For Pakistan, COVID-19 became an incubator for innovation. The country adopted global practices through digital transformations to sustain governance and daily operations during the lockdown. These practices, such as hybrid and remote work, soon became a permanent part of the professional culture, bridging the gap created by reduced resources across multiple sectors.
Initially, the COVID-19 outbreak led to severe economic deterioration for Pakistan. For example, an overall decline in economic parameters such as GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation, per capita income, debt, tax collection, poverty and trade (imports/exports). These disruptions were major challenges to its economic activities. The result was that during the fiscal year 2020, for only the second time in Pakistan’s history after 1951–1952, the country recorded a negative GDP growth rate of −0.4%.
Initial Challenges Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
The primary challenges caused by COVID-19 in Pakistan were rising unemployment and poverty. The pandemic caused nearly three million people to lose their jobs, leading to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, which reached 9.56% in the 2020 fiscal year. Global trade disruptions also hit the country hard.
In 2020, exports fell by 6.36% to $22 billion, while imports declined by 8.56% to $45 billion. Meanwhile, pressure on debt servicing intensified as total debt rose from $95.2 billion in 2018 to $112.8 billion in 2020. This pushed Pakistan further into a debt trap, forcing it to borrow new loans to repay old ones.
Innovation in COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan
Despite the initial setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience by adopting global best practices that fueled digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for digital progress in Pakistan, especially in the work and education sectors. The introduction of hybrid work models and remote employment systems reshaped professional environments, including public and private institutions.
Organizations increasingly use digital tools, online platforms and cloud-based communication systems to maintain productivity and ensure operational continuity. According to a report, the pandemic significantly boosted digital payments in Pakistan as citizens reduced their use of physical cash to minimize health risks.
The introduction of COVID-19 technology in Pakistan improved efficiency. It helped conserve vital resources such as time, paper and energy by reducing physical commuting and manual workflows. It also accelerated the adoption of online education, pushing schools and universities to embrace digital learning platforms to maintain academic progress.
According to the World Bank, Pakistan responded swiftly by launching the federal TeleSchool program for students nationwide and the Taleem Ghar initiative for learners in Punjab. These e-learning programs in Pakistan ensured continued access to education during lockdowns, demonstrating how technology bridged learning gaps and supported the country’s broader digital transformation.
Economic Adaptation Through COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan saw a shift toward digital transformation, as technology became the only possible adaptation for individuals and institutions. The pandemic caused a shift toward remote work, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship, helping sustain livelihoods in widespread economic uncertainty.
According to The Dayspring, “Pakistan’s freelancing economy surged by 22% amid COVID-19.” Payoneer also reported the country’s overall freelancing revenue growth from 47% to 69% during the pandemic. Government initiatives such as Punjab’s e-Rozgaar program also played a significant role.
This program empowered youth to earn through online platforms, providing training and access to freelance marketplaces. As INP-WealthPK highlighted, Pakistan witnessed a record 47% growth in freelancing earnings in 2021, with women making up 52% of total graduates and contributing around half of the total earnings. This marked a significant step toward digital inclusion and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan’s gig economy.
Similarly, the Ministry of IT’s DigiSkills program, a national-level training initiative, has trained more than 1.28 million individuals in freelancing, enabling them to generate sustainable incomes from home. Federal Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque emphasized the goal of expanding female participation in the program from 23% to 33%, reflecting the government’s vision for inclusive digital growth.
Furthermore, the private sector quickly adapted to the new normal of remote work and virtual collaboration. Many companies eliminated mandatory office attendance, providing employees with the necessary resources such as computers, internet connectivity and secure data access to work efficiently from home.
Technology in Public Services and Broader Social Impact
Sehat Kahani emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading examples of digital health care innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The platform provided telemedicine services through its mobile app, including free online consultations and e-prescriptions. It helped thousands of patients in remote and low-income areas.
According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sehat Kahani’s expansion during the pandemic demonstrated how digital health services in Pakistan can bridge access gaps and empower women doctors to serve communities from home. In the education sector, digital transformations in Pakistan helped sustain learning during lockdowns. The government launched several e-learning programs, ensuring continued education through televised and online lessons.
The World Bank reported that these programs successfully reached millions of students. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further highlighted the broader social impact of digitalization. It revealed that districts showing stronger digital transformation also ranked higher in human development outcomes.
All these studies highlight how Pakistan’s growing investment in digital public services, from telehealth to education, has strengthened national resilience and paved the way for inclusive growth.
Conclusion
All these digital transformations from remote work and freelancing to telemedicine and online education helped Pakistan rebuild its economy and move toward sustainable growth. By 2023, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate recovered to around 3.04%, reflecting how the nation’s digital adaptation turned adversity into opportunity. This evolution shows that when a crisis is met with innovation, collaboration and the right technological tools, it can become a catalyst for development rather than decline.
– Sidra Tahir
Sidra is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
Elderly Poverty in Togo: The Fight for Dignity and Support
The Structural Drivers of Exclusion
The main reason many older people are poor is that the formal social security system leaves them out. More than 86% of Togolese workers are in the informal sector, and they do not have access to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) retirement system. As a result, only about 20% of elderly people get a formal pension. This means that almost four out of five older citizens do not have a secure income in retirement. The problem is even worse in rural areas, where nearly 59% of people live in poverty.
Health Care Crisis: A Universal Gap
The income crisis is made worse by major problems in health care. More than 91% of elderly people do not have reliable health insurance. This lack of insurance significantly affects their overall well-being, contributing to multidimensional poverty. Health insecurities intersect with income disparities to limit their access to essential services and weaken their social voice and agency. When medical emergencies happen, families often have to spend their limited savings on care, which keeps the cycle of poverty going from one generation to the next. Without addressing these interconnected issues, focusing solely on income support will leave human development efforts incomplete.
Research in Lomé shows that more than half of older adults living in the community report poor health, and many have chronic illnesses. Because so few have insurance, there is an urgent need for policy changes to reduce suffering and financial hardship.
Government Action and Policy Impasse
The Togolese government recognizes the importance of universal coverage and has begun expanding social safety nets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Novissi program used mobile money to send targeted cash transfers to people in need. This showed that the country can deliver broad and efficient support, setting an example for future programs.
Local activists are lobbying the government to transition this successful model into a permanent, unconditional cash transfer program targeting the extremely poor and vulnerable. The government is also working to compile a Unified Social Registry and provide biometric identification to all citizens, which are indispensable steps for an accurate, scaled-up cash transfer policy.
However, progress toward universal coverage is stalled because there is no decision yet on how to fund the Assurance Maladie Universelle (AMU) for the most vulnerable people. Policymakers need to choose whether to fund this insurance through taxes, worker contributions or both. This choice will decide if the poorest people remain excluded.
Community Resilience: Local Safety Nets
Since there is no comprehensive safety net, community-led groups play a key role in providing financial and social support. Traditional savings and loan cooperatives, called tontines or Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), are an important local safety net. In Togo, these cooperatives make up most of the microfinance sector, serving 80% of clients — about 212,000 people — and providing access to credit and savings without requiring collateral. For example, in the village of Tomé, VSLAs with about 25 members help people save money together and take out loans. This allows them to invest in their farms or pay for urgent needs, such as emergencies.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also helping vulnerable people improve their farming. One project supported people with disabilities and small farmers by drilling additional wells for water and starting new activities, such as beekeeping. This helped about 22,000 people in Togo build a better future.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, solving elderly poverty in Togo demands a dual strategy: institutionalizing successful digital cash transfers and securing dedicated funding for social benefits to protect the 80% of the elderly population excluded, while continuing to amplify community-led resilience efforts. Securing dignity and support for older citizens is not just a moral duty; it is a critical investment in the nation’s future stability.
– David Kohen
Photo: Unsplash
Addressing Maternal and Child Health in Burkina Faso
Displacement and Health Care Disruptions
Insecurity, climatic shocks and COVID-19 led to forced displacements across Burkina Faso. By 2020, more than 1 million people, especially women and children, were deprived of essential health care services due to facility closures, staff shortages and limited resources. Pregnant women delivered their babies in unsafe conditions, children did not receive critical vaccinations, and people with chronic illnesses experienced treatment disruptions.
Health Financing Reforms
Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health and those who have partnered with it have responded in several ways. The government of Burkina Faso implemented three major health financing reforms to improve maternal and child health:
The result of this endeavor increased health care appointments, decreased household costs, reduced cesarean deliveries and intra-hospital infant mortality.
Training Midwives in Obstetric Ultrasound
In 2021, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health introduced a new initiative. The goal was to train midwives in basic obstetric ultrasound during consultations to improve pregnancy monitoring. These ultrasounds help determine gestation date, detect fetal abnormalities, ectopic pregnancies, assess fetal growth and determine the most suitable delivery method. In 2023, 18 midwives were trained. They performed more than 2,000 ultrasounds between January 2024 and March 2025. This led to the identification and management of 10 high-risk pregnancies.
Strengthening Health Systems
A shortage of equipment, staff and supplies also threatens the expansion of this initiative into other districts. In response to this threat, Burkina Faso began a new initiative funded by the Canadian Embassy with the goal of strengthening health care systems in regions of the country most affected by humanitarian crises. The goal was to improve access to primary health care services and provide lifesaving support to those who need it most.
This initiative was successful in that seven health care centers and 24 labs were equipped with essential medicines, medical-technical materials and lab supplies. A total of 371 community-based health workers received training to provide care and strengthen local community networks, including women’s groups. More than 30,000 people were reached, educating them about COVID-19 prevention, available health care services and reproductive health options.
This initiative strengthened disease surveillance and emergency response mechanisms. Health care workers conducted hygiene awareness campaigns using a megaphone and bicycles in remote areas. Since then, women’s groups and community leaders have initiated conversations about family planning and gender-based violence.
A Hopeful Outlook
Burkina Faso demonstrates concern for the well-being of its citizens. These relationships foster optimism and hope for both a better future and maternal and child health in Burkina Faso
– Danielle Milano
Photo: Unsplash
Solar Energy in the Amazon: Lighting up Villages With Electricity
More Light for the Amazon
In 2020, the Brazilian government launched the “More Light for the Amazon” project, later integrating it with the national Light for All initiative. The program aims to deliver renewable electricity to 228,000 homes by 2026, improving lives, creating opportunities for communities long overlooked and protecting the fragile Amazon environment.
These public policies have been essential for scaling up efforts, especially since NGOs alone often lack the resources to reach every village.
Impacts of Solar Energy in the Amazon
The Indigenous territory of Xingu offers a powerful example of how solar energy in the Amazon is transforming daily life. Today, many households have access to renewable electricity. Although it took more than a decade from the launch of the original initiative, families in Xingu can now switch on the lights and even watch TV, thanks to this clean and renewable energy solution.
Another example of how solar energy in the Amazon is transforming lives can be found in Vila Limeira, a village located within a protected area of the rainforest. The nearest city is 112 kilometers away and the community is reachable only by boat. Before solar power, diesel generators were the residents’ sole source of electricity, an expensive and unsustainable option.
Today, thanks in part to a donation from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to the World Wildlife Fund, Vila Limeira operates its own solar grid. Families can now enjoy basic amenities like refrigerators and washing machines, dramatically improving daily life.
Solar energy in the Amazon is transforming daily life and helping remote communities thrive. Renewable power now runs irrigation systems, keeps produce and meat fresh through refrigeration and makes simple tasks, like washing clothes at home, possible. Beyond convenience, solar power has also saved lives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities with access to solar energy could refrigerate vital medications and vaccines while also staying informed with reliable updates on resources and the spread of the virus. This access proved critical in such isolated areas, where reaching a hospital or medical facility is often difficult and time-consuming.
Final Remarks
As Brazil continues to expand public policies that promote solar energy in the Amazon, the results are already proving transformative. Remote villages, once isolated from the national grid, are now writing their own success stories, with renewable power bringing light, refrigeration, communication and opportunity into daily life.
Solar energy has minimal environmental impact, which allows communities to preserve their land and traditions while also strengthening local economies. Most importantly, it provides the foundation for future generations to thrive, with improved access to education, health care and the tools needed to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
– Fernanda Nilson
Photo: Pixabay
Uganda’s PARKS Project: Poverty Alleviation and Conservation
Kibale National Park
Kibale NP is situated in the west of Uganda. This region struggles with inequality, with a Gini coefficient of 0.33, a figure that rises to 0.39 for children, demonstrating the gulf between urban and rural populations. The national park contains 13 different primate species, including one of the largest chimpanzee populations in the world, more than 120 mammal species and 370 varieties of birds. Given the park’s immense biodiversity, local residents are dependent on its resources, often leading to confrontation between human activity and endangered wildlife.
Combining Poverty Alleviation and Conservation
Combining poverty alleviation and conservation is a challenging task, as economic development often depends on the exploitation of natural resources. Acknowledging this, Village Enterprise announced the PARKS initiative in 2021, an acronym for the Poverty Alleviation and Removal of Kibale Snares project.
The project, funded since 2024 by the Arcus Foundation and in collaboration with the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, has two distinct but connected goals: to reduce the incidence of extreme poverty within the national park and to ensure the protection of Kibale NP’s endangered chimpanzee population.
The key to this initiative was accepting that poverty alleviation and conservation are intertwined. In areas like Kibale NP, people living in extreme poverty are forced to rely on the natural world for economic stability, often engaging in harmful practices such as the illegal harvesting of bushmeat and timber. Programs aimed at reducing these activities, or punishing those engaged in them, have often had the unintended effect of pushing the local population further into poverty.
To tackle this issue, the PARKS program focuses on providing entrepreneurial training centered on local, sustainable micro-enterprises. Village Enterprise provides startup funding as well as mentorship to ensure local residents are freed from the pressure to engage in poaching and illegal logging. PARKS also encourages the formation of Business Savings Groups, allowing new business owners to pool their savings and provide a financial safety net for future entrepreneurs. Alongside this, PARKS offers additional training to selected entrepreneurs, creating “Conservation Champions” who encourage and advise others on sustainable business practices.
Results So Far
Through the PARKS initiative, Village Enterprise has provided training to more than 5,500 entrepreneurs, more than 65% of whom are women. This has led to the creation of 1,838 sustainable micro-businesses, positively impacting the lives of more than 20,000 people within the national park. These businesses include retail shops, small-scale agricultural projects, tailoring, cobbling, beekeeping, agroforestry and innovative solutions such as energy-efficient stoves for everyday cooking.
These businesses have reduced dependence on poaching and have helped families afford school fees and improve nutrition. On the conservation side, 90 Conservation Champions have been trained, providing further instruction to members of their local communities. Since the project’s implementation, Kibale NP has observed a significant reduction in illegal human activity within the park. As of April 2025, anti-poaching patrols funded directly by the PARKS project have led to the removal of 445 illegal snares, in addition to the more than 800 snares removed under the project as a whole.
Opportunities for Further Implementation
The benefits of the PARKS project extend beyond the boundaries of Kibale NP. It is an exemplary model of how to combine poverty alleviation and conservation, not only within Uganda, where human-animal conflict is common in several national parks, but also globally.
By encouraging a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside environmental protection, the project contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): goal 1 (No Poverty), goal 2 (Zero Hunger), goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and goal 15 (Life on Land). Indirectly, the scheme also addresses goal 5 (Gender Equality) through its focus on empowering women.
– Henry Weiser
Photo: Flickr
Poverty Reduction in the Republic of Congo
About Poverty in the Republic of Congo
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 46.5% of the Republic of Congo is living below international poverty lines, equating to $2 a day. In fact, poverty rates in the region have spiked to 52%. The nation’s high poverty rates have continued to threaten civilian health, education and overall wellbeing.
The Republic of Congo faces various constraints when it comes to addressing its global poverty status. Corruption and social inequalities have been ongoing barriers. Due to weak national governance, policies confronting poverty have not been effective and initiatives pertaining to social development programs have not undergone successful execution. Many civilians lack access to quality education, health services, quality food markets and overall job opportunities.
Poverty in the Republic of Congo is multidimensional. Populations in rural Congo are 3% more likely to experience multidimensional poverty, which is slightly higher than those in urban settings. On top of this, when comparing male-headed households with women-headed households, women-headed households are at risk of experiencing 2.5% more multidimensional poverty.
Access to education has also played a significant role in the poverty status of Congolese households. It is reported that households with no secondary school education are more susceptible to multidimensional poverty by approximately 24%, with household size also being a contributing factor.
Additionally, the country’s strong dependence on its oil production can pose an issue depending on international price fluctuations. The country’s high debt has also contributed to how much funds can be distributed to social development programs.
The Congo’s National Development Plan 2022-2026
To help combat poverty in the Republic of Congo, several initiatives have emerged. The Congo’s National Development Plan 2022-2026 (PND) has focused on redirecting the country’s reliance on oil and diversifying its revenue. The plan emphasized national poverty reduction, infrastructure and economic development. To support the implementation of the PND, in June 2025, the World Bank approved the final operation in its Fiscal Management and Inclusive Growth series.
The Telema Program
Telema, meaning “stand up” in Lingala, one of the nation’s local languages, is a national program with initiatives to support poverty reduction in the regions of Brazzaville, Point-Noir and Pool. The program mobilizes micro-entrepreneurs and those vulnerable to poverty to start micro-projects. The government provides participants with grants and skills training. The project launched in 2019 and has proved major recent developments. In 2025, the program received an additional 1,968,000,000 CFA from France to expand to other regions including Oyo, Niari and Lekoumou.
Looking Ahead
Although the Republic of Congo has displayed efforts in stabilizing its economy and expanding social development programs, long-term poverty reduction in the Republic of Congo is dependent on the administration providing realistic opportunities for civilians. Initiatives such as Telema and support from the World Bank give optimism for positive change focusing on inclusion and job opportunities. If effectively implemented, the Republic of Congo could transform its resource wealth into a foundation for a prosperous future.
– Gloria Bwenge
Photo: Pixabay
Addressing Elderly Poverty in Guinea-Bissau
Challenges That the Elderly Population Face
Elderly poverty occurs when people of the older generation, typically 65 years and older, experience financial insecurity and limited access to basic resources. This issue creates serious concern in Guinea-Bissau, where economic instability and a weak social support system increase the vulnerability of the aging population.
The pension system in Guinea-Bissau plays a major role in causing elderly poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau operates two pension schemes: a public one for government employees and a private scheme that the National Social Security Institute (INSS) oversees. However, both systems face serious challenges. Most citizens work in the informal sector and therefore do not receive formal pension benefits. Irregular government funding and financial strain weaken the public scheme, while the private system suffers from administrative inefficiency and weak oversight.
These issues leave many elderly citizens without social protection and steady income, making Guinea Bissau’s case severe compared to other West African countries. Pensions cover only about 2.9% of the workforce in Guinea-Bissau, leaving 97% of working adults without a financial safety net after retirement. Most elderly citizens rely on support from family members or community networks to survive. Those without family assistance often face extreme poverty and food insecurity, and they often lack of access to health care.
Efforts Towards a Brighter Future
Despite these difficulties and challenges, several organizations support the elderly and work to reduce poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Organizations such as Caritas Guinea-Bissau provide health care, food security and community support for vulnerable groups. Since its establishment in 1982, Caritas Guinea-Bissau has built 41 parishes and missions. It leads programs in health, food security, training and emergency response, particularly in rural communities, to benefit people of the older generation.
Community and faith-based initiatives also address elderly poverty and social support in Guinea-Bissau. Ajuda Amiga’s program in Guinea-Bissau manages direct relief programs that distribute food, clothing and medicine to communities in need each year, focusing on elderly citizens who lack pensions or family support.
The Church of the Nazarene in Guinea-Bissau contributes through its mobile clinic initiative, relaunched in 2023. Teams of local and international medical volunteers operate mobile health units that travel to remote areas, offering primary care, vaccinations and health education. Together, these organizations bring humanitarian relief and long-term development by ensuring that elderly citizens receive both care and representation.
Looking Ahead
According to the World Bank, developing Guinea-Bissau’s human capital remains critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving long-term sustainable growth. The country must improve access to health care and rural development while creating a national pension system that protects citizens of the older generation. Promoting public awareness about the value of elder care will help citizens recognize support for older generations as both a social and economic responsibility within the country.
– Emmanuel Fagbemide
Photo: Flickr
Everything To Know About Poverty in Taiwan
Definitions of Poverty
Wider definitions of poverty are more appropriate for developed economies. The most common approach is relative poverty, which the OECD defines as those with an income below 50% of the median income, and by this classification, not only are Japan and Korea at 15% but even Scandinavian countries are above 5%. The EU also focuses on those at risk of poverty or social exclusion and includes other measures, such as the affordability of certain basic items, which represent an adequate quality of life. Such wider definitions are important because they focus government attention on policy measures to address relative poverty and mitigate risks of social breakdown.
Most importantly, these comparative figures suggest that the Taiwan figures disguise the actual situation in Taiwan. Applied to Taiwan, a poverty rate of between 10% and 15% would suggest that there are between 2 and 4 million people in relative poverty. This lines up with a 2023 NGO survey in Taiwan, which found that 9% of respondents claimed to live in poverty.
The Causes of Poverty
Unsurprisingly, Taiwan suffers from many of the same conditions that afflict other developed societies. These include a high cost of living – especially high housing costs in Taipei – stagnant median wage levels and increasing income inequality. Recent analyses of wages and living costs have criticized Taiwan’s minimum wage of $900 a month as one of the lowest in advanced economies.
While the cost of living is around 20-25% more expensive in Western European countries, Taiwan’s minimum wage is around 150% higher. In other advanced economies, the minimum wage has been increased to mirror a “living wage” defined as the minimum for an adequate lifestyle. However, in Taiwan, the minimum wage is less than 50% of the “living wage.” Taiwan also has one of the highest income inequality ratios of advanced countries. Finally, Taiwan’s low minimum wage has a correlation with poor performance on a range of social indicators, including high child mortality, road and pollution deaths, homicide and suicide rates, prison population rates and mental health rates.
An NGO Responds
One of the leading domestic NGOs addressing poverty in Taiwan is called Do You a Flavor. Founded in 2014 and focusing on urban poverty, Do You a Flavor works with a range of initiatives with a focus on homelessness. These include collaboration with businesses to establish transitional housing, food distribution, medical aid, skills development and job matching. The NGO also does advocacy work, working with other NGOs and government agencies to achieve legislative change to address urban poverty.
Public Policy Responses
As mentioned, Taiwan does have a range of social welfare policies in place. However, many of these policies are actually quite restrictive. A key issue is that the household rather than the individual is the basis for poverty definitions and welfare eligibility. Another is that anyone 16-65 years old in the household is assessed as employed at the minimum wage, even if unemployed. These are just two of many restrictions that derive from viewing the household as the core economic unit rather than the individual.
Improving access to welfare is only one part of what many view as much-needed policy reforms. These include increasing the minimum wage and improving workers’ rights. Increasing the availability of social housing in Taipei, as well as other measures to dampen property costs, are also seen as essential to ensuring affordability.
– Trinity Prasadam
Photo: Pixabay
Child Marriage in Eritrea
Eritrea revised its Marriage Law in 1991 to make 18 the minimum age for marriage, however, a 2025 Human Rights Watch report reported that child marriage remains prevalent despite this law. This is due to a lack of enforcement, as well as customary laws and legal exceptions. For example, 16-year-old girls can marry if they are pregnant or have already given birth.
Causes of High Rates of Child Marriage
The Girls Not Brides organization states that gender inequality is the driving factor behind child marriage in Eritrea, in addition to poverty, and a lack of opportunities for education or financial independence for girls. These factors are worse in rural areas where the rate of child marriage is significantly higher, 55.2% compared to 20.4% in urban areas. There is social and financial pressure on girls to abandon their studies to perform domestic or agricultural labor and enter marriage to relieve their families of financial burden.
Addressing the Problem
At the 2019 Nairobi Summit Eritrea committed to end all forms of violence against women and girls, including child marriage by 2030, committing to provide “access for all adolescents and youth, especially girls, to comprehensive and age-responsive information, education and adolescent-friendly comprehensive, quality and timely services to be able to make free and informed decisions and choices about their sexuality and reproductive lives.”
International aid can also help to end child marriage by reducing risk factors like poverty and lack of access to health care and education through targeted programs and partnerships. Organizations such as UNICEF and UNFPA work in Eritrea to protect those at risk of child marriage. The UNFPA collaborates with the Ministry of Health to strengthen the national health system and expand access to health care, particularly for underserved rural populations. UNFPA also work with the National Union of Eritrean Women to support legislation against underage marriage and FGM.
The Current Status of the Issue
Due to a lack of recent data from the government on child marriage rates, it is difficult to know how close Eritrea is to achieving the goal of eradicating child marriage by 2030. It is important that regulatory bodies get accurate and recent data from the government to address the issue and assess the progress that has occurred. International support is essential to improve access to education and provide resources to impoverished rural communities to alleviate financial pressures that push girls out of education and into marriage. Increased opportunities combined with stricter enforcement of the minimum legal age for marriage will help girls in Eritrea to live childhoods free from forced marriage.
– Nieve Dowling
Photo: Flickr
Higher Education in Libya
The Mistake
In 2011, the United States led NATO’s charge to oust Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s ruler, or Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution as he called himself. Five years later, the former President of the United States Barack Obama referred to the planning of this regime change – and the resulting devastation – as the ‘worst mistake’ of his presidency.
Since the overthrow and assassination of Gaddafi, hard times have hit Libya, even worse than under Gaddafi’s rule. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs, “an estimated 823,000 people, including 248,000 children, require humanitarian assistance.”
The dual issues of poverty and higher education in Libya are tightly intertwined. As UNICEF reported, “more than one-third of Libya’s children live in multi-dimensional poverty” and “about 1 in 10 households rely on child labor to survive.” With severe levels of poverty like these, almost one out of every five families in Libya have at least one child out of school.
Libya Today
Currently, Libya includes two parts, with the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) controlling the north west, and the Government of National Stability holding the north east.
The GNU receives support from the U.N. and multiple local militias. Libya’s House of Representatives installed the GNS and the Libyan National Army backs the government. The GNU holds about one-third of the north, including Tripoli, the country’s capital, while the GNS controls the remaining two-thirds. The rest of the country is largely unpopulated.
Libya’s post-revolution political instability, with its complex and changing list of governing bodies, political parties and militias has included groups who profit off of the country’s vast migrant population through slave markets. In 2021, an estimated 47,000 people in Libya were enslaved.
Higher Education in Libya
While higher education in Libya may be severely underreported, there is no question that there are issues. The 2011 research paper, “Higher education in Libya, system under stress,” outlines many of the areas in which universities are lacking, including:
The GNU’s Plan
Aiming to tackle Libya’s high youth unemployment rate, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a department of the GNU, has recently come up with a 10-year blueprint to reform the country’s higher education sector through increased international involvement.
Announced on October 2nd, the plan aims to build up Libya’s universities through investment and assistance. As Maghrebi.org explains, “a key component of the strategy includes promoting international partnerships with major academic institutions, encouraging knowledge exchange and sharing of expertise.”
The GNU also plans to invest more in scientific research, utilize grants from regional organizations and establish more Ph.D. programs to further diversify the country’s job market.
This education road map is meant to work in tandem with the Ministry of Economy and Trade’s new Entrepreneurs Skills and Solutions Project which “is focused on equipping students and graduates with practical skills in the modern green and blue economy, in addition to aligning their education with current and future labour market demands to create a more coherent link between study and employment.”
The Skills and Solutions Project was announced on September 29, a few days prior to the higher education strategy. In a speech, Economy Minister Mohamed Al-Hwej emphasized “the role of universities and academics in implementing the project…and developing educational curricula.”
Will it Work?
But can the GNU’s strategy actually uplift Libya’s youth? Only time will tell, but as Mustafa M. Elfakhri, Director of Graduate Studies at Libyan International Medical University, explains, multiple sweeping reforms are necessary to promote quality and sustainability within the country’s higher education sphere. These include:
While the GNU’s 10-year initiative does seem to be a step in the right direction, with a clear focus on enhanced scientific research, curriculum and competencies matching and resources investments, others categories seem underdiscussed. The strategy seems vague as well, leaving room for potential mistakes, hindrances and corruption.
Naturally, with Libya’s ownership of the largest oil reserves in Africa and severe instability, foreign interference and exploitation have infested the country. Vague proclamations and plans can only take the country so far.
Conclusion
With time, strong governance and quality management systems can hopefully develop, and the GNU can write legislation that will further support the development of higher education in Libya.
However, Libya’s road to redevelopment will take more than one strategy. Unification, stability, improved infrastructure and strong national industries will all be necessary to ensure long-term success for any of the country’s internal needs.
– Yazan Mohammad
Photo: Flickr
How COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan Accelerated Progress
Initially, the COVID-19 outbreak led to severe economic deterioration for Pakistan. For example, an overall decline in economic parameters such as GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation, per capita income, debt, tax collection, poverty and trade (imports/exports). These disruptions were major challenges to its economic activities. The result was that during the fiscal year 2020, for only the second time in Pakistan’s history after 1951–1952, the country recorded a negative GDP growth rate of −0.4%.
Initial Challenges Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
The primary challenges caused by COVID-19 in Pakistan were rising unemployment and poverty. The pandemic caused nearly three million people to lose their jobs, leading to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, which reached 9.56% in the 2020 fiscal year. Global trade disruptions also hit the country hard.
In 2020, exports fell by 6.36% to $22 billion, while imports declined by 8.56% to $45 billion. Meanwhile, pressure on debt servicing intensified as total debt rose from $95.2 billion in 2018 to $112.8 billion in 2020. This pushed Pakistan further into a debt trap, forcing it to borrow new loans to repay old ones.
Innovation in COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan
Despite the initial setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience by adopting global best practices that fueled digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for digital progress in Pakistan, especially in the work and education sectors. The introduction of hybrid work models and remote employment systems reshaped professional environments, including public and private institutions.
Organizations increasingly use digital tools, online platforms and cloud-based communication systems to maintain productivity and ensure operational continuity. According to a report, the pandemic significantly boosted digital payments in Pakistan as citizens reduced their use of physical cash to minimize health risks.
The introduction of COVID-19 technology in Pakistan improved efficiency. It helped conserve vital resources such as time, paper and energy by reducing physical commuting and manual workflows. It also accelerated the adoption of online education, pushing schools and universities to embrace digital learning platforms to maintain academic progress.
According to the World Bank, Pakistan responded swiftly by launching the federal TeleSchool program for students nationwide and the Taleem Ghar initiative for learners in Punjab. These e-learning programs in Pakistan ensured continued access to education during lockdowns, demonstrating how technology bridged learning gaps and supported the country’s broader digital transformation.
Economic Adaptation Through COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan saw a shift toward digital transformation, as technology became the only possible adaptation for individuals and institutions. The pandemic caused a shift toward remote work, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship, helping sustain livelihoods in widespread economic uncertainty.
According to The Dayspring, “Pakistan’s freelancing economy surged by 22% amid COVID-19.” Payoneer also reported the country’s overall freelancing revenue growth from 47% to 69% during the pandemic. Government initiatives such as Punjab’s e-Rozgaar program also played a significant role.
This program empowered youth to earn through online platforms, providing training and access to freelance marketplaces. As INP-WealthPK highlighted, Pakistan witnessed a record 47% growth in freelancing earnings in 2021, with women making up 52% of total graduates and contributing around half of the total earnings. This marked a significant step toward digital inclusion and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan’s gig economy.
Similarly, the Ministry of IT’s DigiSkills program, a national-level training initiative, has trained more than 1.28 million individuals in freelancing, enabling them to generate sustainable incomes from home. Federal Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque emphasized the goal of expanding female participation in the program from 23% to 33%, reflecting the government’s vision for inclusive digital growth.
Furthermore, the private sector quickly adapted to the new normal of remote work and virtual collaboration. Many companies eliminated mandatory office attendance, providing employees with the necessary resources such as computers, internet connectivity and secure data access to work efficiently from home.
Technology in Public Services and Broader Social Impact
Sehat Kahani emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading examples of digital health care innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The platform provided telemedicine services through its mobile app, including free online consultations and e-prescriptions. It helped thousands of patients in remote and low-income areas.
According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sehat Kahani’s expansion during the pandemic demonstrated how digital health services in Pakistan can bridge access gaps and empower women doctors to serve communities from home. In the education sector, digital transformations in Pakistan helped sustain learning during lockdowns. The government launched several e-learning programs, ensuring continued education through televised and online lessons.
The World Bank reported that these programs successfully reached millions of students. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further highlighted the broader social impact of digitalization. It revealed that districts showing stronger digital transformation also ranked higher in human development outcomes.
All these studies highlight how Pakistan’s growing investment in digital public services, from telehealth to education, has strengthened national resilience and paved the way for inclusive growth.
Conclusion
All these digital transformations from remote work and freelancing to telemedicine and online education helped Pakistan rebuild its economy and move toward sustainable growth. By 2023, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate recovered to around 3.04%, reflecting how the nation’s digital adaptation turned adversity into opportunity. This evolution shows that when a crisis is met with innovation, collaboration and the right technological tools, it can become a catalyst for development rather than decline.
– Sidra Tahir
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