Development Research

Join us for the Sustainable Development Outlook Webinar on Monday, 27 September 2021 10:00 am.

In charting out the way forward, Sustainable Development Outlook 2021 focuses on policy efforts that are cross-cutting in nature and have positive effects on multiple SDGs.

Featuring H. E. Ambassador Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. Ambassador Mohan Pieris, President’s Counsel, has been serving as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York since January 2021. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Pieris held the positions of the Chief Justice, Attorney General, Senior Legal Advisor to the Cabinet, Legal Consultant to the Central Bank, and Legal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka.

Policies that aim at facilitating the uptake of the lithium-ion battery without compromising environmental impacts should create incentives at various stages of the battery value chain, including the closed-loop recycling system.

Countries that have succeeded in reducing both rural poverty and inequalities have promoted inclusive agricultural growth, access to land and social protection in rural areas, and paid special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable.

The strengthening of institutions and incentives such as water user associations and secure water and tenure rights, along with enhanced international cooperation, can spur greater application of circular approaches in agriculture.

Expanding opportunities in non-farm activities in rural areas is a key for sustainable development without “leaving no one behind”. Where the typical farmers are small landowners, technology alone may not be able to help farmers escape from poverty, and technical advances need to be complemented by a holistic approach.

Establishment of robust universal healthcare and social protection systems should be taken as immediate goals, and efforts should be made to build upon the emergency measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis so as to reach these goals.

Economic growth has slowed down dramatically and poverty is on the rise everywhere. Questions therefore have arisen whether these setbacks will have a permanent effect, jeopardizing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).