They have been described both as self-absorbed and altruistic; consumeristic and environmentally conscious; apathetic and socially engaged. The current youth generation, often referred to as Generation Y or Millennials, seems to evade a single definition or label, but one thing is certain – they are building a future that will be radically different than anything we have seen before.
Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development resolves to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and to heal and secure our planet. The upcoming 56th session of the Commission for Social Development will discuss strategies to achieve that overarching Global Goal by 2030.
There are now an estimated 258 million people living in a country other than their country of birth — an increase of 49% since 2000 — according to new figures released by UN DESA on 18 December 2017, on International Migrants Day. The International Migration Report 2017 (Highlights), a biennial publication of the department, states that 3.4% of the world’s inhabitants today are international migrants. This reflects a modest increase from a value of 2.8% in 2000. By contrast, the number of migrants as a fraction of the population residing in high-income countries rose from 9.6% in 2000 to 14% in 2017.
“We want everyone to Be the Change!” says Ariel Alexovich, Associate Public Information Officer in the Sustainable Development Section in the UN Department of Public Information, as she describes a new UN initiative intended to make sure we all ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to the Sustainable Development Goals. With UN DESA Voice, Ms. Alexovich shares how the initiative took off among UN staff members and what some of the next steps entail, as the initiative expands its reach with possible partners including schools, universities and businesses.
Have we shaken off the latest financial crises? What’s in store for the global economy over the coming years? These were some of the questions that Dawn Holland, co-author of UN DESA’s flagship publication the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018, responded to as the department went live via Facebook on 11 December 2017, following the official report launch that same day.
This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated on 3 December 2017 under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”. Resilience is central to achieving sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda’s promise to leave no one behind is a commitment to build the capacities of those who face marginalization and exclusion. This will help to reduce their vulnerability to economic, social and environmental shocks.
| 15-16 January, Paris | International Forum on Migration Statistics 2018 |
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| 23-25 January, New York | Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Development in Territories of Indigenous Peoples |
| 29 January - 7 February, New York | 56th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD56) |
| 29 January - 7 February, New York | 2018 Regular Session of the Committee on NGOs |
| 30-31 January, New York | ECOSOC Youth Forum |
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