DESA News
Volume 18, No.12 - December 2014
Feature articles
Promise of technology for persons with disabilities
Technology advances have changed the way people live. But not all people have benefitted equally, due to limited accessibility, social and economic barriers. To discuss the promises of new technology for persons with disabilities and other topics related to the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, DESA News met with Daniela Bas, Director of UN DESA’s Division for Social Policy and Development.
Read more
Ebola: A threat to sustainable development
The current Ebola outbreak is considered the largest one ever recorded with a total of more than 17,000 cases reported as of 2 December 2014. During the 69th Session of the General Assembly, many heads of States have called for a global response to tackle the outbreak. As part of these efforts, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will hold a special meeting on “Ebola: A threat to Sustainable Development” on 5 December. Read more
Investing in sustainable transportation
With trillions of dollars expected to be invested in transport infrastructure and air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions rising, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tasked his High-level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport with finding viable solutions to promote public health and safety, environmental protection and economic growth through sustainable transport. Read more
Global dialogue on development
- Preparations begin for the Third International Conference on Financing for Development
- Second Committee continues economic and financial review
- Third Committee approves draft resolution on World Youth Skills Day
More on Global dialogue on development
Trends and analysis
- Evaluations of 2015 UN Public Service Awards begin
- Role of cooperatives for sustainable development
- Evidence and data for gender equality
More on Trends and analysis
Capacity development
- Measuring citizen engagement for development management
- Policies on youth development in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Measuring progress towards achieving a green economy
More on Capacity development
Publications and websites
Technical reports
Pre-release of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2015
The first chapter on global economic outlook of the WESP 2015 will be launched on 10 December in New York. A joint product of UN DESA, UNCTAD and the five United Nations regional commissions, this publication provides an overview of recent global economic performance and short-term prospects for the world economy and of some key global economic policy and development issues. One of its purposes is to serve as a point of reference for discussions on economic, social and related issues taking place in various United Nations entities during the year. Read more
More on Publications and websites
Calendar
- Second Committee of the General Assembly, 7 October – December, New York
- Third Committee of the General Assembly, 7 October – December, New York
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December
- ECOSOC Special Meeting on Ebola, 5 December, New York
- WESP 2015 first chapter pre-release, 10 December, New York
All DESA calendar listings
