“We need to eradicate poverty at a faster pace”

Only a week into her new role, DESA’s Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, Ms. Shamshad Akhtar, met with DESA News. “With fast changing global events, magnified by recurring crises, the UN has a unique role to play in nurturing stronger multilateral framework, based on cooperation, innovative solutions and solidarity to safeguard our planet,” she said. Read more

Partnering with young people to build a better world

“We need a top-to-bottom review so our programmes and policies are working with and for young people. We don’t have a moment to lose. We have the world to gain,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon earlier this year. Many activities are currently under way to address and involve youth, including International Youth Day on 12 August. Read more

ECOSOC: Placing full employment front and centre

“In 2012 as I approach the end of my term, the need for accelerated progress in sustainable development has moved to the top of the global agenda. The High-level Segment has achieved results. We now have a powerful international jobs road map, one which is affirming the world’s remarkable commitment to ending poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals,” said Sha Zukang. Read more

Statistical compilations

World Statistics Pocketbook 2011

 
The World Statistics Pocketbook 2011 is the thirty-first in a series of annual compilations of key statistical indicators prepared by DESA’s Statistics Division. Over 50 indicators have been collected from more than 20 international statistical sources and are presented in one-page profiles for 216 countries or areas of the world. Read more

Sha Zukang, who served as Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs for five years, completed his term at the end of July 2012. In addition to his role as head of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Convenor of the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Sha served as Secretary-General for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which took place in Rio de Janeiro from 20 to 22 June 2012. Read more