Amid growing economic pressures, changing weather patterns, technological development, inequality and political extremism, governments around the world are under increasing pressure to uphold the rule of law while remaining inclusive and accountable. Nearly three decades after the Bosnian War (1992-1995), fragility and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain closely linked. While the country has made significant progress in rebuilding institutions, political divisions and corruption continue to hinder development.
From Conflict To Institutional Fragility
The Bosnian War (1992-1995) claimed more than 100,000 lives and displaced millions before ending with the Dayton Peace Agreement. While the agreement secured peace, it also established a highly decentralized political system designed to balance power among the country’s three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.
Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two autonomous entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, and the self-governing Brčko District. This highly decentralized system creates overlapping responsibilities that delay policymaking, reforms and public service delivery.
Although this constitutional framework has helped preserve peace since the end of the war, it has also contributed to ongoing institutional fragility. Political divisions, corruption and legislative deadlock still hinder effective governance and weaken public confidence in state institutions.
The European Commission’s 2019 Expert Report on Rule of Law Issues concluded that a lack of commitment to the rule of law remains a fundamental challenge, requiring substantial legislative and institutional reforms to meet European Union standards.
These governance challenges are reflected in the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, where Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 70th out of 143 countries globally. While the country was one of the few to improve its overall score, concerns remain over delays in the civil justice system, government interference and the broader impact of political polarization on judicial independence and accountability.
Why the Rule of Law Matters for Development
A strong rule of law is fundamental to sustainable development. Independent courts, transparent institutions and accountable governments help create stable societies where public services function effectively and citizens’ rights are protected. Conversely, corruption and weak governance can divert public resources away from priorities such as healthcare and education, limiting opportunities for communities to thrive.
Addressing fragility and strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain essential to improving living standards and supporting long-term development. According to the World Bank, Bosnia’s fragmented governance has slowed the reforms needed to attract foreign investment, create jobs and advance European Union accession, limiting economic growth and institutional modernization. For many Bosnians, stronger institutions are about more than governance as they help ensure fair access to public services, employment opportunities and legal protections, particularly for those facing economic hardship.
At the same time, the United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating environment for human rights defenders, warning that legal uncertainty and political tensions can discourage civic participation and deepen social divisions. By strengthening judicial independence, improving government transparency and protecting fundamental freedoms, Bosnia can create a more stable environment that supports the wellbeing of citizens and lays the foundation for prosperity and democratic governance.
Strengthening public institutions is therefore not only a matter of good governance but also an important step toward reducing poverty and inequality. More effective and accountable institutions can improve access to services and create economic opportunities for communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
International Support and the Path Forward
Despite persistent challenges, Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken important steps toward strengthening the rule of law with support from international partners. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping modernize public administration through digital public services, open-data initiatives and improved public finance management, while also enhancing citizen participation in local decision-making.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also supports judicial independence through trial monitoring, legal assistance and reforms that improve transparency and accountability. These initiatives aim to increase public confidence in the justice system.
Although significant challenges remain, continued domestic reform and international cooperation offer an opportunity to strengthen public trust, improve access to justice and reduce barriers that prevent vulnerable communities from benefiting fully from economic and social development.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to strengthen its institutions, addressing fragility and reinforcing the rule of law will be essential to ensuring lasting peace, economic opportunity and inclusive development.
– Maisie Russell
Maisie is based in Surrey, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
BrightNest School: A Pathway out Being Poor in Sri Lanka
A Hidden Struggle
Although Sri Lanka now boasts improved public school investments and a 92% literacy rate for both genders, one of the highest in South Asia, students in low-income villages still encounter barriers that hinder their academic and career prospects. Nonprofit organizations such as BrightNest are working to bridge these gaps through expanded classroom instruction, mentorship, and English lessons for local low-income children.
BrightNest’s founder Renuka Deva and her daughter, Board Chair Elect Sonali Anderson, witnessed these disparities firsthand during their annual visits to family in Northern Sri Lanka. While enjoying fresh coconut water and vibrant Nallur festival processions, they also encountered children standing along busy roads searching for spare change, snacks, and clothes.
The Scope of the Opportunity Gap
These experiences represent broader opportunity gaps across the nation. According to UNICEF Sri Lanka, only 20% of students from low-income families complete secondary education, compared with 70% of students from higher-income families. Combined with gendered expectations around work and marriage, graduation rates decline even more for young women.
More than 23,000 households in Jaffna are at or below the poverty line, and financial struggles are especially prevalent in nearby Northern villages including Killinochchi, Mullativu, and Mannar, three of the reddest zones on Sri Lanka’s poverty map. Without structured teaching or resource access, youth struggle to develop the English proficiency, critical thinking, and technical skills needed for higher education and employment.
The World Bank flags this phenomenon as “learning poverty,” or the inability to read and understand basic texts by age 10. This barrier perpetuates cyclical poverty across developing nations, limiting a person’s capacity for economic mobility, self-actualization, and intellectual growth.
Impact of BrightNest
Recognizing these challenges, Renuka Deva founded BrightNest in Kanadarodai in 2020. Since then, the nonprofit has provided English-language education, leadership training, and digital literacy support to more than 800 students between the ages of 5 and 12. Through a two-fold teaching model, the school prioritizes educating students and teachers to improve higher education and career-building opportunities for both groups.
Although English is a required subject in government schools across Jaffna, many classrooms lack sufficient opportunities for student participation, conversation, or one-to-one instruction. BrightNest works to complement English learning through small classes that prioritize teamwork, group speaking opportunities, and online practice.
As BrightNest’s director and volunteer coordinator, Sonali Anderson has watched students who initially hesitated to speak in English gradually become confident communicators and emerging leaders within their schools. Her lessons continue to reveal the value of peer support in creating effective literacy outcomes and engagement.
Looking Ahead
By combining interactive group lessons with individualized teaching, BrightNest is equipping young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed for long-term educational and economic opportunities. The organization plans to expand its efforts by opening a new school that will reach even more children across Northern Sri Lanka. As the Deva family believes, every child is a spark of potential waiting to shine.
– Natasha Agarwal
Photo: Flickr
How Solar Energy in Malawi Is Creating Economic Opportunity
Expanding Electricity Access
Malawi has made significant progress in expanding electricity access, yet many rural communities still rely on traditional energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for supporting economic development and reducing poverty across the country.
The Government of Malawi has prioritized universal energy access through national policies that encourage investment in renewable energy and off-grid solutions. The Ministry of Energy works with development partners and private companies to expand electricity access while promoting sustainable economic growth and greater resilience for rural communities.
Major Initiatives
One of the country’s largest initiatives, the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP), brought together the Government of Malawi, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), and the World Bank to expand both national grid connections and solar home systems. The project exceeded its original goals, providing electricity access to nearly 2 million people and supporting the installation of nearly 257,000 solar home systems.
Solar energy has also created new economic opportunities through the Off-Grid Market Development fund, known locally as the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee fund. The initiative has partnered with private solar companies to make renewable energy systems more affordable for low-income households and reached its initial goal of electrifying 200,000 households ahead of schedule. The program helps families and small businesses benefit from reliable electricity without waiting for national grid expansion.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Reliable electricity creates opportunities for entrepreneurship by allowing businesses to extend operating hours and adopt new technologies. Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) identifies decentralized renewable energy as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities where access to affordable electricity can support small enterprises and create new sources of income.
Women have also benefited from expanded energy access. According to the World Bank, female-headed households received 41% of the off-grid solar systems distributed through MEAP, exceeding the project’s original gender target. Access to electricity has enabled many women to establish phone-charging businesses and other small enterprises that generate additional household income.
Future Projects
Malawi continues to build on this progress through the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project. ESCOM and the Government of Malawi are implementing the initiative with World Bank support to increase national electricity access from 25.9% to 50% by 2030 while expanding clean and affordable energy solutions for households and businesses.
Solar energy is doing more than powering homes across Malawi. Investments from the Government of Malawi, the World Bank, ESCOM, SEforALL, and private-sector partners are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and helping improve quality of life. As renewable energy initiatives continue to expand, Malawi is building a more sustainable future where greater electricity access can help reduce poverty and support long-term economic growth.
– Archie Monton-Black
Photo: Rawpixel
4 Reasons Why Renewable Energy in Brunei Reduces Poverty
The Situation
Although Brunei is considered a high-income country, economic vulnerability still exists because its economy relies heavily on oil and gas. According to the World Bank, Brunei’s unemployment rate was approximately 5.3% in 2023. Brunei does not publish an official national poverty rate, and almost all households have access to electricity, thus there is no largely reported energy poverty rate. However, dependence on oil and gas leaves the country’s economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices, making economic diversification more and more important.
Although Brunei has one of the highest incomes in Southeast Asia, poverty and economic vulnerability still exist for some households due to the country’s heavy dependence on oil and gas. According to the World Bank, Brunei’s unemployment rate was about 4.9% in 2023, while fluctuations in global energy markets create long-term economic uncertainty. Expanding renewable energy in Brunei can help create a more diverse economy, improve employment opportunities and strengthen long-term economic stability.
Although renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are mostly known for their environmental benefits, transitioning to renewable energy also helps alleviate poverty by diversifying economies, lowering energy costs and creating more job opportunities. The Energy Transition Division is advancing renewable energy in Brunei, which is leading the country’s shift toward cleaner energy.
Brunei’s renewable energy plans include solar energy projects, new national climate goals and renewable energy targets to support a more sustainable future. The government, through the Energy Transition Division, aims for 30% renewable electricity generation by 2035. One major initiative is the Temburong Smart City, launched as part of Brunei’s Smart Nation vision. The project combines solar power, smart grids and energy-efficient technology to improve sustainability while supporting economic development.
The Benefits
What Does This Mean for Brunei’s Future?
Although Brunei’s heavy reliance on oil and gas, along with renewable energy’s currently small share of electricity generation, presents challenges during the country’s energy transition, the benefits of expanding renewable energy and its growing number of successful projects outweigh these obstacles.
Brunei’s transition toward renewable energy in Brunei creates more than a greener future. It creates jobs, strengthens and diversifies the economy, provides long-term opportunities for rural communities and helps reduce poverty. As Brunei continues investing in clean energy, the country is building a stronger, more sustainable and more prosperous future.
– Kayla Moore
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fragility and the Rule of Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amid growing economic pressures, changing weather patterns, technological development, inequality and political extremism, governments around the world are under increasing pressure to uphold the rule of law while remaining inclusive and accountable. Nearly three decades after the Bosnian War (1992-1995), fragility and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain closely linked. While the country has made significant progress in rebuilding institutions, political divisions and corruption continue to hinder development.
From Conflict To Institutional Fragility
The Bosnian War (1992-1995) claimed more than 100,000 lives and displaced millions before ending with the Dayton Peace Agreement. While the agreement secured peace, it also established a highly decentralized political system designed to balance power among the country’s three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.
Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two autonomous entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, and the self-governing Brčko District. This highly decentralized system creates overlapping responsibilities that delay policymaking, reforms and public service delivery.
Although this constitutional framework has helped preserve peace since the end of the war, it has also contributed to ongoing institutional fragility. Political divisions, corruption and legislative deadlock still hinder effective governance and weaken public confidence in state institutions.
The European Commission’s 2019 Expert Report on Rule of Law Issues concluded that a lack of commitment to the rule of law remains a fundamental challenge, requiring substantial legislative and institutional reforms to meet European Union standards.
These governance challenges are reflected in the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, where Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 70th out of 143 countries globally. While the country was one of the few to improve its overall score, concerns remain over delays in the civil justice system, government interference and the broader impact of political polarization on judicial independence and accountability.
Why the Rule of Law Matters for Development
A strong rule of law is fundamental to sustainable development. Independent courts, transparent institutions and accountable governments help create stable societies where public services function effectively and citizens’ rights are protected. Conversely, corruption and weak governance can divert public resources away from priorities such as healthcare and education, limiting opportunities for communities to thrive.
Addressing fragility and strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain essential to improving living standards and supporting long-term development. According to the World Bank, Bosnia’s fragmented governance has slowed the reforms needed to attract foreign investment, create jobs and advance European Union accession, limiting economic growth and institutional modernization. For many Bosnians, stronger institutions are about more than governance as they help ensure fair access to public services, employment opportunities and legal protections, particularly for those facing economic hardship.
At the same time, the United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating environment for human rights defenders, warning that legal uncertainty and political tensions can discourage civic participation and deepen social divisions. By strengthening judicial independence, improving government transparency and protecting fundamental freedoms, Bosnia can create a more stable environment that supports the wellbeing of citizens and lays the foundation for prosperity and democratic governance.
Strengthening public institutions is therefore not only a matter of good governance but also an important step toward reducing poverty and inequality. More effective and accountable institutions can improve access to services and create economic opportunities for communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
International Support and the Path Forward
Despite persistent challenges, Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken important steps toward strengthening the rule of law with support from international partners. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping modernize public administration through digital public services, open-data initiatives and improved public finance management, while also enhancing citizen participation in local decision-making.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also supports judicial independence through trial monitoring, legal assistance and reforms that improve transparency and accountability. These initiatives aim to increase public confidence in the justice system.
Although significant challenges remain, continued domestic reform and international cooperation offer an opportunity to strengthen public trust, improve access to justice and reduce barriers that prevent vulnerable communities from benefiting fully from economic and social development.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to strengthen its institutions, addressing fragility and reinforcing the rule of law will be essential to ensuring lasting peace, economic opportunity and inclusive development.
– Maisie Russell
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities Operating in the Central African Republic
1. Central African Red Cross
The Central African Red Cross is one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations. Working alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the organization provides emergency relief, first aid, disaster response and health services to communities experiencing conflict and natural disasters. Volunteers also help reunite separated families, promote disease prevention and strengthen community resilience through disaster preparedness programs. According to the ICRC, the organization supports communities throughout the Central African Republic by delivering emergency assistance and restoring essential services for people affected by conflict.
2. Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works with vulnerable communities across the Central African Republic to improve food security, strengthen local economies and promote peaceful coexistence. The organization provides agricultural support, cash assistance and livelihood programs that help families recover from conflict and economic hardship. Since beginning its work in the country in 2007, Mercy Corps has helped improve the lives of more than 800,000 people through programs that strengthen food security, economic opportunity and community resilience.
3. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides humanitarian assistance to people fleeing conflict and violence throughout the Central African Republic. Its programs focus on primary health care, nutrition, clean water, sanitation and protection services for women and children. The IRC also supports survivors of gender-based violence, expands access to education and delivers emergency assistance to displaced families, helping communities recover from years of instability.
4. War Child
War Child has worked in the Central African Republic since 2014 to help children whose lives have been disrupted by conflict. The organization provides education, child protection and mental health and psychosocial support to children and their families. In 2025, War Child reported reaching more than 16,700 children and adults through programs that promote learning, emotional well-being and safer communities.
5. UNICEF
UNICEF has worked in the Central African Republic since 1986 to improve the lives of children and families. The organization provides vaccinations, nutrition services, clean water, sanitation, education and emergency assistance to communities affected by conflict and displacement. Working alongside the government and local partners, UNICEF strengthens child protection systems, expands access to essential health and nutrition services and helps children continue learning during humanitarian emergencies.
Conclusion
Building a more stable and prosperous Central African Republic requires strong partnerships among governments, humanitarian organizations and local communities. By expanding access to health care, education, food security and child protection, these five charities operating in the Central African Republic help vulnerable families recover from crises while promoting long-term development. Their continued efforts strengthen communities, build resilience and create opportunities for future generations, demonstrating how five charities operating in the Central African Republic continue to make a meaningful difference in the fight against poverty.
– Iman Madani
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Addressing Disability and Poverty in Lesotho
Many inhabitants who live outside of the cities still rely on agriculture and farming animals to make a living, though soil erosion is prevalent. Those who move to the cities to create a new life for themselves and their families are met with unemployment and homelessness. In fact, 59% of the population lives under the poverty line.
A Shared Link
Disability and poverty in Lesotho seem to go hand in hand. A lack of stability and infrastructure foster these issues. High unemployment, food insecurity, political unrest, poor fossil fuel resources and a reliance on food imports from South Africa make it difficult to gain full economic independence.
Ties to South Africa could do more harm than good in this present economy. Not only does Lesotho rely on South Africa for electricity, but it also relies on it for food imports. The U.S. has imposed a 30% tariff on South Africa. This will ultimately trickle down to Lesotho furthering the food insecurities of that country.
Living in rural areas makes food insecurity harder to deal with as well. As of 2024, 69.1% of Lesotho’s population lived in rural areas and were especially susceptible to food insecurity. They rely on agriculture to grow food. The increase in droughts and floods threatens crops resulting in many having little to eat.
Disability Adds to the Fray
Adding disability into the fray makes matters worse. Poverty creates a lack of accessible infrastructure, a lack of special equipment needed for individuals with disabilities such as wheelchairs, walkers and technology like tablets. There is a lack of medicine, homecare and specialists for those who need it the most. As of 2020, the UN found that 3% of the population suffered from some form of disability. Many children are within that percentage. According to findings by the UN in 2020, 38.5% of children had a form of visual impairment. About 30.3% had an intellectual impairment and 7.5% had some form of a physical disability.
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities published its findings in March 2026 regarding the prejudice surrounding individuals with disabilities, particularly those who suffer from albinism. It found that there is a need to uphold human rights for all nationwide.
There is also a huge gap in education due to the lack of teachers and educational materials that are geared toward those with physical and intellectual disabilities. In fact, many who are disabled stay home because of the lack of help and the stigma surrounding disabilities.
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also published its findings regarding the lack of education surrounding children with disabilities. It recommended the repeal of the Education Act of 2010 that upholds the discrimination of children by blocking education for all.
Disability and poverty in Lesotho is a cycle. Because of the poverty levels, there is not enough adequate help for those living with a disability.
There Is Hope
Though the cycle of disability and poverty seems bleak, there is hope. There are many organizations who are helping the people of Lesotho break that cycle of poverty and thus, are able to help those with disabilities. A lot of this is occurring through education and technology.
The Lesotho Basic Education Strengthening Project was an initiative that helped teachers enhance their teaching skills through online training courses, enhance their teaching skills. The project closed in 2025 but the World Bank continues to invest in the Lesotho Education Improvement Project that continues to help teachers and improve physical learning conditions.
Global partnerships focusing on AI have also made a positive impact on inclusivity. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in alliance with Intel Corporation, has helped to bring AI technology and training to Lesotho. With the backing of the Lesotho government, AI will be accessible to all by 2030.
Lesotho already has 40 digital learning labs and 40 trained digital ambassadors throughout the country thus far. These ambassadors are teaching the people of Lesotho AI through storytelling, and interactive games helping the population to learn as easily as possible. The goal is to make sure no one is left behind.
Those with disabilities are not being left behind either as the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is taking initiatives to make sure of this. The umbrella organization helps enable individuals living with disabilities to live as independently as possible through the development of life skills and education.
Looking Ahead
Lesotho has ambitions for the future. Technology and AI hope to help make this happen. With improvements in agriculture, education, infrastructure and trade will help to create a more stable country thus improving the lives of all.
– Lara Lewis
Photo: Unsplash
Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Cabo Verde
Employment Opportunities
The labor participation rate amongst women is approximately 50.5%, an increase of 9.6% since the 90s. This is lower than the male participation rate, which is approximately 62.4%. This reveals how around 49.5% of women who are eligible to work in Cabo Verde are out of work.
For the women who are in employment, the opportunities that are available to them are limited. Although women hold 29% of senior and middle management roles within businesses, data from the World Bank reveals how the rate of vulnerable employment is higher amongst women than it is for men. This is work that has more informal arrangements and less social protection. 44.7% of women work within this industry, compared to 26.1% of men, fueling the gender wage gap in Cabo Verde.
Tourism offers many employment opportunities as it makes up 25% of Cabo Verde’s GDP. While women make up 60% of the labor within this industry, they earn 50% less than their male counterparts. Many women have short-term work contracts, a shortcoming that offers more instability for working women.
Marriage and Childcare
Early marriage and childcare responsibilities can limit women’s potential earnings which widens the gender wage gap in Cabo Verde. About 93% of non-employed women revealed that family responsibilities are their main reason for being out of work, with this issue being particularly prominent in rural areas.
According to UN Women, 8.4% of women aged 20 to 24 were married before they were 18. Early marriage can disrupt a woman’s education and her access to skills and resources needed to find good employment.
Efforts To Combat the Gender Wage Gap in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde’s constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women. This is reflected in the Law of Parity, passed in 2019 which outlines a minimum quota of 40% in the representation of each gender within voting and electoral lists. By increasing female participation in politics, it strengthens the position of women within the workforce, minimizing the gender wage gap in Cabo Verde.
In 2023, UN Women, with the support of the Cabo Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity commissioned the Action Plan for Gender Mainstreaming in Tourism. Its priorities include institutional strengthening, training and capacity building and women’s equality and empowerment. This resulted in the development of mentoring programs for women in male-dominated industries.
The impact of the expansion of vocational training for women enables them to gain important skills in business and financial literacy, combatting the gender wage gap in Cabo Verde. Katia Tavares is a recipient of the government’s program, where she undertook courses in a variety of fields. She chose to pursue a career in plumbing, a male-dominated field, due to its financial benefits. It marked a change from her previous job of selling clothes, where many days were unprofitable.
Women in the Workplace
In 2024, the Ministry of Finance in Cabo Verde implemented the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, with a Gender Equality Commission formed to monitor the effective implementation of it within the workplace. It aimed to promote gender equality through government transparency. One of its key aims is the prevention and response to workplace harassment and gender-based violence.
This initiative highlights the next steps in ensuring women are safe as they enter the workplace. With many government initiatives in place, there is a clear drive to close the gender wage gap in Cabo Verde to create meaningful equality between men and women.
– Maya Tailor
Photo: Flickr
Vocational Education Training Centers in Iran
The Skills Gap
Iran has invested heavily in general education over recent decades, literacy among young men and women now sits at 99%. Vocation training, however, has not kept pace with the same progress. Many VETCs still rely on outdated equipment and teaching methods, weak links to industry are leaving graduates without a clear path to employment.
This mismatch hits young women and low income youth the hardest. Even though women make up nearly 60% of Iran’s university students, only about 14% participate in the labor force. Indicating steep barriers when women try to translate education into paid work. Economic strain compounds the problem: currency swings, internet distributions and regional tensions have all weakened business confidence and slowed hiring over the past year, and employers increasingly favor experienced workers over new graduates.
The stakes go beyond unemployment. According to the World Bank, the share of Iranians living below the upper-middle-income poverty line was projected to rise from 33.2% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025, with a further increase to 38.8% expected in 2026, driven by economic contraction and high inflation. This means that a growing share of families, many with young people entering the job market, are struggling to meet basic needs. For young people without vocational skills, this makes the transition into stable paid work harder.
A New Partnership
A joint project between Iran and international partners is now working to minimize this gap. Since 2023, Iran’s Instructor Training Center (ITC) in Karaj, which has trained instructors for the country’s Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO) since 1974, has partnered with UNESCO and South Korea’s international development agency, on the ‘Innovating Iran’s Instructor Training Center.’
The project, which runs through 2028, aims to modernize training centers curricula and facilities so that instructors are able to teach skills that accommodate a modern labor market rather than decades-old industry standards. The program includes training across seven different sectors including agriculture, construction, fashion design and sewing. The initiative also aims to build inclusion measures for women and underprivileged youth directly into its design. The results so far reach beyond the classroom: the project directly trains 35 master trainers, 2,500 trainees and about 250 instructors. Its updated methods reach 15,000 TVTO personnel and more than 1 million trainees across Iran’s wider vocational system each year.
Formal Employment
Vocational education training centers in Iran do more than fill classroom seats; they change how young Iranians enter the workforce. Research from the Center of Economic policy shows that after Iran faced sweeping international sanctions in 2012, workers in the most exposed industries shifted sharply toward informal employment, which typically leads to lower pay and no access to social protections. Proving that vocational training can help offset this shift, by giving workers skills that transfer directly to formal registered jobs. For a country where economic shocks keep pushing workers into the informal sectors, expanding vocational training is not just an education policy; it’s a buffer against long term economic instability.
Looking Ahead
Vocational education training centers in Iran cannot fix every barrier facing the country’s young job seekers, but they show a workable model for closing the gap between education and employment. The ITC innovation project demonstrates that modernized training paired with real support produces measurable results. As Iran’s youth unemployment crisis deepens, continued investment in Education Training Centers in Iran from both the government and international partners offers one of the clearest paths towards a more resilient economy and a more hopeful future.
– Alana Breslin
Photo: Unsplash
Colombia’s Decreasing Unemployment Rate
Unemployment in the Past
The lowest Colombia’s unemployment rate has been in recent decades was 7.8% in 1993, aligning with Latin America’s lowest until the average hit a new low in 2024. Despite this all-time low in the ’90s, the highest the unemployment rate reached was just seven years later in 2000 after Colombia’s 1999 economic crisis. This was caused by a rapid increase in public expenditure and major debt within private sectors, leading to a sharp drop in GDP growth. At its peak, the unemployment rate reached 20.5%, almost triple what it was in 1993.
Though Colombia was able to recover steadily after the recession, the rate began to increase again from 8.6% in 2015 to 16% in 2020, with the major spike mostly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This worldwide event left people jobless everywhere, so it is no surprise that Colombia faced similar circumstances. However, despite this spike, the country recovered much faster than in 2000, with Colombia’s decreasing unemployment rates now being the lowest they have been this century, just three years after the pandemic was declared over.
What Has Changed?
Looking Ahead
Colombia’s decreasing unemployment rate still has a long way to go to be on par with some of the surrounding countries, most notably in rural areas, which have seen much less improvement than urban ones. However, if it maintains its current decreasing rate by continuing the implementation of labor laws and giving more citizens the opportunity to work, mass unemployment in Colombia will be a thing of the past.
– Ally Jones
Photo: Unsplash
‘Project FLOW’ and Access to Clean Water in Guyana
Simultaneous environmental pressures primarily caused this deficit. The first is rising tides that cause saltwater intrusion and heavy rains that contaminate or flood existing supplies, resulting from global warming. In addition, booms in oil extraction and agriculture pose a higher risk of chemical, sediment and oil runoff— which can compromise coastal waterways.
Piloting Her Project
Persaud recognized the water insecurity issue early on as a Queen’s College student, where she witnessed both limited access to sustainable drinking water and a growing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. This constraint was more than a mere inconvenience. For many youth, water insecurity at school contributes to health decline, lower grades and reduced school attendance— factors that ultimately hinder educational attainment and economic opportunity.
After winning the SHOUT essay competition, Persaud secured nearly $4,000 to pilot a refillable water bottle station at her school. This initiative provided students with reliable access to clean drinking water throughout the school day while encouraging sustainable consumption habits.
Her work made a splash. Within eight months, the project eliminated the use of more than 30,000 plastic bottles at Queen’s College and proved a dependable source of in-school hydration. This success garnered the attention of local leaders, environmental organizations and government agencies that saw potential that exceeded a single campus.
National Implementation of Water Refill Technology
That momentum inspired Project FLOW, a national initiative that is projected to provide safe and sustainable water access for 58,000 students. Through partnerships with Recover Guyana NGO and Guyana’s Ministry of Education, the program has installed water stations at 141 primary and secondary schools.
And the effects go far beyond hydration. Schools reduce plastic waste output, families face less pressure to buy bottled water and students spend more time in the classroom. By addressing public health, sanitation, environmental footprint, hydration and education, Project FLOW demonstrates that one intervention can help eradicate many drivers of poverty at once.
Conclusion
Now a college student continuing this work remotely, Persaud has faced unexpected challenges surrounding media recognition and ownership of Project FLOW as it continues to take off. While these disputes remain unresolved, Persaud is staying true to her initial goal: ensuring access to clean water for every student in Guyana by 2030. Regardless of existing tensions, she continues to lead others with impact and integrity, creating a replicable model and refusing to accept the status quo. Upon receiving her SHOUT Essay Award, Persaud shared, “Growing up… I was a girl who had a lot of opinions. But that’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be heavily empowered by,” which she continues to live by.
– Natasha Agarwal
Photo: Unsplash