Pandemic profits for companies soar by billions as poorest struggle to get by

Thirty-two of the world’s largest companies stand to see their profits jump by $109 billion more in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic lays bare an economic model that delivers profits for the wealthiest on the back of the poorest, according to a new Oxfam report released this week.

These five countries top the 2020 e-government ranking

Despite the gains and major investments in e-government by many countries, the digital divide persists. Seven out of eight countries with low scores are in Africa and belong to the least developed countries group.

‘Half of the world’s refugee children out of school due to COVID-19’

The risks to refugee education do not stop with COVID-19. Attacks on schools are a grim and growing reality. The report also elaborates on Africa’s Sahel region where violence has forced the closure of more than 2,500 schools affecting the education of 350,000 students.

‘Global Tourism Sector set to lose at least $1.2 trillion due to Coronavirus’

Tourism is the backbone of many economies and a lifeline for millions of people around the world, but COVID-19 has brought it to a halt, causing severe economic consequences globally.

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Drone Use Soars in Latin America

By Diego Cupolo From aerial surveillance to threedimensional geographic modeling of rugged terrains and even speedy pizza delivery service, manufacturers have begun to promote the infinite capabilities of domestic drones. At the same time, they are specifically targeting developing markets in Latin America for the martial use of drones in law enforcement and military operations.

The fight for Justice- Human Rights Defenders in Mexico

It is difficult to explain to those outside of the country, but what is currently happening in Mexico is a situation of a structural violence towards the indigenous communities, as well as against human rights advocates and defenders, social leaders and journalists, says Mexico's human rights activist Alejandra Ancheita.

Championing local leadership in development work is fundamental to long-term impact

The development sector replicates many of the very injustices it claims to work against, reproducing these historical power dynamics and stripping agency from the very people it claims to support. How can international organisations truly work towards equality when they underpay local staff, continue to think of development as unidirectional, and don’t allow for a true shift in power towards local leaders who most fully understand the needs of their own communities?

As pandemic deaths pass 1 million, COVID-19 survivors from 37 countries write to pharmaceuticals and demand a ‘People’s Vaccine’

Survivors of COVID-19 from 37 countries are among almost 1,000 people who have signed an open letter to pharmaceutical industry leaders calling for a ‘people's vaccine’ and treatments that are available to all.

‘Israel’s war in Gaza kills more children than four years of worldwide conflict’

Palestinian children, along with women, have been disproportionately impacted by Israel’s retaliatory actions, which have included bombardments and a ground offensive.

Global politics expert reflects on women leaders who have broken barriers

Jalalzai believes that women leaders often bring a distinct set of skills and experiences to the table, including a propensity for collaborative approaches and advocacy for marginalized groups.

Navigating healthcare uncertainty across Africa

With higher mortality rates for women and children, lack of access to infrastructure and medication, and the high cost of medication, Africa needs smart interventions to overcome the barriers to healthcare access and adoption.

COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on SDG attainment in Afghanistan

COVID-19 has constrained many of the ongoing SDG-readying support provided to the Government of Afghanistan and may have major implications for judicious and long-term development policymaking and programming that are needed to achieve the priority SDG targets in Afghanistan.

COVID-19 crisis threatens Sustainable Development Goals financing, says OECD

According to the OECD’s latest Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development, developing countries are facing a shortfall of USD 1.7 trillion in the financing they would need this year to keep them on track for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as governments and investors grapple with the health, economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

Play for Peace: using cooperative play for compassion and peace

Youth-led cooperative play, initiated by Play for Peace, brings together people from different nationalities, religions, and backgrounds to find common ground, build friendships, and create a more peaceful world.

Despite ongoing peace talks, civilian killings continue in Afghanistan

The number of Afghan civilians killed and injured in the conflict has failed to slow since the start of intra-Afghan peace talks, although the overall civilian casualty figure for the first nine months of 2020 dropped by around 30 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

Opinion

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Gross National Happiness of Bhutan and its False Promises

Some foreign observers claim that GNH provides ideological cover for repressive and racist policies. Love it or hate it, one thing is clear, the pursuit of GNH does not appear to be helping the people of Bhutan rise to a higher standard of living.

Fighting Poverty in Guatemala: Importance of Public Investment in Education

By Anna Heikkinen

Twenty years have passed since the end of the Guatemalan civil war. The country has managed to take notable steps fostering its economic and human development. However, inequality and poverty still remain at concerning level. Investing in education is what Guatemala urgently needs to raise its people out of poverty and continue the success story of its economy on a sustainable basis.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on SDG attainment in Afghanistan

COVID-19 has constrained many of the ongoing SDG-readying support provided to the Government of Afghanistan and may have major implications for judicious and long-term development policymaking and programming that are needed to achieve the priority SDG targets in Afghanistan.

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