Iranian officials are warning the country’s people of a rising “tsunami,” a term they have coined to express the sudden wave of elderly individuals flooding the country’s general population. This mounting endemic challenges economic growth and highlights the Iranian government’s lack of preparedness regarding its retired residents. Mismanagement within the government’s finances has blocked more than 55% of Iranian elders from receiving pension funds and more than 35% of elders from living below the poverty line. Though an aging population seems to be their concern, the Iranian government must also tackle the surging rate of elderly poverty in Iran.
The Rise of the Grey-Haired Tsunami
Since 2022, the percentage of Iranian individuals over 60 has encompassed 10% of the total population. Iranian officials cite that this number will only continue to increase and argue that it will attain 33% by 2050. Saber Jabari, head of the Health Ministry Youth Department, ascribes this trend to the recent decrease in the country’s fertility rates. He states that many young Iranians are opting for later marriages and some are even doing away with having children altogether.
While fertility rates among Iranian youths are decreasing, the average life expectancy has increased among men from 57 years to 76 years and among women from 55 years to 78 years, according to Anadolu Agency.
In 2021, Iran’s Population Studies Centre had previously alerted government officials of the gravity of this situation. The center had cautioned that if officials continue to ignore these demographic trends, Iran would go down an irreversible path of aging, according to the Middle East Institute (MEI).
As the percentage of Iranians above the age of 60 increases, officials fear that, in years to come, the retired population could exceed that of the working population. The speed at which its residents are aging threatens the economic and social state of the country and puts into question the efficiency of its programs, i.e. the health care system and pension plan. Discrepancies within the government’s budgeting also explain the mounting poverty rate amongst the Iranian elderly.
Inadequacies in Iran’s Treatment of the Elderly
The Iranian elderly population relies heavily on a traditional family support system as well as a pension plan. Studies report that, as of 2023, nearly 50% of Iranian households live below the poverty line. Many experts attribute this cause to the Iranian government’s mismanagement of its priorities. The government’s prioritization is on foreign policy and international sanctions rather than their pension fund. Internal corruption and mismanagement have also impeded the government from developing a strong pension fund, according to MEI.
A Saba Institute study shows that 86% of retirees covered by pension funds are unable to maintain their living expenses, thus forcing many to seek a bank loan or borrow from a willing relative, Zamaneh Media reports. Improper funding is due to the government’s fiscal policy, which aims at reducing social welfare programs. This reduction has forced the Social Security Organisation and its supporting pension funds into a permanent risk state.
As poverty rates amongst Iranian households continue to mount, many families have begun to abandon their elderly members in parks in an attempt to rid themselves of financial burden. Mohammad Esmaeili Mahjoub, head of Tehran Municipality’s department for managing social issues, reports that, since the start of 2024, 25 cases of elderly abandonment have already occurred.
Elderly Abuse
Abuse among the elderly is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a study by Maziyar Mollaee from Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 30.7% of elders were reported to have been subject to emotional abuse; 25.4% were victims of psychological abuse; 25.1% suffered from neglect; 19.7% were financially abused; 13.1% were victims of physical abuse; and, 11.7% were abandoned.
Fatemeh Abbasi, deputy responsible for rehabilitation affairs at the National Welfare Organization, stipulates that there has been a recent rise in homelessness among the elderly. Currently, more than 60% of Iranian elders do not have proper support, while 40% are in poverty.
Nearly 1.5 million elderly Iranians receive aid from the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, and Iranian charitable organization that aids those in poverty, while another 15,000 are under 24-hour care at various elderly residents. This increases the possibility of an elder being subject to abuse since two in three staff members in care homes report that they have committed abuse.
Reclaiming One’s Independence
Due to the current economic situation elderly poverty in Iran seems bleak, however, various social programs have been put into place to aid the people and reduce elderly poverty in Iran. Bonyadeh Farzenegan is a non-profit organization the elderly created and currently lead. By taking on a leading role, members of the organization are fostering the development of their health and prolonging their sense of independence.
Since its founding in 2010, the organization has expanded its doors to more than 120 locations and has supported more than 200,000 elderly individuals across Iran. Many of their locations offer various forms of mentally and physically stimulating activities, such as aerobics, painting and theatre, according to Financial Tribune. Mostafa Seraj, a representative of Iran’s State Welfare Organisation, clarifies, “Our strategy behind Bonyadeh Farzenegan is to empower the elderly and delegate services and activities,” Financial Tribune reports.
Other organizations similar to Bonyadeh Farzengan have also been put into place by the Iranian government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) to help tackle this issue and promote the betterment of the overall quality of life of the Iranian elderly.
The Future
Zeinab Nasri, the head of the Tehran Mayor’s Health Office, proclaims, “We have a long way to go before Tehran becomes an age-friendly community and that worries me. The key is for everyone who is a part of this effort to believe that change is necessary, to keep pushing forth, and accept this big responsibility,” Financial Tribune reports.
– Yasmine Nowroozi
Yasmine is based in Quebec, Canada and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Mental Health in Georgia
In 2009, Global Initiative on Psychiatry (GIP) reported that social exclusion, mental ill health and poverty were all correlative; the mental well-being of residents in poorer, more remote regions of the country proves a focal point for discussion. It was not until the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs (MoLHSA) introduced the 2011-2015 National Health Care Strategy that there was a key turning point in Georgian mental health services. The status of mental health underwent a momentous transformation, both in the realm of primary health care and in the community. This is a chronological breakdown of the reformation roadmap thus far.
1995-2009 Programs and Laws
The establishment of the 1995 mental health assistance program meant that officially registered mentally ill patients, according to the national psychiatric register, received free services, according to PLOS Medicine. These people received treatment at various hospitals as well as outpatient clinics. PLOS Medicine records show that six psychiatric clinics provided hospital care to these patients and have housed and cared for more than 1,000 people.
In 2007, a newly introduced law on psychiatric services resulted in the illegalization of the involuntary hospitalisation of mentally ill patients in Georgia, PLOS Medicine reports. A court decision was mandatory if one viewed institutionalization as the only remaining viable option. The EU has repeatedly berated Georgia on torture for the poor conditions of the country’s mental institutions; the violation of human rights was a huge motivation behind the upheaval of its mental health services.
In 2009, Georgia replicated the 2007 law on psychiatric care alongside several adaptations, carried out by psychiatric experts. This included the proposal of treatment management techniques such as physical restraint as well as treatment options relevant to forensic psychiatric treatment and prison mental health, PLOS Medicine reports.
2011-2015 National Mental Health Care Strategy
In 2010, Georgia announced the 2011-2015 National Mental Health Care Strategy with a specially curated team of psychiatrists prepared to implement these reforms. At the time of the strategy’s introduction, MoLHSA officially recorded approximately 80,000 mentally ill civilians but also admitted that they viewed this as an underestimation, PLOS Medicine reports. The program emphasized the importance of mental well-being; the strategy’s overarching objective was to improve the general population’s mental health by 2015.
By 2013, 18 outpatient psychiatric clinics were already in use but there was a negative correlation between the increased presence of available services and poorer, more remote regions; citizens of poorer regions could not access mental health services of the same quality, according to PLOS Medicine. The principal reform within this entire process was deinstitutionalization which occurred in early summer 2011 via the closing of the largest psychiatric institution at the time, the Asatiani Psychiatric Hospital.
2015-2020 Mental Health Care Strategy Plan
The country announced the plan in 2014 and prioritised the improved accessibility of mental health care services to the Georgian population. Georgia declared its obligations to care for all disabled civilians and safely keep their rights and freedoms. The strategy emphasized the destigmatization of mental health treatment and mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) report stated that, at this time, neuropsychiatric disorders were behind 22.8% of the country’s fatalities.
In 2016, there was an increase in funding for more mobile teams; 11 mobile teams received funding for their work across the country by 2018. The implementation of a separate scheme in this same year attempted to ensure the rights of mentally ill Georgian prisoners, specifically.
2022-2030 National Mental Health Strategy
This national plan aims to emphasize child and adolescent mental health. The strategy further champions deinstitutionalization and the importance of community-based care for mentally ill patients. In 2022, 8.4% of the mentally ill population received treatment in a mental hospital with the remaining populace receiving care at a community-based service.
Moving Forward
Treatment for mentally ill patients has transformed in various manners since the Georgian state obtained its independence. Firstly, however, it appears that treatment is geographically discriminatory with only civilians who reside in the country’s capital being prioritized; citizens who reside in poorer, more remote regions find treatment is less accessible to them.
Secondly, it seems that treatment for mentally disabled prisoners is immensely stagnated, especially in comparison to services which are accessible to non-incarcerated civilians. The Public Defender’s Office (PDO) of 2022 noted the sub-standard conditions available for mentally ill inmates and reported a severe lack of services specifically for those with disabilities. The former Soviet Union state has made major progress since the early 1990s and will hopefully continue to make further steps to ensure all Georgian civilians, irrespective of their geographical location and incarcerated status, can access adequate mental health services.
– Naomi Finapiri
Photo: Unsplash
Addressing Elderly Poverty in Iran
The Rise of the Grey-Haired Tsunami
Since 2022, the percentage of Iranian individuals over 60 has encompassed 10% of the total population. Iranian officials cite that this number will only continue to increase and argue that it will attain 33% by 2050. Saber Jabari, head of the Health Ministry Youth Department, ascribes this trend to the recent decrease in the country’s fertility rates. He states that many young Iranians are opting for later marriages and some are even doing away with having children altogether.
While fertility rates among Iranian youths are decreasing, the average life expectancy has increased among men from 57 years to 76 years and among women from 55 years to 78 years, according to Anadolu Agency.
In 2021, Iran’s Population Studies Centre had previously alerted government officials of the gravity of this situation. The center had cautioned that if officials continue to ignore these demographic trends, Iran would go down an irreversible path of aging, according to the Middle East Institute (MEI).
As the percentage of Iranians above the age of 60 increases, officials fear that, in years to come, the retired population could exceed that of the working population. The speed at which its residents are aging threatens the economic and social state of the country and puts into question the efficiency of its programs, i.e. the health care system and pension plan. Discrepancies within the government’s budgeting also explain the mounting poverty rate amongst the Iranian elderly.
Inadequacies in Iran’s Treatment of the Elderly
The Iranian elderly population relies heavily on a traditional family support system as well as a pension plan. Studies report that, as of 2023, nearly 50% of Iranian households live below the poverty line. Many experts attribute this cause to the Iranian government’s mismanagement of its priorities. The government’s prioritization is on foreign policy and international sanctions rather than their pension fund. Internal corruption and mismanagement have also impeded the government from developing a strong pension fund, according to MEI.
A Saba Institute study shows that 86% of retirees covered by pension funds are unable to maintain their living expenses, thus forcing many to seek a bank loan or borrow from a willing relative, Zamaneh Media reports. Improper funding is due to the government’s fiscal policy, which aims at reducing social welfare programs. This reduction has forced the Social Security Organisation and its supporting pension funds into a permanent risk state.
As poverty rates amongst Iranian households continue to mount, many families have begun to abandon their elderly members in parks in an attempt to rid themselves of financial burden. Mohammad Esmaeili Mahjoub, head of Tehran Municipality’s department for managing social issues, reports that, since the start of 2024, 25 cases of elderly abandonment have already occurred.
Elderly Abuse
Abuse among the elderly is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a study by Maziyar Mollaee from Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 30.7% of elders were reported to have been subject to emotional abuse; 25.4% were victims of psychological abuse; 25.1% suffered from neglect; 19.7% were financially abused; 13.1% were victims of physical abuse; and, 11.7% were abandoned.
Fatemeh Abbasi, deputy responsible for rehabilitation affairs at the National Welfare Organization, stipulates that there has been a recent rise in homelessness among the elderly. Currently, more than 60% of Iranian elders do not have proper support, while 40% are in poverty.
Nearly 1.5 million elderly Iranians receive aid from the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, and Iranian charitable organization that aids those in poverty, while another 15,000 are under 24-hour care at various elderly residents. This increases the possibility of an elder being subject to abuse since two in three staff members in care homes report that they have committed abuse.
Reclaiming One’s Independence
Due to the current economic situation elderly poverty in Iran seems bleak, however, various social programs have been put into place to aid the people and reduce elderly poverty in Iran. Bonyadeh Farzenegan is a non-profit organization the elderly created and currently lead. By taking on a leading role, members of the organization are fostering the development of their health and prolonging their sense of independence.
Since its founding in 2010, the organization has expanded its doors to more than 120 locations and has supported more than 200,000 elderly individuals across Iran. Many of their locations offer various forms of mentally and physically stimulating activities, such as aerobics, painting and theatre, according to Financial Tribune. Mostafa Seraj, a representative of Iran’s State Welfare Organisation, clarifies, “Our strategy behind Bonyadeh Farzenegan is to empower the elderly and delegate services and activities,” Financial Tribune reports.
Other organizations similar to Bonyadeh Farzengan have also been put into place by the Iranian government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) to help tackle this issue and promote the betterment of the overall quality of life of the Iranian elderly.
The Future
Zeinab Nasri, the head of the Tehran Mayor’s Health Office, proclaims, “We have a long way to go before Tehran becomes an age-friendly community and that worries me. The key is for everyone who is a part of this effort to believe that change is necessary, to keep pushing forth, and accept this big responsibility,” Financial Tribune reports.
– Yasmine Nowroozi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Ending Period Poverty in Benin: How Innovation is Building Dignity
Understanding the Depth of the Problem
A complex web of interrelated factors beyond just physical hardship causes period poverty. Social taboos surrounding menstruation create a culture of silence that prevents open dialogue and access to reliable information. Traditional beliefs that portray menstruation as dirty or shameful contribute to a lack of support for girls and women during their periods.
This silence leads to poor sanitary practices. Unable to afford sanitary pads or lacking access to proper sanitation facilities, many women and girls have to use unsanitary substitutes. These practices increase the risk of infections, urinary tract issues and reproductive health problems.
Period poverty also compels girls to miss school. Fear of leaks, inadequate sanitary facilities and a lack of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management can all contribute to school absences. This disrupts their education and potentially widens the gender gap in educational achievement around the world and in Benin.
According to the World Bank, Benin’s national poverty rate in 2021-2022 was 36.2%. This widespread poverty creates significant challenges for women and girls to afford necessities, including sanitary products.
Eco-Friendly and Community Education Initiatives
Organizations like Ilewa recognize the need for sustainable solutions that address both environmental concerns and period poverty in Benin. It produces and markets reusable sanitary pads made from sustainable, locally sourced materials. Its 2021 fundraising drive provided reusable pads to 500 underprivileged girls in Parakou. By promoting a dignified approach to menstrual hygiene, these initiatives empower women. Additionally, they promote environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on disposable products.
Long-term change requires breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation. Organizations like Action Education organize community seminars and awareness campaigns. These campaigns go beyond educating girls and women, also including men and boys in the conversation about menstrual hygiene. These initiatives strive to dispel stigma and create a more supportive environment for menstruating women and girls by fostering empathy and compassion.
Impact and the Road Ahead
Benin’s creative solutions are showing positive results. Increased access to sanitary products, improved hygiene facilities and educational efforts are empowering women and girls to manage their periods effectively. This improves their health and overall well-being, while also promoting educational opportunities and social inclusion.
Challenges remain, however. Reaching remote areas, ensuring program sustainability, and addressing the broader social and cultural aspects of menstruation all require ongoing efforts. Scaling up these programs and advocating for legislative changes that prioritize menstrual health is crucial to achieving menstrual equity for all in Benin.
Conclusion
Period poverty is a complex problem, but a combination of innovative thinking and unwavering commitment can solve it. The programs and organizations working in Benin offer hope for a future where menstruation is not a source of shame or a barrier to opportunity. By shattering the taboo, promoting education, and providing practical solutions, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for a future where period power enables women and girls to thrive.
– Taiwo Makanjuola
Photo: Flickr
Child Poverty in Djibouti
A Debrief of Djibouti’s Malnutrition Crisis
Djibouti’s record of food insecurity traces back to its heavy dependence on foreign aid and struggles with “persistent droughts and food shortages.” The weather in Djibouti instigates consistent agricultural production with conditions of 130 mm of rainfall per year, according to the World Bank, and recurring droughts. As one of Africa’s smallest countries, Djibouti’s limitation in arable land impedes the ability to produce food, the World Bank reports. The insufficient production of food resources is disproportionate to the necessary nutritional needs of a human being, significantly impacting 42% of the population of Djibouti that is living in extreme poverty, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). As a result, the country imports 90% of food production through global markets instead.
The increment in pricing for commodities such as housing, electricity and water fuels financial pressure on lower to middle-income families. Household expenses in addition to the inflated international food import prices render it difficult for parents to protect children and adolescents from nutritional deficiency. Due to limited economic opportunity for lower-income Djiboutian families, the financial prioritization of basic household requirements leaves little room for imperative dietary coverage.
Djibouti holds one of the highest cases of child malnutrition compared to other countries within the Middle East and North Africa regions. Due to the exacerbated food shortages, weather conditions and economic setbacks, one in three Djiboutian children are severely malnourished, according to the SOS Children’s Villages. More than 10% of Djiboutian children aged between 6 and 59 months are living in households with food insecurity and are suffering from acute malnutrition, according to a 2011 report. The high occurrence of malnutrition due to limited feeding practices for Djibouti’s children comes with deterioration in physical development such as stunted growth and critically underweight.
Susceptibility to Child Labor
Due to the financial strain on families, children have to be a part of the workforce from an early age. Djiboutian children are more likely to work at the age of 5 than to be attending school or other childhood services, according to the World Bank report. Often, these children struggle with aggressive workplace conditions to attend school or contribute to their family income. From caring for livestock to street work such as polishing shoes or washing cars, Djiboutian children in the workforce partake in diverse roles. However, Djibouti’s children are also vulnerable to illicit activities such as human trafficking. Commercialized sexual exploitation occurs due to the absence of labor inspectors.
While Djibouti’s Ministry of Labor has enacted laws that provide standardized guidelines on child labor; there yet exists legal gaps in protection from sexual exploitation. The country proposed the national labor inspection Strategy in 2020, however, it has been ineffective in applying adequate protection against child labor. Children’s exploitation occurs due to the absence of labor inspectors, according to Humanium. The financial strain on Djibouti’s government prohibits further law enforcement protocol to protect vulnerable children from unethical forms of labor. Child labor tends to compromise a child’s engagement with education due to physically and psychologically demanding circumstances that they are subjected to.
Going Forward With International Effort
International organizations alongside the Djiboutian government are in motion to develop policies and services to secure food, proper housing and educational opportunities for children living in harsh conditions. For example, the SOS Children’s Villages has been providing support in Djibouti for children without parental care since 2011. SOS Children’s Villages have immensely supported 190 Djiboutian children and families living in poverty within the city of Tadjourah.
Additionally, UNICEF and the WFP are simultaneously strategizing to reduce acute malnutrition through policy advocacy. UNICEF has appealed for $2.5 million from the U.S. government where 36% would go to water, sanitation and hygiene, around 8% would be allocated for education, and around 17% for food security. UNICEF has also partnered with Djibouti’s government to provide accessible water and nutritional goods for more than 6,000 children.
In 2022, the World Bank approved a $30 million International Development Association (IDA) grant for Djibouti to provide financial means to protect families that are exposed to sudden economic disparities. Due to the recurrence of severe droughts, pricing in Djibouti has had a significant impact on lower-income households. The Social Protection Emergency Crisis Response Project is on a mission to generate social safety nets for households in Djibouti struggling with multiple crises.
A Secure Childhood
This form of financial protection could shield vulnerable families from national crises, and those that cannot be substantially supported by the government. By ameliorating the scarcity of resources for families living in poverty, children in Djibouti are pushed even further to attain a secure childhood as every child should. A safe environment for children in Djibouti begins with quality education, access to nutrition, and relief from labor exploitation. International focus has been a remarkable contributor to protecting the rights and freedom of the young generations of Djibouti and preventing further child poverty in Djibouti.
– Abigail Lobo
Photo: Flickr
The Transformative Impact of Minga Peru in the Peruvian Amazon
Challenges in Loreto
The Loreto region in the eastern Peruvian Amazon, home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, confronts considerable challenges. High rates of poverty, disease and domestic abuse plague this largely inaccessible area. Women are disproportionately affected by these ongoing issues, suffering more significantly than their male counterparts.
Minga Peru’s Innovative Program
Minga Peru has launched innovative programs to tackle the challenges in the Loreto region. Among these, the “Bienvenida Salud” radio program stands out as a cornerstone initiative. Broadcasting since Minga Peru’s inception, it reaches more than 120,000 listeners per episode throughout the Amazon. The program addresses taboo topics such as domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, human rights and biocultural preservation. It is highly interactive, engaging listeners through community feedback, questions via letters and direct interactions. To date, the program has received more than 40,000 confidential letters, underscoring its success in fostering community dialogue.
Empowering Women Leaders
Central to Minga Peru’s success is its focus on empowering women. By prioritizing women in its development model, the organization advances gender equality and social justice. Minga Peru trains women as “promotoras,” community leaders who spread crucial information and support their peers. These women receive comprehensive training in human rights, disease prevention, civic participation and environmental stewardship at Minga’s training center. After completing their training, promotoras return to their communities to educate and mobilize others, thereby amplifying the impact of their knowledge and empowerment.
Success Stories: Emira Montes Zuta
An inspiring example of Minga Peru’s impact is the journey of Emira Montes Zuta. Initially a listener of the Bienvenida Salud program, Emira became one of Minga Peru’s earliest promotoras. She now leads regionally, manages the radio, writes scripts and announces. Emira’s work reaches hundreds of thousands of listeners, promoting health, gender equality and social justice. Reflecting on her journey, Emira recalls, “The first time I participated in my village meeting, they introduced me as a community promotora… For everyone there it was very strange to see and hear a young woman talking about these topics in a village meeting… But eventually I was able to help the community on a voluntary basis.” Her story illustrates the transformative power of education and community support through Minga Peru.
Broader Impact and Recognition
Minga Peru plays a vital role in addressing critical health challenges in the region. The organization has educated 600 women on preventive measures and early detection of breast and cervical cancer, essential in areas with limited health care access where diseases often remain undiagnosed until advanced stages. Beyond individual impacts, Minga Peru has trained more than 1,200 promotoras. These leaders educate and mobilize networks across the Amazon, initiate community projects, secure local government funding and launch sustainable income initiatives like fisheries, agroforestry and handicrafts. Additionally, Minga Peru’s innovative solutions to human rights challenges in Latin America gained the organization finalist status in the Ashoka Changemaker competition.
Building a Sustainable Future
Minga Peru’s initiatives foster well-being, identity transformation and emotional recovery, thereby creating a supportive community environment. The Minga Tour, an educational tourism program, successfully promoted markets featuring locally-made artisanal products, boosting economic opportunities for the community. Through collaboration, education and empowerment, Minga Peru is not merely creating change but is building a future where every voice is heard and every community thrives. The organization is transforming the narrative for women in the Peruvian Amazon and paving the way for sustainable social justice.
– Malaikah Niyazi
Photo: Flickr
Foreign Aid to Georgia Pre New Bill
Georgia’s International Relations
The United States (U.S.) supports Georgia due to its strategic significance as a young democracy striving for deeper integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Georgia’s location at a crucial international crossroads and its commitment to mutual security objectives further underscore the importance of this partnership. The U.S. aims to help Georgia enhance its resilience and prosperity, fostering a stronger and more resilient democracy in the region. The U.S. President Joe Biden’s Administration’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal for the Department of State and USAID aims to disburse $80 million in foreign aid to Georgia under Assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.
The World Bank remains committed to Georgia’s progress and endeavours to continue supporting its journey towards a more competitive, environmentally sustainable, digitally advanced and business-friendly economy that creates opportunities for its citizens. The World Bank has extended substantial foreign aid to Georgia totalling $3.88 billion. This support, including funds from the International Development Association (IDA), has been aiming to support 86 projects covering various sectors of the economy.
EU and Georgia
The EU and Georgia have maintained ties for more than 25 years, and currently, their relationship is more robust than ever before. Surveys indicate that as much as 90% of Georgia’s 3.7 million people favour EU accession; and, in return, the EU aids Georgia in unlocking its economic potential through international collaboration. This involves providing assistance to align with EU legislative standards and facilitating integration into broader economic frameworks.
EU is Georgia’s major trading partner. Its exports to Georgia amounted to €3.23 billion and it imported goods worth €1.026 billion in 2022. In the coming years, the EU hopes to invest in several flagship projects in Georgia to foster economic development and improve quality of life. These projects include establishing reliable internet through a Black Sea data cable and electricity cable, enhancing connectivity with ferry connections in the Black Sea and supporting 80,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives collectively aim to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, support local businesses and improve living standards across the country.
Georgia’s Poverty Rate
According to the World Bank, Georgia’s poverty rate declined from 70.6% in 2010 to 47.7% in 2022. Furthermore, the job market showed robust improvement, with unemployment dropping from 20.6% in 2021 to a historic low of 16.4% in 2023. In fact, in 2022, the Government of Georgia officially joined the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) as a donor. And finally, with the West granting Georgia candidate status, the EU accession process could offer opportunities to accelerate reforms and foster prosperity.
European Foreign Aid to Georgia
USAID’s ongoing initiatives in Georgia prioritize several key areas, including job creation and enhancing educational and professional training to equip Georgians with the skills needed for a modern economy. These initiatives focus on education and professional training, increasing employability and income potential, ultimately lifting individuals out of poverty.
In recent years, foreign aid to Georgia has included significant contributions such as Germany’s €310 million COVID-19 relief funding in 2020 and a combined investment of €641 million from AFD (France) and KfW (Germany) in 2023, with E.U. grants amounting to €8.5 million for the “Green Transition for Georgia” project.
Additionally, a substantial investment of €6.5 million from the European Union and €1 million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has been allocated to explore untapped social and economic potentials in regions such as Guria, Imereti, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi/Kvemo Svaneti. This support for green energy projects not only reduces dependency on costly energy imports but also creates new job opportunities in renewable energy sectors, mitigating environmental degradation and contributing to sustainable poverty reduction.
The Council of the European Union has announced the adoption of a €30 million assistance measure for Georgia under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This measure aims to support “the Georgian Defence Forces in enhancing national security, stability and resilience within the defence sector.” Enhanced national security could create a stable environment crucial for economic growth, attracting foreign investment and fostering local business development, which generates employment.
Georgia’s Recent “Foreign Agents” Bill
A major recent development by the Georgian government has questioned the continuation of foreign aid. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Georgian lawmakers approved the legislation, with 84 members of the country’s 150-member law-making body voting in favor. This new bill requires non-governmental organizations, receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad, to register as “organizations serving the interests of a foreign power” or face fines. Supporters argue that the new bill aims to maintain foreign investment transparency and avoid foreign influence on Georgian politics. They also say the new bill is based on a similar U.S. law — the Foreign Agents Registration Act — which dates back to 1938.
The people of Georgia understand this to be a “Kremlin-style” law as similar legislation passed by Moscow in 2012 has been used to crack down on dissenters in the country. Due to Georgia’s history with Russia, there are multiple protests in the streets of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, against the new bill implementation.
Georgia was recently given official candidate status for the EU membership in 2023 and the new bill does not align with European values of free speech. With the passing of this bill, the Georgian government is getting further away from accessing the EU which can be a “turning point” for its relations with the two countries including funding to be possibly pulled off by the U.S.
According to The Guardian, the Georgian government is hinting at the possibility of dropping the bill in return for revised support from the States or “a package of economic and security support from Washington.”
– Sakshi Pillai
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Poverty and Disabilities in Nepal
Disabilities Prevalence
UNICEF reported that in 2011, there were 1.9% of Nepali people with a disability, such as those with physical, vision, hearing, speech and mental disabilities. However, this number may be higher. UNICEF also states that the National Planning Commission (NPC) conducted a situation analysis in 2001 that suggested that 30.3% of those with disabilities were preventable and were a result of a lack of resources.
Handicap International (HI) reported that of all the people with disabilities, only 1% of them can find meaningful employment and 78% of children with disabilities are not in schools.
Poverty in Nepal
As stated in the beginning, 40% of the population is below the poverty line. The people of Nepal largely rely on agriculture as a means of work, while those who are disabled could be at an even greater disadvantage as they often cannot work.
Some factors linked to poverty in Nepal include natural disasters, complications in politics, lack of resources and inequality. Despite ongoing efforts to lower the poverty rates, it is a difficult task, one further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic pushed an estimated 70 million people in Nepal into poverty due to loss of income, according to Outreach International.
Poverty Rates Are Improving
Even with all the challenges, the poverty rate has decreased from 25% in 2011 to 3.6% in 2023, according to the World Bank. Furthermore, the economy could grow from 1.9% in 2023 to 3.3% in 2024, with more anticipated growth beyond this year. Some of these changes are due to changes in its federal, state and local government, and organizations helping aid the country along to a new and improved state.
Improving Conditions
Despite the high number of disabled children not in education, organizations such as HI are working to make education equitable for all children in Nepal, allowing Nepali children with disabilities the opportunity to learn. It is working to improve the quality of life for all Nepalese people with disabilities and provide access to rehabilitation and help them with social inclusion.
Some of these initiatives include early intervention for children with disabilities and adding inclusive sports and other extracurricular activities for these children. HI seeks to provide training for parents or guardians of these children with disabilities to help them better understand how to care for them.
HI works with the local government to implement policies to support education. It also works to increase access to rehabilitation centres and improve the services themselves, such as physical therapy, prosthetics and other medical aid.
Changing Government Can Lead to Lower Poverty Rates
Nepal as a country is undergoing a massive change, only recently shifting from a monarchy to a federal republic. This monumental change also encourages lowering the poverty rates and economic growth. In 2017, Nepal had an election and the new government began establishing itself in February 2018, the World Bank reports.
That same year, the World Bank sent the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) until 2023, to support the country’s growth, political stability, and inclusivity for the poverty-stricken areas and marginalized people, such as disabled Nepali people. The CPF also sought to support the country’s public services, job growth and better resilience against changing weather patterns among many other objectives.
It mainly prioritizes economic growth via jobs and “strengthening public institutions for effective economic management, service delivery and public investments not only at the national level but at sub-national levels,” according to the World Bank. It does, however, seek to encourage inclusivity and diversity for many of its marginalized groups and improve gender equity.
One of the results of the CPF is that in the 1950s, only one out of 1,000 children went to school, but due to these changes, nearly all children now have access to education.
Nepal is a country undergoing immense changes in government and poverty and disabilities in Nepal are making improvements as many organizations have stepped in to aid the Nepali people. While there’s still much work to do, Nepal is on its way to helping its people lead better quality lives.
– Sabrina Betterly
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Sudan
Providing Clean Water
Renewable energy is energy from natural resources which are “replenished at a higher rate than consumed” such as wind, solar and geothermal. These types of resources are also currently playing a major role in helping to improve people’s lives in Sudan and will play an even bigger role in the future.
Through improved technology and investment, renewable energy in Sudan is improving people’s lives and lifting many out of poverty. UNICEF highlighted how in 2023, funding built a solar-powered mini water yard for a small, remote village Gelhanty in eastern Sudan giving communities a safe water source. The water source brought reliable and clean water to around 1,500 people, meaning that women and children in this area no longer had to trek long distances to collect water from unsafe streams.
The new source allows villages water for domestic use such as drinking, cleaning and agricultural purposes. The water yard also prevents women and children from carrying the burden of long trips for unclean water that can cause water-borne diseases.
Solar Panel System for a Hospital
Another success story of renewable energy in Sudan comes from a UNFPA program that piloted a renewable energy program in Abu Jebiha. Partnering with global aid, the program installed a solar panel system at Abu Jebiha Hospital.
Before the installation of the solar panels, the hospitals’ electricity would often be cut out, meaning people could not get the treatment they needed, including women in the maternal ward, which decreased the chances of babies surviving. Now, however, this renewable-powered electricity is seeing great results. Hospital facilities now operate 24/7 including in the maternity ward, operation rooms, blood bank refrigerators, administration offices, incubators and medicine storage.
Previously due to the lack of electricity, the hospital could not operate at capacity as the power would only last for two to three hours a day and patients often had to provide their power source. This successful solar power story means the project is expanding to cover more health facilities.
The Future
These examples show the great work that aid agencies are doing in Sudan to bring essential resources such as water and health care to the communities in the country. However, despite all the successful work, there is a lot more to do and this is just the start of Sudan’s renewable energy program.
Sudan is a country with plenty of renewable and natural energy resources. According to AFSIC, “Sudan has abundant resources for renewable energy, including solar, wind and hydro power. The country has one of the highest solar radiation rates in the world, with the potential to generate up to 15 GW of solar energy.” For reference, 1 GW of energy, equivalent to 1 billion watts, is enough to power up to 750,000 homes.
Sudan has already made major progress towards its renewable energy program, with many large-scale projects to bring a better life for communities already under way. One example of this is government’s plans for the building of a 100 MW solar panel farm in the city of Dongola and a 50 MW wind farm in the Red Sea state, according to AFSIC. The Sudanese government also aims to achieve a total of 5 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Sudan’s blessing of renewable energy is good news for a country that is still struggling with poverty, however, for things to further improve more investment is needed to put new infrastructure in place so that success stories such as clean water yard and solar power supplying a hospital with reliable electricity becomes more commonplace and widespread throughout the country.
– Lachlan Wellington
Photo: Unsplash
Updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon
What Is Wrong With Lebanon’s Energy Sector?
Since the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the Lebanese people have been suffering from an electricity shortage, forcing the state-owned electricity company Électricité du Liban (EDL) to ration out its supply, ranging from three to six hours every day.
For the rest of the day, Lebanese people have to manage their own energy source, with most of the population renting out private generators and hooking them directly to their house supplies. The hyperinflation of the Lebanese Lira (145%) meant that fossil fuels were up to six times more expensive. Up to 90% of households cut back on their energy costs to afford basic services. Also, 20% of low-income households were not able to afford generators at all.
U.N.’s “Lebanon Green Investment Facility”
As a result of Lebanon’s inefficient, expensive and polluting electrical infrastructure, there has been an interesting pivot toward renewable energy, namely solar. However, because of poor toxic waste management and the lack of trust the Lebanese people have toward private initiatives, the “solar revolution” has yet to take off.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) saw the potential of this nascent revolution. In collaboration with Cedar Oxygen SAS and the Ministry of Environment, it created the “Lebanon Green Investment Facility.”
This private investment impact fund aims to help Lebanon decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, with an emphasis on “renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and climate-smart infrastructure […].”
Today’s Updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon
Since the initiation of the Sustainable Development Program in 2015, the United Nations has facilitated the entry of almost $60 million into Lebanon towards building the necessary infrastructure for renewable energy.
The America Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), which is partnered with the UNHCR and UNICEF, is an example of one of these businesses that is seeking to revolutionize Lebanon’s renewable energy sector. Along with Direct Relief, ANERA has, since 2022, begun funding solar panel installation in medical centers, successfully increasing patient capacity by 32%.
Since 90% of Lebanon’s population lives in urban areas, ANERA has shifted its focus to some of the country’s most underserved areas. This includes Akkar, Tripoli and Saida. The installation of solar arrays at centers there will provide uninterrupted electricity to more than 100,000 people.
The United Nations’ updates on SDG 7 in Lebanon have shown some improvement in the energy sector. We now know that not only is this feat possible, but that it will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, positively impacting most if not all of Lebanon’s Sustainable Development Goals.
– Carl Massad
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Monaco
Types of Renewable Energy
The most common types of renewable energy in Monaco come from sunlight and wind power. The country is utilizing these two resources in many places. There are also other types of renewable resources, such as hydropower and geothermal energy.
Solar panels take energy from the sun and transfer it into usable energy for the building or space that the solar panels are connected to. There are two types of solar panels used in Monaco today: solar photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels.
Solar photovoltaic panels are used to take energy from the sun and transfer it into electricity. Most of these panels are found on top of buildings, such as schools and office buildings. There are also some residential buildings that use solar panels. All of these buildings use this energy to meet their needs for electricity, such as lighting. One of the most well-known projects in Monaco for solar panels has been the installation at École des Revoires School. These panels allow for optimal capture of sunlight and allow the school to be self-sufficient in heating water.
Thermal panels, on the other hand, use energy to heat water areas. Currently, many swimming pools, such as the pool in the Ecole St Charles building, are being heated by these panels but there are other uses for this type of solar panel.
Seawater Heat Pumps
Seawater heat pumps take energy from the sea and transform it into energy to heat or cool buildings. These pumps are able to extract either warm or cold water from the sea, in Monaco’s case that sea being the Mediterranean.
Seawater heat pumps are currently being used to produce almost 20% of Monaco’s energy. The pumps are a much more sustainable solution to the world’s energy problems, as they produce energy three to four times more than they consume.
Green Transportation
Monaco offers many accommodations to eliminate carbon-burning transportation. The principality has a public bus system, electric bikes, electric car-sharing services and even a solar-powered water bus.
Monaco has implemented incentives for citizens to use green transportation. Parking passes have reduced fees for those traveling in electric or hybrid vehicles. There is also a discounted price for car sharing, helping struggling families.
Financial Incentives
The government is offering financial incentives to property owners for the implementation of renewable energy resources. These incentives help with financial burdens for struggling owners. There is another benefit of using renewable energy: the buyback of excess power produced from solar panels. Homeowners are able to sell this excess power for a guaranteed price.
Another incentive for citizens is to practice proper waste management techniques. Monaco implemented a rewards system where recycling earns points to use for goods and services. Many benefits stem from this system, including revenue for citizens who might be struggling financially.
Monaco’s Goals for the Future
Monaco’s aim is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. These reductions are coming from the three highest areas of emissions: transportation, waste treatment and energy consumption. These areas take up around 90% of the principalities’ emissions. Renewable energy in Monaco is just the beginning of a transition to a new era of sustainability.
– Dorothy Howard
Photo: Wikimedia Commons