Latest news with #UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgram
LBCI
24-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Socio-economic impact: Lebanon's post-war collapse
Report by Lea Fayad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Is the war in Lebanon over? One thing is certain—the country's economy is still paying the price of the last war, which came after five years of economic and social crisis. According to a new United Nations report titled "The Socio-Economic Impact of the 2024 War on Lebanon," the private sector lost 25% of its jobs during the conflict. Even after the ceasefire, 14% of those jobs remain unfilled. Meanwhile, 15% of businesses have shut down permanently, while another 21% are temporarily closed. Key sectors, including agriculture, industry, and tourism, were severely hit. The ripple effects have been devastating: nearly one million Lebanese, approximately 928,000 people, are living in a state of acute food insecurity. The report warns that even with immediate and comprehensive reforms, Lebanon's economy is projected to reach only 8% of its pre-crisis size by 2030. Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Lebanon, Blerta Aliko, said that without genuine political will and serious reforms, the compounded crisis that began in 2019 and worsened during the 2024 war may become inescapable.
Korea Herald
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
UN land mine experts visit S. Korea to discuss reducing minefield risks
Two land mine experts from the United Nations Development Program visited South Korea this week, as the devices remain a serious concern on the Korean Peninsula — particularly due to the risk of displacement caused by flooding. The visit by Sean Moorhouse, UNDP technical adviser for mine action, and Kwon Goo-soon, UNDP chief technical adviser in Vietnam, was made at the invitation of South Korea's Defense Ministry. Their visit aims to "provide technical advice on managing previously undocumented minefields and strengthening the systems that manage risk," Kwon said in a written interview with The Korea Herald. "This visit continues UNDP's longstanding cooperation with the Republic of Korea and reflects our shared commitment to making communities safer. Korea's leadership in mine action, both at home and abroad, is deeply valued," Kwon added. Hundreds of thousands of land mines were laid during and after the 1950–53 Korean War, especially along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone and other strategic areas. Many of these minefields remain uncleared, poorly mapped, or entirely undocumented, posing risks to civilians, farmers and development projects. Kwon underscored that South Korea "has made steady progress in building technical expertise and aligning its mine action work with international standards. "The government's focus on strengthening risk management and exploring new survey techniques shows a strong commitment to protecting its citizens." Kwon stressed South Korea's growing role in global mine action, noting it had become a key partner in international demining efforts through its support for countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Ukraine and Syria. "What sets this partnership apart is Korea's focus on linking mine clearance with sustainable development. Clearing land is not only about removing danger: It's about unlocking opportunities for farming, education, infrastructure and local economies," Kwon said. For its initiatives in Vietnam, UNDP collaborates with the Korea International Cooperation Agency, an international development agency under South Korea's Foreign Ministry, to combine mine clearance with rural development and community engagement. More recently, Korea has extended its support to demining efforts in Syria under an initiative known as "REVIVE." Before joining the UNDP in August 2023, Kwon served as a professor of global cooperation and North Korean studies at Seoul Cyber University. Kwon suggested that demining could be one avenue for inter-Korean cooperation. "Historically, mine action has served as a neutral and humanitarian space for cooperation, even in politically complex environments," Kwon said. "While the current situation on the Korean Peninsula remains sensitive, mine action could offer a constructive platform for future dialogue and practical collaboration."
Kuwait Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
UNDP's Knowledge Journey program empowers youth
KUWAIT: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kuwait concluded its Knowledge Journey program on Wednesday, with the participation of more than 60 students. The initiative aimed to empower young people with the essential skills needed to address future challenges and contribute meaningfully to the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035. Speaking at the closing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait Emma Morley said the program was designed to cultivate a promising generation of youth capable of advancing economic diversification — whether through private sector engagement or active participation in public institutions. Organized in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the program featured a series of interactive workshops, brainstorming sessions and lectures. Morley noted that participants submitted research papers and proposals by the end of the week, offering innovative ideas for improving various national systems. Secretary General of the Supreme Council Ahmad Al-Janahi UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait Emma Morley Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development Ahmad Al-Janahi praised the initiative, describing it as a vital platform for fostering youth engagement and innovation. He underscored the importance of knowledge as a national priority and a key driver of productivity, growth and sustainability. Al-Janahi commended the participants for their awareness, creativity, and eagerness to contribute to Kuwait's development, adding that their work reflects a strong foundation for a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. — KUNA
Japan Today
22-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Guardians of the ocean: How SIDS are leading the 1.5°C agenda and what the world must do next
By Shafraz Rasheed Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the leading edge of the climate crisis. Threatened by rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and fragile marine ecosystems, these nations face existential risks to their economies, cultures, and ways of life. However, the vast oceans surrounding them offer more than just vulnerability they hold the key to resilience and global climate leadership. The ocean is not only a victim of climate change; it also plays a vital part in the solution. When approached sustainably, the "blue economy" can enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and sustain livelihoods in SIDS. The real challenge lies in unlocking this potential amid growing environmental threats and limited resources. The Blue Economy: Beyond Resource Extraction For many SIDS, the ocean is central to their territory and economic sustainability. Fisheries, tourism, shipping, and marine biodiversity are essential for development and food security. However, overexploitation, pollution, coral degradation, and uncontrolled coastal development have driven marine ecosystems to the edge. A sustainable blue economy prioritizes responsible utilization of the ocean to drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental conservation. Restoring mangroves and coral reefs, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture represent nature-based solutions that capture carbon, safeguard biodiversity, and create jobs. U.N. Trade and Development (UNCTAD) states that climate initiatives based on oceans could provide more than 20% of the required emissions reductions by 2050 to restrict global warming to 1.5°C. SIDS are uniquely situated to lead this shift, but they require financial support, technology transfer, and equitable market access. Toward Ocean-Positive Development The United Nations Development Program's (UNDP's) "ocean-positive" development approach requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of perceiving the ocean solely as a resource to exploit or a delicate ecosystem to protect, this approach combines climate initiatives, economic resilience, and social advancement. This demands a recalibration of global policies from the World Trade Organization to COP (the decision-making body of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change)to prioritize ocean health as an indicator of climate progress. For island nations, it includes expanding ocean-based renewable energy sources (such as offshore wind and tidal energy), creating marine-sector jobs for women and youth, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives like the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) bring together public and private stakeholders to finance coastal resilience through blue bonds, insurance schemes, and blended finance. Innovative Solutions: Solar-Powered Mobility A recent article from Japan Times (June 2025) highlights an emerging breakthrough: solar electric vehicles (solar EVs). These self-charging vehicles, equipped with solar panels, provide eco-friendly, cost-effective transit perfect for island environments. Solar EVs offer a compelling solution for SIDS, many of which face high transport emissions and dependence on fossil fuel imports. These vehicles are already being piloted in island nations, especially in marine tourism zones and port cities. Solar ferries and marine logistics systems powered by microgrids are also being tested, complementing wider efforts to decarbonize transport and strengthen energy independence. When integrated with blue economy initiatives, solar mobility systems reduce emissions, support sustainable tourism, and create new jobs in the green tech sector. From Vulnerability to Visionary Leadership Despite their size, SIDS have played a significant role in international climate diplomacy. They championed the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, advocated for ocean conservation in U.N. forums, and pioneered financial instruments such as Seychelles' Blue Bond and Fiji's Green Bond. The Maldives is phasing out single-use plastics and adopting nature-based coastal protections. Samoa is investing in sustainable fisheries and renewable energy. Through alliances like AOSIS, Caribbean and Pacific nations are promoting climate-smart marine policies. These efforts prove that with appropriate assistance, small islands can become hubs of innovation and resilience, offering lessons for coastal areas globally. What the World Must Do Next To unlock the full potential of SIDS in leading the ocean and climate agenda, the global community must act decisively. First, climate finance must become more accessible, predictable, and tailored to island contexts through simplified procedures, concessional loans, and public-private investment models. Second, innovation must be fast-tracked in key areas including solar EVs, blue energy, sustainable fisheries, and ocean carbon markets. Third, ecosystems must be protected and restored through expanded marine protected areas, habitat conservation, and stricter anti-pollution and anti-overfishing measures. Fourth, trade systems must be reformed to ensure SIDS gain fair value for their marine exports and can build resilient, inclusive economies. Finally, stronger regional governance, maritime monitoring, and policy coordination will help secure the ocean commons for future generations. SIDS are more than climate victims. They are visionary leaders showing the world how to build a just, sustainable future rooted in ocean stewardship and resilience. Their success is our shared success. If we want to safeguard the planet, we must start by standing with its smallest defenders who are proving to be among its strongest. Shafraz Rasheed is a Maldivian diplomat serving in Japan. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from China Foreign Affairs University. His research focuses on climate diplomacy in Asia and the Pacific, and the role of small states in shaping global climate and ocean governance. © Japan Today
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Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Graphic News] S. Korea places 20th in UN quality of life ranking
South Korea ranked 20th out of 193 countries in the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Index, which evaluates the quality of life in each country. According to the UNDP's 2025 Human Development Report, South Korea achieved an HDI score of 0.937 for 2023, up from 0.928 the previous year. Despite the increase, the country slipped one spot in the global ranking, from 19th to 20th. Iceland topped the list, followed by Norway, Switzerland and Denmark. Among neighboring countries, Japan rose one place to 23rd, while China fell three spots to 78th. The HDI is a composite index that quantifies a country's quality of life by factoring in life expectancy, expected years of schooling, average years of schooling and gross national income per capita.
