Georgia has received a total of $5.3 billion in ongoing foreign aid which includes investment projects, grants, budget support and technical assistance. Its major donors include the European Investment Bank (EIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, EU, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Germany and the United States of America remain the top two foreign countries to provide financial assistance to Georgia.
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
Sakshi is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Politics and World News for The Borgen Project.
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
Child Marriage in Burkina Faso
Education levels, humanitarian crises and economic hardship all contribute to Burkina Faso having the fifth highest prevalence rate of child marriage in the world, according to Girls Not Brides. Girls Not Brides is a leading global partnership to end child marriage that engages communities in open discussion to raise awareness of the harmful impact of child marriage, support girls who have been affected by an early or forced marriage and defend girls’ right to health, education and equal opportunity.
The Pressures Facing Young Girls in Burkina Faso
The practice of girls being subjected to early or forced marriages in Burkina Faso has been in place for generations. Rates have either stayed the same or increased in the past three decades due to growing instability in some areas, particularly the Sahel region. Girls are often exchanged or married off as soon as they are born, often due to financial agreements between families or in the pursuit of social advantage.
The consequences facing girls who refuse these arrangements are dire and often result in social exclusion and violence. Pog-lenga, meaning woman gift or bonus woman, is a common practice in Burkina Faso involving a bride bringing a niece or female relative to her wedding as a gift that a friend or family member of her new husband is entitled to take.
Education as a Game-Changer
In Burkina Faso, uneducated girls are four times more likely to experience child marriage than those with a secondary or higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, leading to a decline in education levels as more than 2,000 schools closed, impacting more than 300,000 children.
Educating girls is not viewed as a necessity, as the expectation is for them to be quickly married, involved in household duties and have children at a young age. About 52% of girls in Burkina Faso will be married before they turn 18. This expectation for girls to have children as soon as they marry often leads to life-threatening health complications caused by childbirth at such a young age. Death during childbirth is the second biggest cause of death worldwide for girls between 15 and 19. However, maternal mortality in Burkina Faso is lower than the regional average.
Aside from lowering young girls’ chances of child marriage, education can transform how boys and men perceive the issue. Amnesty International found that boys often viewed forced marriage as a good thing as it “can be hard to get a girl” and often demonstrated that they were oblivious to any laws prohibiting forced or young marriages in Burkina Faso. The young men who were against forced marriages tended to be university-educated.
Girls Not Brides
In May 2019, Girls Not Brides joined a national partnership with the Coalition Nationale Contre le Mariage des Enfans au Burkina Faso (CONAMEB), which began in 2013 and now comprises more than 60 member organizations. CONAMEB promotes girls’ rights through raising awareness, policy and advocacy activities to end child marriage. The current mission is to raise the legal age of marriage for girls to 18 without exception. It is currently 15 for girls and 18 for boys when authorized by civil courts. The initiative also aims to educate the entire population on the commercial benefits of ending child marriage.
Other Initiatives
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Global Programme to End Child Marriage, initiated in 2016, has made significant strides in supporting more than 20,000 schools across various countries, including Burkina Faso, in enhancing adolescent girl-friendly education.
Burkina Faso was also the first country in West and Central Africa to adopt the National Strategy for the Prevention and Elimination of Child Marriage. While Burkina Faso still has some of the highest rates of child marriages in the world, significant progress is being made in educating the population and passing strict, clear laws against child marriage.
– Bea Newington-Bridges
Photo: Flickr
Impoverished and Disabled in Mongolia
Little Information Available
One can attribute an increasing amount of recognition of the rights of PWD to Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This convention has been a catalyst for change in terms of inclusive societies that allocate resources to helping PWD, specifically in Asian countries since there is little information available for analysis on behalf of how disabilities affect impoverished communities.
It is hard to determine the progress because of deep-rooted stigmas and cultural stereotypes that hinder the acknowledgment of PWD. Mongolia specifically shows interesting statistics that show just how society deals with disabled people where the culture hinders the recognition of disabilities. Firstly, there is a decrease in reported disability in the ages of individuals who are legally allowed to receive pensions. Secondly, statistics show that it is more likely for men to have disabilities in these societies than women, who simultaneously also tend to live longer than their male counterparts, according to a 2019 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.
With a reported 4% of Mongolian citizens living with a disability, the poverty incidence is “more than doubled” within these households. On top of this, “70% are not working compared to 36% of working-age people without disabilities,” ADB reports. Although specific classifications in Mongolia clarify what specifically qualifies as a disability, these classifications have historically recognized mainly adults. Children with disabilities are often never sent to aimags, or hospitals where the formal recognition of disabilities starts. Poverty and disability in Mongolia continue to grow because of a lack of recognition in the early stages of the affected demographics’ lives.
Hard-To-Reach Populations
Because external and internal factors (increasing unregistered urbanization, internal migration and capacity and resource constraints) create hard-to-reach populations that have seen increased recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities, it’s a recognized struggle to provide social services to individuals with disabilities in these hard-to-reach populations, according to ADB. This manifests itself in the stunting of systematic delivery of social services, namely residential care settings, which are the primary type of services PWD get in Mongolia. It is through the inclusion of individuals who fall within these populations that progress starts.
Development centers are a viable option for improving disability and poverty in Mongolia. The ADB and Mongolia’s Government have moved towards implementing centers for PWD. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrau attended the openings of said developments, and it is with the intention that all 21 provinces and nine districts of Ulaanbaatar will have such centers in the future. Poverty and disability in Mongolia started to see remedies within the cause itself as authoritative figures brought attention to the cause.
Moving Towards Inclusion
Targeting aimags as places disabled people in Mongolia can go to to obtain resources and simply recognition for their disabilities is a common and effective example of how a change in infrastructure can help to tackle the 4% of Mongolia’s population of persons with disabilities that exist in poverty.
While there are some recognized hindrances of disability outreaches in Asian countries such as Mongolia, this is not to say that there is no future of change. Although it is hard to change populations of people that their culture and stigma hold back, Mongolia is in a “phase of transition,” and moving towards a more inclusive social climate and progressive disability-centric infrastructure, according to ADB.
– Hailey Nurry
Photo: Pixabay
Happiness Index and Poverty in Finland, Denmark and Switzerland
Finland: Universal Social Welfare Programs
Finland’s being at the top in global happiness rankings is underpinned by a commitment to universal social welfare programs that guarantee a safety net for all citizens. One such model is the Finnish Education System, famous for its fairness and inclusiveness. Since early childhood education, Finland provides free, high-quality education up to higher education for all, irrespective of socioeconomic background. This egalitarian approach empowers people and mitigates the transmission of poverty from generation to generation.
Moreover, Finland’s Basic Income Experiment is just one more example of how innovative approaches to poverty alleviation work with unconditional cash transfers given to a randomly selected group of citizens. According to the European Commission, “The Finnish basic income experiment ran for two years (2017-2018). The main aim of the experiment was to study whether a basic income would increase participation in the labor market and diminish the bureaucracy relating to social security benefits.
The results show that whereas it had no significant impact on employment, it led to less bureaucracy as well as higher life satisfaction and well-being.” By attending to income insecurity, these programs help foster social cohesion with remarkable success in reducing poverty and further contributing to Finland’s happiness.
Denmark: Flexicurity and Active Labor Market Policies
Part of what boosts Denmark’s happiness index is its adoption of flexicurity: a peculiar concoction of flexible labor markets and comprehensive social security. The Danish Flexicurity Model ensures smooth transitions between jobs with robust unemployment benefits and active labor market policies. One such program is the Danish Active Employment Policy, which includes personalized support and training for job seekers, thus enhancing their employability and, on the other hand, reducing long-term unemployment.
Denmark’s investment in Vocational Education and Training has ensured that the skills acquired are highly relevant and in high demand in the market. This ensures sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience. These initiatives imply that Denmark is on the way toward a dynamic labor market coupled with mechanisms of social protection, which significantly reduce poverty and enhance happiness.
Switzerland: Decentralized Social Welfare
Decentralized governance structures and a deep emphasis on vocational training and apprenticeships are two salient features of Switzerland’s approach to alleviating poverty. Switzerland’s social assistance system, which is managed at the cantonal level, comprises targeted assistance to people in financial difficulties, which is duly attuned to local needs and conditions.
Another characteristic feature of the success story of Switzerland is its Dual Vocational Education and Training system. This all-around program contains theory, in-classroom learning and practical workplace learning experiences. It gives employable skills and hence makes them employable, enhancing their socioeconomic status. Through these initiatives, Switzerland shows the importance of community-driven interventions and skills development in reducing poverty and promoting happiness.
Conclusion
The poverty alleviation programs implemented by Finland, Denmark and Switzerland offer insightful lessons on the crossroads of happiness and socioeconomic policy. From universal social welfare programs to active labor market policies and vocational training initiatives, these countries are vivid examples of ways poverty may be addressed to improve societal welfare.
As the world fights the intractable problems of poverty and inequality, the experience of these three countries with a high happiness index is a lighthouse guide as it shows how innovative policy with inclusive programs can lead to a happier, more equitable future for all.
– Honorine Lanka Perera
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities Operating in Hawaii
Aloha Harvest
No one likes waste, least of all wasted food. Aloha Harvest is fighting to fix that. Many Hawaiian charities work to end hunger, but Aloha Harvest takes a unique approach. This Hawaiian charity redistributes food from large corporations like caterers, farms and hotels to the people who need it most. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that people generated 66 million tons of food waste in 2019 in various places. Meanwhile, Aloha Harvest has distributed almost 1 million ponds of food in 2023.
Hope Services Hawaii
Homelessness is present everywhere in the United States, including Hawaii. Hope Services Hawaii (HSH) offers traditional shelter programs in addition to services like TANF rental housing and case management programs to help people escape homelessness. The charity operates shelters across the state, for demographics like single men, single women and seniors. The slate of shelters is numerous and effective. In the 2020 fiscal year, HSH sheltered more than 700 people, put more than 500 children into housing and helped more than 1,700 people avoid or escape homelessness through all of their programs.
Hale Kipa
Youth are a critical demographic when it comes to escaping a cycle of poverty. Hale Kipa offers multiple services for underserved youth in Hawaii to thrive. Runaway havens, therapeutic foster care and emergency shelters are a few highlights, in addition to community outreach programs. The organization prioritizes youth in crisis (e.g. financial instability) or those in dire need (i.e. the most improvised,) rippling outwards into their families and communities. Even better, all these services are free to those who need them most. Since its founding, the organization has assisted more than 74,000 young people in need.
Waikiki Health
Waikiki Health aims to provide affordable health care for everyone in their island community, by offering health care regardless of ability to pay. Even if a patient cannot pay in full for their treatment, Waikiki Health still provides excellent care, supplementing through community donations, both from individuals and private corporations. It is also conscious of the medical needs and traditions of native tribes and offers native Hawaiian healing rituals at no cost to patients who request them. The organization also offers other health services such as behavioral health and pediatric care.
Hawai’i Food Bank
Food banks across the world are critical to preventing vulnerable people from going hungry. Last on this list of charities operating in Hawai’i is Hawai’i Food Bank. This Feeding America member is best known for its signature Farm to Foodbank program. Beginning during the pandemic, this program donates local produce and traditional food staples to those in need by cooperating with local farms. To date the program has donated more than 7.8 million pounds of local produce, investing more than $10 million in partnership with more than 40 farms and food hubs.
It also offers other programs directed towards children, seniors (a monthly food box and farmer’s market) and a disaster response program. Previous disaster relief efforts involving the organization include the 1992 ‘Iniki eruption, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent 2023 Maui wildfires. In 2023, Hawai’i Food Bank distributed more than 1.4 million meals worth of food.
Many of the organizations discussed here deal with the most vulnerable, those in need of help to be the best they can be. This slate of charities operating in Hawaii demonstrates people are doing good in every place and time. Even in an area known for its tourism, Hawaii is a hotspot for nonprofits helping people in dire need. Good is a force which is omnipresent and reaches beyond geographic barriers. Always search for people willing to help, in every area and sphere.
– Meredith Wyrick
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Mobile Health Technologies in Djibouti
Enhancing Access to Health Care Services
Many barriers to health access persist in Djibouti, exacerbated by poverty and geographical disparities. The World Bank reports that about 58% of Djibouti’s population lives below the poverty line, struggling to afford basic medical care. Mobile health technologies, however, are providing a vital bridge. Telemedicine platforms such as BaboCare and TelmedDjib enable remote consultations with health providers, effectively connecting patients with medical professionals, especially in rural areas where health care facilities are scarce. These platforms have reported a success rate of more than 70% in consultations conducted via telemedicine.
Empowering through Health Education
Health education is crucial for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Traditional methods of disseminating health information face significant challenges in Djibouti, where illiteracy rates are about 50%, according to the 2022 UNICEF report. Mobile health technologies offer a scalable and accessible solution to these challenges. Apps like AfyaDjib and Sehaty provide targeted health messages and educational content on topics from maternal and child health to infectious disease prevention. These apps have garnered widespread attention and have reportedly increased health literacy among users by 80%.
Disease Prevention Strategies
Disease prevention emerges as a crucial solution to reduce the burden of illness, especially in resource-limited settings like Djibouti. This country, grappling with a high prevalence of communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, struggles partly due to inadequate health care infrastructure. An effective and cost-efficient prevention strategy in Djibouti includes SMS-based interventions. For instance, the United to Beat Malaria campaign disseminates information on preventive measures like using bed nets and indoor residual spraying. According to the organization, this program has protected more than 40 million people from malaria in 61 countries and raised more than $75 million to combat the disease.
Challenges and Future Directions
While mobile health technologies hold great promise, challenges persist in their broad use and sustainability. These services often remain inaccessible to marginalized populations, particularly due to poor internet connectivity in rural areas. Ensuring that mHealth interventions respect cultural norms and include linguistic diversity is equally important. Therefore, future collaborations among government entities, nonprofit organizations and private sector stakeholders are crucial. These partnerships could address these challenges and fully realize the potential of mHealth technologies to improve health care delivery in Djibouti.
Looking Ahead
Djibouti’s commitment to expanding mobile health technologies promises to further revolutionize its health care landscape. As partnerships between governmental bodies, NGOs and private sectors strengthen, these collaborative efforts are set to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of health services across the nation. With continuous innovation and strategic implementation, mHealth has the potential to significantly reduce health disparities and lead Djibouti toward achieving sustainable universal health care coverage.
– Honorine Lanka Perera
Photo: Flickr