Latest news with #UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
North, East Nagpur Wards At Higher Risk Of Flood Damage
1 2 Nagpur: Civic wards in North and East Nagpur are the city's most flood-prone zones, reveals a newly released Multi-Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment (MHRVA) report. The first of its kind study in the city, commissioned by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) under Maharashtra state relief and rehabilitation department's disaster risk management programme in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has also brought to fore alarming disparities in flood risk exposure across the 38 municipal wards. Released by municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, the report presents a granular ward-wise analysis of hazards such as floods and earthquakes, aimed at bolstering Nagpur's preparedness in the face of increasing climate-related risks. The flood vulnerability assessment categorises wards based on average annual loss (AAL) from potential flood events. Strikingly, ward No. 3 in the city's northeastern part emerged as the most vulnerable, with an estimated AAL exceeding Rs10 crore, placing it in the highest risk category (Rs10.1 crore to Rs20.9 crore). Close behind are wards Nos. 2, 4, and 12, each projected to suffer annual losses between Rs8.1 crore and Rs10 crore due to flooding. Wards Nos. 13 and 24 fall into the next-highest bracket, with estimated losses between Rs4.1 crore and Rs8 crore. A group of five wards — 11, 18, 23, 25, and 26 — are assessed to face moderate risks with losses in the Rs2.1 crore to Rs4 crore range. Meanwhile, 21 wards, primarily located in South, Central, and West Nagpur — including ward Nos. 8, 9, 19, 20, and 30 — fall in the lower risk Rs1 crore to Rs2 crore bracket. At the other end of the spectrum, five wards are categorised under 'negligible' loss, signalling minimal financial impact from flooding events. These areas are largely in newer parts of the city that benefit from better drainage systems and planned urban layouts. Experts attribute the heightened vulnerability of northern and eastern wards to aging drainage networks, unchecked encroachments on natural watercourses, and haphazard construction. "The disparity in risk levels underscores urgent need to revamp urban infrastructure in older parts of the city," said a senior NMC official. Real-Time Assessment A standout feature of the MHRVA report is the unveiling of a Digital Risk Atlas — a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that enables civic authorities, urban planners, and emergency responders to identify high-risk zones and assess vulnerabilities in real time. The platform integrates flood maps, overlays of critical infrastructure, and accessibility data, providing a powerful tool for disaster preparedness and response. "This tool will empower NMC and other stakeholders to take targeted preventive and emergency measures, especially in the most vulnerable wards," said commissioner Chaudhari during the release event. The MHRVA report also evaluates risks to essential urban infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and transport nodes, and recommends comprehensive measures such as upgrading drainage systems, enforcing flood-resistant building codes, and conducting regular ward-level flood preparedness drills. With climate change driving more frequent and intense weather events, the findings of the MHRVA report reinforce the pressing need for proactive, data-driven urban planning to safeguard both lives and livelihoods in Nagpur. BOX-1 Losses (Crore INR) --- Ward numbers Negligible --- 9, 8, 19, 20 and 30 1 to 2 --- 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 2.1 to 4 ---11, 18, 23, 25 and 26 4.1 to 8 --- 13 and 24 8.1 to 10 --- 2, 4 and 12 10.1 to 20.9 --- 3
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's blue economy: an ocean of missed opportunity
Pakistan's coastal waters hold the key to a multi-billion-dollar economy; nonetheless, this potential remains largely untapped. The country's blue economy has yet to find a meaningful place in national economic planning. This lack of vision risks Pakistan forfeiting its rightful share of the global blue economy, which is expected to surpass USD3 trillion by 2030. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Pakistan's blue economy contributes a meagre 0.4 percent to the national GDP's – an astonishingly low figure considering the country's 1,050-kilometre coastline and a 290,000 square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In stark contrast, other regional countries like Bangladesh and Iran have made significant strides in harnessing the wealth of their coastal resources. By leveraging its robust fisheries sector, Bangladesh shipbuilding and shipbreaking sectors generate thousands of jobs and significant export revenue, contributing meaningfully to the national economy. Similarly, Iran, with 30 ports along its coastline, handles 235 million tons of maritime traffic. It has dedicated USD 3.7 billion to develop and digitalise its commercial ports in 2025, upscaling its potential in maritime transport. With sturgeon farming, the Iran Fisheries Organisation has exported 18.5 tons of farmed caviar and 4,600 tons of sturgeon meat in 2023. Pakistan's poor maritime governance, underinvestment, and lack of integrated policy prevent it from securing a share in the global marine economy boom. Pakistan's blue economy crisis is mainly infrastructural, as indicated by its exclusion from the Logistics Performance Index. The country's strategic coastal position enables it to function as a regional transit hub through its three major ports: Port Qasim, Karachi Port, and Gwadar. Nonetheless, Port Qasim suffers from poor logistics operations and underused facilities, as its outdated infrastructure operates below 50percent of its maximum potential. Despite handling high traffic volumes, Karachi Port faces persistent congestion and limited expansion, operating below optimal capacity. Gwadar Port holds significant value but remains disconnected from Pakistan's industrial and energy networks. Pakistan needs to invest modernisation investments, improved logistics, and streamlined governance to maximise the potential of its ports to attain recognition as a leading maritime hub. Similarly, the fisheries sector of Pakistan is chronically underperforming. The country ranks 35th worldwide on the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) Fishing Risk Index because its waters continue to experience widespread IUU fishing activities. Moreover, post-harvest losses reach 35 percent because the sector lacks adequate cold storage facilities and is experiencing poor handling practices. The fish exports from Pakistan are 136,000 metric tonnes with a value of USD 400 million, despite having the potential to reach USD 2 billion. According to the World Bank, revenues would increase by 60 percent if Pakistan implements better port management along with regulatory reform and technological improvements. Beyond trade and fisheries, Pakistan's blue economy holds immense potential in Marine Renewable Energy. Pakistan's coastline, particularly the 17 major creeks of the Indus Delta, offers significant opportunities for tidal energy generation. The estimated power output from tidal energy projects in these regions amounts to 900 to 1,100 MW, offering a renewable solution for coastal energy. The EEZ of Pakistan holds potential for the development of offshore wind and wave energy projects. Yet these possibilities remain absent from Pakistan's primary energy policy. Pakistan also has considerable scope in seabed mining and blue bio-technology. Pakistan's EEZ holds vast offshore deposits of oil, gas, and minerals, awaiting extractions. The Indus and Makran offshore areas contain hydrocarbon resources, while Murray Ridge has potential for hard rock metallic minerals. Moreover, the blue bio-technology sector leverages marine bio-diversity to develop pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and bio-based products, offering promising applications in disease treatment. The market for this industry worldwide will expand from USD 5.65 billion in 2024 to USD 10.54 billion by 2032 at a 7.15 percent annual growth rate. Pakistan, however, lacks a roadmap or institutions to support innovation in this field. The human cost of this inaction is also worth noting. Pakistan's coastal communities, particularly in Sindh and Baluchistan, face high rates of poverty, underemployment, and environmental vulnerability. A well-governed blue economy could offer diversemarine livelihoods, skills development, and employment in sectors ranging from aquaculture to eco-tourism. Instead, years of ad hoc planning have left these communities dependent on informal fishing practices, vulnerable to climate shocks, such as coastal erosion and salinization. In short, unlocking the blue economy's potential is not a matter of discovering new resources but managing existing ones more wisely. It requires investment in coastal infrastructure, digitised port logistics, vocational training for a marine workforce, and research collaboration with universities and international partners. The private sector must also be incentivised to invest in value-added industries like seafood processing, aquaculture, and sustainable tourism. With the right ecosystem, the blue economy could become a new engine for Pakistan's economic diversification, reducing reliance on remittances and traditional agriculture while aligning with the country's climate goals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Iraq Business
a day ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
UNDP opens restored Nimrud Agricultural Institute
By John Lee. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Governments of Sweden and Italy and in coordination with Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has officially inaugurated the restored Agricultural Technical Institute in Nimrud, located in the Ninewa Plains. Severely damaged during years of conflict, the Institute has been transformed into a centre for agricultural education and economic development. The first phase of the project, funded by Sweden with $1.25 million and completed in March 2023, restored essential infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, and poultry facilities. The second phase, supported by Italy with over $1.1 million, added new academic buildings, a student dormitory and club centre, and upgraded the broader campus infrastructure. The revitalised institute will benefit more than 300 students and faculty and serve a surrounding population of over 250,000 people. The forthcoming reopening of a nearby Tigris River bridge is expected to further boost regional connectivity and economic activity. Full statement from UNDP: Restored Nimrud Agricultural Institute Opens Doors to Stability and Opportunity The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Governments of Sweden and Italy and in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, officially inaugurated the Agricultural Technical Institute in Nimrud-a major milestone under UNDP Iraq's Stabilization Programme. Located in the heart of the Ninewa Plains, the Institute had suffered extensive damage during years of conflict. Today, it stands restored as a critical hub for agricultural education and economic opportunity for hundreds of young Iraqis. The first phase of the project, funded by the Government of Sweden with $1.25 million, was completed in March 2023. It restored essential academic and agricultural infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, poultry facilities, and core services. The second phase, supported by the Government of Italy with over $1.1 million, further expanded academic facilities, constructed a student dormitory and club center, and upgraded campus infrastructure. The inauguration was attended by representatives of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the President of the Northern Technical University, Dr. Alia Al-Attar, several faculty members, and the Director of Nimrud Police. "This inauguration represents more than the reopening of a building-it is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and Iraq's path to development," said Auke Lootsma, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative. "By investing in education and skills for youth, especially in areas impacted by conflict, we are laying the foundation for long-term stability and development." The revitalized Institute will serve over 300 students and faculty, while benefiting the wider community of more than 250,000 residents. With the anticipated reopening of a nearby bridge across the Tigris River, it is also expected to become a key driver of regional connectivity and economic renewal. UNDP expresses its sincere appreciation to the Governments of Sweden and Italy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Northern Technical University for their ongoing commitment to Iraq's stabilization and development. (Source: UNDP Iraq)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tiny Slovenia surpasses mighty Austria, one of the world's richest nations, in Human Development Index — here's how it did it
Slovenia Surpasses Austria in Human Development Index: How Education Played a Key Role- Slovenia has officially surpassed Austria in the latest Human Development Index (HDI) rankings, a major milestone for the small Central European nation. The HDI, developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), measures a country's average achievement in three critical areas: life expectancy, education, and income per capita. While both countries score high, Slovenia's strong focus on tertiary education helped it edge ahead of its wealthier neighbor. Slovenia surpass Austria in the Human Development Index ranking? Slovenia has officially overtaken Austria in the latest Human Development Index (HDI) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). HDI measures three main factors: Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Life expectancy Education Gross National Income (GNI) per capita Both countries score high overall, but Slovenia's strong focus on tertiary education gave it the edge. What helped Slovenia rise above Austria in the HDI rankings? Education was the main driver behind Slovenia's improved HDI score. Key educational metrics: Higher mean years of schooling in Slovenia than Austria. Higher expected years of schooling in Slovenia. Slovenia is now among the top European nations for university graduation rates. Austria emphasizes vocational training, leading to: Earlier entry into the workforce. Lower average time spent in formal education, especially at university level. How do education metrics impact HDI scores? The HDI includes two key education indicators: Mean Years of Schooling: Slovenia: ~12.7 years Austria: Slightly less Expected Years of Schooling: Slovenia: Over 17.6 years Reflects a system that supports extended academic careers Slovenia's education system encourages: Long-term school attendance Tertiary education enrollment and completion by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vive en una casa de sólo 150 pies cuadrados, ¡pero cuando veas el interior querrás vivir allí! Consejos y Trucos Undo What made Slovenia rise above Austria in the HDI rankings? The main driver behind Slovenia's rise in the HDI is its exceptional performance in educational attainment. According to the latest UNDP data, Slovenia now records higher mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling than Austria. In fact, Slovenia is among the top countries in Europe for university graduation rates. Austria, on the other hand, continues to focus heavily on vocational training, encouraging young people to enter the workforce earlier. While this model supports early employment, it tends to lower the average time Austrians spend in formal education, especially at the university level. That difference in schooling time is now a key factor in the HDI scores. Live Events How do education metrics affect HDI scores? The Human Development Index includes two main education indicators: Mean Years of Schooling: Average years of education completed by adults aged 25 and older. Expected Years of Schooling: How many years a child entering school can expect to attend, given current enrollment patterns. Slovenia has shown remarkable progress on both fronts. Its education system encourages students to stay in school longer and pursue higher education. As a result, Slovenia's mean years of schooling is now around 12.7 years, slightly ahead of Austria's average. The expected years of schooling in Slovenia is over 17.6 years, reflecting a system designed to support long academic careers. Is Austria still ahead in income and life expectancy? Yes, but only slightly. Austria's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is still higher, according to Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) estimates. However, this advantage isn't enough to outweigh the gains Slovenia made in education. In terms of life expectancy, both countries are performing well. Austria has a life expectancy of approximately 82.1 years, while Slovenia is close behind at around 81.3 years. The difference is marginal, and both nations benefit from universal healthcare systems that contribute to long, healthy lives. GNI per capita (PPP-adjusted): Austria still leads Slovenia. Life Expectancy: Austria: ~82.1 years Slovenia: ~81.3 years Both benefit from universal healthcare systems and high-quality living standards. What does this say about Slovenia's social and economic policies? Slovenia's rise in the HDI is not just about education—it's also a reflection of its broader social welfare system, economic planning, and focus on innovation. The country offers: Universal healthcare coverage Comprehensive social security, including unemployment and parental benefits A stable economy centered on mid- to high-tech manufacturing A well-educated workforce driving productivity and innovation Together, these factors help Slovenia maintain a high standard of living, even if its raw income figures are lower than Austria's. Can education continue to shape national development? Absolutely. Slovenia's case shows that investment in education—particularly at the tertiary level—can have a direct impact on national development rankings. It also challenges the idea that only income or GDP determines development. Countries with strong education systems, supportive public policies, and universal health services can compete with and even outperform wealthier neighbors in key global indexes like the HDI. Slovenia's success story is a reminder that human development is multi-dimensional, and education remains one of its most powerful drivers. FAQs: Q1: Why did Slovenia surpass Austria in the Human Development Index ranking? A1: Slovenia's strong focus on higher education helped boost its HDI score. Q2: What is the main factor behind Slovenia's rise in HDI? A2: High rates of university-level education in Slovenia led the change.
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman ranked 50th in Human Development Index
Muscat – Oman has improved its ranking by nine places to 50th in the latest Human Development Index (HDI) released last week by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The 2025 Human Development Report, titled A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence , reveals an unprecedented slowdown in human development progress. It analyses progress across a range of indicators, including health, education and income, which form the basis of the index. Projections for 2024 indicate stalled progress in all regions globally. Oman is classified among countries with 'Very high human development'. The sultanate's HDI now stands at 0.858, up from 0.819 last year. Life expectancy at birth has risen to 80 years from 73.9 years in 2024 and expected years of schooling have increased to 13.4 years from 13 years, while mean years of schooling remain 11.9 years. Gross national income per capita is now US$36,096, up from US$32,967 last year – all key components of HDI. Among Gulf Cooperation Council states, the UAE leads at 15th place, followed by Saudi Arabia (37th), Bahrain (38th), Qatar (43rd), Oman (50th) and Kuwait (52nd). Globally, the highest-ranked countries are Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The lowest-ranked are Niger, Chad, the Central African Republic, Somalia and South Sudan. The report highlights how artificial intelligence could potentially reignite development, but warns of weak progress despite the world moving past the crises of 2020-2021. Excluding these crisis years, the projected increase in global human development for 2025 is the smallest since 1990. 'For decades, we have been on track to reach a very high human development world by 2030, but this deceleration signals a very real threat to global progress,' said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. 'If 2024's sluggish progress becomes 'the new normal', the 2030 milestone could slip by decades making our world less secure, more divided, and more vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks.' The report also highlights growing inequality between countries with 'Low HDI' and 'Very High HDI' for the fourth consecutive year, reversing a long-term trend of narrowing gaps between wealthy and poor nations.
