economic growth and human development go hand in hand. The country cannot achieve anything without a significant investment in its people. There is a dire need for strong political will and commitment to prioritize human development. The Uraan Pakistan transformative initiative is a step in the right direction towards equity and empowerment. However, it success depends entirely on how effectively it is implemented. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Global News
21-07-2025
- Global News
Indigenous group says ancient remains found at Toronto job site are missing
An Indigenous organization is threatening to stop all construction at a Toronto job site after discovering that ancestral remains stored in a dump truck for over a year are now missing. The Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI), representing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, said it's threatening to halt construction activities on Withrow Avenue after feeling like its pleas to find the remains were ignored. The HDI claims the City of Toronto and its consultants withheld access to the remains and denied repeated requests for involvement. The remains were excavated from a site located in what is acknowledged as historic Haudenosaunee territory. 'We've been denied basic information, denied consultation and denied respect,' said Aaron Detlor, legal counsel for HDI. 'Now we have been told, in writing, that those remains are actually sitting in a dump truck. This is beyond negligent.' Story continues below advertisement Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI), the consultant hired by the city, has confirmed that the human remains were placed in a dump truck and removed from the site, though they have not disclosed where the remains were taken. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Withrow Avenue site sits on top of an ancient Indigenous village and is designated a burial site investigation zone, according to the release. A city plaque across the street even marks the area's significance. HDI says it never consented to the excavation or handling of the remains, which it says violates both Canadian and international law. Other archaeological firms reportedly declined to work on the site due to ethical concerns. HDI alleges ASI proceeded without the required free, prior and informed consent from the Haudenosaunee. The group is calling for the immediate return of the remains and an end to all archaeological activity on the site until its jurisdiction is fully recognized. It says it's prepared to take direct action if the city does not comply. 'The remains of Haudenosaunee ancestors must not be treated like trash,' the statement read. 'They must be returned to the Earth with ceremony and dignity, not treated like garbage.' The city said it plans on holding a news conference on the issue. The remains were first uncovered in January 2024 during routine utility work. Since then, the site has been fenced off under 24-7 security, with the city spending nearly $200,000 to monitor it. Yet, no formal excavation or repatriation process has begun. Story continues below advertisement Tanya Hill-Montour, the archaeology supervisor for Six Nations of the Grand River, has previously criticized the city's lack of urgency and transparency. Hill-Montour said if the remains were of a European settler, she felt there would be more urgency to see a resolution to the matter by now. City officials have cited weather delays and ongoing negotiations with First Nations as reasons for the slow progress. However, HDI maintains that Indigenous communities with rightful jurisdiction were excluded from decision-making. The conflict also highlights growing concern over Ontario's Bill 5, which gives provincial ministers the power to override heritage and environmental protections, raising fears that more Indigenous burial sites could be compromised. For now, HDI says it will act independently to investigate and protect its ancestors unless the city reverses course. 'Due to the appalling disregard shown by the City of Toronto, we must proceed with our own investigation,' the HDI said. — with files from Matthew Bingley
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Navigating Pakistan's debt quagmire through Islamic finance
Pakistan faces formidable economic headwinds amidst the dual debt challenges that threaten to undermine its progress. The nation's determination is being tested as it confronts the pressing issues of stagnant GDP growth, soaring unemployment, persistent inflation, and a lagging Human Development Index (HDI). Yet, within this crucible of challenge lies an opportunity for Pakistan to forge a new path forward, one that is guided by visionary leadership, innovative economic strategies, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its people. Pakistan's economic landscape is characterized by a substantial debt portfolio; with the country's total public debt obligations reaching a staggering USD 271.29 (PKR 76.01 trillion), as per the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2024-25. This monumental figure comprises USD 183.88 (PKR 51.52 trillion) in domestic debt, underscoring the government's significant reliance on internal borrowing, and USD 79.13 (PKR 24.49 trillion) in external debt (32.2% of the total), highlighting the country's exposure to global financial markets. However, the debt from IMF stands at USD 8.28 (PKR 2.319 trillion). The aggregate debt and liabilities have skyrocketed to a staggering USD 320.65 billion (PKR 89.834 trillion), underscoring the imperative for prudent fiscal management and strategic debt restructuring. Beyond the government's narrative of economic resurgence, anchored by a projected GDP growth rate of 2.7% in the forthcoming fiscal year, lies a far more pressing concern for the average citizen struggling to make ends meet. The quintessential question on everyone's mind is: how can Pakistan escape the grip of high inflation, unemployment (8.0), and an ever-increasing debt burden, which threatens to undermine the very fabric of the nation's economic stability and prosperity? The answer to this million-dollar question holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for 44.7 % of Pakistan's population (approx.107 millions) living below the poverty line, and it is imperative that policymakers and stakeholders work in tandem to devise effective solutions to alleviate these pressing economic challenges. The adoption of cash and asset-based Waqf, a time-tested Islamic financial instrument, presents a viable solution to Pakistan's economic conundrums. Waqf, as a socio-financial approach in Islam, refers to the dedication of property or wealth for religious or charitable purpose. With its roots in the prophetic era, Waqf has evolved over centuries, demonstrating remarkable resilience and efficacy. During the Caliphate period, Umayyad and Mamluk eras, and notably, the Ottoman Empire, Waqf played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. By leveraging Waqf's potential, Pakistan can unlock new avenues for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and economic stability, thereby harnessing the power of Islamic finance to drive inclusive growth and prosperity. Waqf stands as a shining cornerstone of Islamic finance, with its landscape in numerous countries. From the oil-rich nations of Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the vibrant economies of Malaysia and Indonesia, Waqf has been successfully integrated into diverse financial ecosystems. Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have also harnessed its potential, showcasing Waqf's versatility and impact. As a testament to its enduring value, Waqf continues to inspire innovative financial solutions, fostering economic growth, social welfare, and sustainable development worldwide. By combining the redistributive power of cash and asset-based financing of Waqf with Zakat, visionary nations have synergized the potent forces. By harmonizing these two pillars of Islamic finance, countries have created a powerful framework for poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. This strategic fusion has yielded remarkable outcomes, demonstrating the immense potential of integrated Zakat and Waqf models. In a compelling critique of conventional financial frameworks, the book 'Beyond the IMF (2024)' masterfully articulated the limitations of traditional financial paradigms, paving the way for a revolutionary concept: the Muslim Common Waqf. This visionary idea, coupled with Pakistan's pioneering National Waqf Common Pool, offers a beacon of hope for Muslim countries seeking greater financial autonomy and self-sufficiency. By harnessing the collective potential of Waqf, nations can break free from the shackles of sovereign and domestic financial dependency; unlock new avenues for economic growth and prosperous future. As Pakistan's debt trajectory hurtles towards a precarious PKR 87 trillion by FY 2026, the imperative for innovative debt management strategies has never been more pressing. To avert this financial precipice, it is crucial to devise visionary plans that can effectively mitigate the debt burden, unlock new revenue streams, and catalyze sustainable economic growth. As the Government of Pakistan contemplates the privatization of 24 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), a critical question arises: can the nation's economic sovereignty be compromised for the sake of fiscal expediency? Allowing foreign entities and potentially hostile interests to assume control of strategic assets would be a perilous gamble, undermining the country's economic autonomy. The resounding answer is a thunderous 'NO!' to the wholesale privatization of vital SOEs. The establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's economic reform agenda. By providing a platform for streamlined facilitation and coordination, SIFC aims to foster a conducive investment environment, attracting both B2B and G2G investments. This initiative is expected to yield substantial benefits, including enhanced economic activity, job creation, and accelerated growth, ultimately contributing to the nation's long-term economic prosperity. We harbor boundless optimism and soaring aspirations for the SIFC, envisioning it as a transformative catalyst that will unlock Pakistan's vast economic potential. In tandem with its economic reform initiatives, Pakistan can shatter the shackles of crippling domestic debt, amounting to PKR 51.52 trillion, a staggering 67.8% of the total debt burden by unlocking the potential of Waqf. By harnessing the transformative power of the Waqf Fund (WF), the nation can envision a debt-free future, liberated from the weight of internal borrowing. Well beyond a financial mechanism, strategic mobilization of Waqf assets is a farsighted way to fiscal sustainability, inclusive growth, and intergenerational equity. Leveraging this Islamic economic instrument could not only alleviate the short-term budget pressure but also restore public confidence, advance socio-economic justice, and propel long-term national strength. With proper policy commitment and institutional setup, Waqf is poised to emerge as a game-changer and revolutionary pillar of Pakistan's economic rejuvenation which turns tradition into transformation, and religion into a bedrock of sustainable prosperity. (The writer is PhD (Management) from PBS-UPM, Malaysia. Policy Researcher / Policy Analyst and a writer of Political Economy of Bureaucracy in Pakistan-2020)Email:[email protected] Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
