DESA News
Features
Affordable transportation and safer use of chemicals
In developing countries, the lack of adequate transport infrastructure and affordable transport services contribute to poverty and pose major obstacles to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Similarly, the increasing production and consumption of chemicals in those countries strain their capacity for sound management. FULL ARTICLE
E-government to create opportunities for all
The current global financial and economic crisis is putting tremendous pressure on governments to do more with less. Although financial markets stabilized in 2009, the real economy is still in a state of shock with high rates of unemployment and tremendous squeeze on government revenues. E-government – once a bold experiment and now an important tool for public sector transformation – has progressed to the point where it is now a force for effective governance and citizen participation, both at national and local levels. FULL ARTICLE
UN forum on indigenous issues calling for respect of values
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls Member States to promote development while respecting the values and traditions of indigenous peoples at the opening of the annual forum, held in New York from 19-30 April. “The loss of irreplaceable cultural practices and means of artistic expression makes us all poorer, wherever our roots may lie,” Mr. Ban told the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. This year’s theme at the forum was “Development with Culture and Identity.” FULL ARTICLE
- Webcast (6 minutes)
Global dialogue on development
- Focusing on transport, chemicals, waste, mining and consumption
- Securing commitment to sustainable development
- High demand for consultative status of NGOs
More on Global dialogue on development
Trends and analysis
- Improving collection and dissemination of statistical data
- Challenges in implementing the Mauritius Strategy
- Supporting the World Summit on Information Society
More on Trends and analysis
Capacity development
Publications and websites
United Nations E-Government Survey 2010
The survey on the theme “Leveraging e-government at a time of financial and economic crisis” presents various roles for e-government in addressing the ongoing world financial and economic crisis. The public trust that is gained through transparency can be further enhanced through the free sharing of government data based on open standards. The ability of e-government to handle speed and complexity can also underpin regulatory reform.
More on publications and websites
Calendar
- 18th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, New York, 3-14 May
- Second Preparatory Meeting of the Proposed UN Committee on Global Geographic Information Management, New York, 10-11 May
- Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, New York, 26 May – 4 June
