We love nature, but our dependence on plastic is harming the environment. Half of the plastic we use annually is a single-use item like packaging or a plastic straw. These so-called convenience items are used for roughly 12 to 15 minutes, on average. …

It’s a little before noon and Khalida, working as a domestic helper for a family in Islamabad, is late for work for the third time this week. Sweating profusely and realizing that she might blackout from the heat soon, she scans the road for shade where she can sit and…

Ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference, we check in with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean. 1. The rallying cry of the UN Ocean Conference is “Save our Ocean, Protect our Future”. What does this theme mean to you? Answer: You may have heard my daily mantra…

As refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine started to arrive in Moldova, the Orange telecommunications company set up Wi-Fi spots at borders and reception centres to provide free connectivity. Ukrainians and third-country nationals were able to access government information, find accommodation and reach family members. The private sector in Moldova…

By Angharad Devereux, Heesu Chung and Mailee Osten-Tan Data. It’s a word that stokes anxiety in some and excitement in others. While using data from digital platforms to inform preventing violent extremism (PVE) interventions can be a big opportunity, people are rightfully concerned about public privacy and state surveillance. There…

Migrants are often perceived as a problem that needs to be solved. But the evidence shows the opposite. Representing 3.6 percent of the global population, they contribute their knowledge, networks and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the essential role that migrants play in so…

On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Imanni da Silva shares her story of perseverance for transgender rights and inclusion. — Imanni da Silva considers herself a free being, and throughout her life she has challenged harmful gender norms imposed by society, while inspiring others to do the same. “We are on a mission of inclusion,” she says. …

All the best partnerships are better than the sum of their parts. By working together, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have had a greater impact enhancing the contribution of migration to sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the blueprint to…

Using specialized financing frameworks, governments aim to incorporate women’s empowerment into national financing decisions. Women drive sustainable development. In their governments, homes, businesses and communities, they are agents of change. The problem? Around the world, and especially in Africa, our financial systems, our national budgets and our private investments impact…