Archive for category: Sustainable Development Goals

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Update on SDG 1 in Myanmar: Progress in Ending Poverty

SDG 1 in MyanmarMyanmar has faced decades of economic challenges, conflict and instability. Despite these barriers, the country made measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which aims to end poverty in all its forms. However, recent political and economic disruptions have reversed some gains and pushed more people into poverty. This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights both the current challenges and the solutions that continue to improve livelihoods.

Current Situation of Poverty in Myanmar

Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country with more than 54 million people, continues to face economic challenges. According to the World Bank, the country shows only moderate economic recovery while ongoing conflict and recent shocks continue to affect livelihoods. These disruptions have limited income opportunities, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. Reduced access to jobs and essential services such as health care and education, continues to place pressure on vulnerable populations and increase poverty risks.

Social Protection and Policy Solutions

Innovative social protection policies have played an important role in reducing poverty in Myanmar. According to UNICEF, programs that provide cash transfers and targeted support to vulnerable households have helped families maintain access to essential services such as food, health care and education. These policies focus on protecting low-income populations from economic shocks while improving long-term resilience.

Evidence shows that well-designed social protection programs can reduce poverty levels and support household stability, particularly during crises such as COVID-19. By strengthening national systems and expanding access to financial assistance, these initiatives contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 1. This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights that policy-driven approaches remain a key solution in addressing poverty and improving living conditions.

NGO-Led Livelihood and Agriculture Solutions

International organizations continue to play a key role in addressing poverty in Myanmar. Save the Children implements programs that support children and families through education, protection and livelihood assistance in vulnerable communities. These efforts aim to improve household income and increase access to essential services.

Oxfam also supports communities in Myanmar by strengthening food security and helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges. Its programs focus on improving agricultural practices and building resilience among vulnerable populations. These initiatives help communities maintain stable incomes and reduce long-term poverty risks.

Challenges To Achieving SDG 1

Despite these efforts, Myanmar continues to face major obstacles in achieving SDG 1. Political instability, ongoing conflict and economic decline limit access to essential services and slow development progress. Rural communities and displaced populations remain the most affected.

Limited infrastructure and restricted access to education and employment opportunities also create barriers to poverty reduction. Without sustained investment and stability, these challenges may continue to hinder progress.

Future Outlook for Poverty Reduction

Achieving SDG 1 in Myanmar requires strong collaboration between international organizations, NGOs and local stakeholders. Evidence shows that combining financial assistance with livelihood support creates more sustainable outcomes. Programs that improve income opportunities while expanding access to education and services can help reduce poverty over time.

This update on SDG 1 in Myanmar highlights that while challenges remain, ongoing efforts continue to support vulnerable communities. With sustained investment and coordinated action, Myanmar can move closer to reducing poverty and improving living conditions for millions.

– Murshid Alam

Murshid is based in Chattogram, Bangladesh and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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SDG 5 in Kazakhstan: Barriers and Reform Efforts

SDG 5 in KazakhstanSDG 5 in Kazakhstan focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by ending discrimination, violence and harmful practices. While the country has implemented progressive reforms such as gender quotas and anti-violence laws, challenges remain in key areas like child marriage, domestic violence and political representation. Ongoing cooperation among the government, U.N. agencies and civil society is building momentum toward achieving SDG 5 by 2030.

Legal Barriers

In Kazakhstan, the legal marriage age is officially 18. However, exceptions allow marriage at 17, with parental consent or as young as 16 in cases of pregnancy. These provisions undermine SDG 5’s target to eliminate child marriage without exception. According to UNICEF, around 7% of girls in Kazakhstan marry before the age of 18 and early unions are more common in rural areas and among lower-income families. 

Moreover, bride kidnapping, though illegal, continues to occur in some regions, reflecting harmful traditional practices that persist despite awareness campaigns.

Organizations such as UNICEF Kazakhstan, Equality Now and the Kazakh Women’s Rights Committee have been active in advocating for stricter enforcement of marriage laws and awareness programs to discourage underage unions. These groups recommend raising the marriage age to 18 with no exceptions, improving legal protections for girls and expanding education campaigns in rural areas.

Gender-Based Violence in Kazakhstan

Gender-based violence remains one of the most serious barriers to achieving SDG 5 in Kazakhstan. According to U.N. Women, about 17% of women aged 18–49 in Kazakhstan have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner, though underreporting remains a major issue. In 2024, the parliament introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening penalties for sexual, psychological and economic abuse and expanding state protection for survivors. The bill also proposes mandatory restraining orders and specialized crisis centers for victims.

The government is also preparing to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women, signaling a stronger international commitment. Local NGOs such as the Union of Crisis Centers also play a vital role in documenting cases, running hotlines and helping victims access legal support. 

Political Underrepresentation

Despite progress, women still hold a limited number of leadership positions. In 2024, women made up 19.4% of Kazakhstan’s parliament, below the global average of 27.5%. This remains the case despite a 30% quota for women and youth on party electoral lists introduced in 2021. The issue lies in implementation, as women are often placed lower on party lists, reducing their chances of being elected.

Advocacy organizations such as the Kazakhstan Feminist Initiative “Feminita” and the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family Policy are calling for greater transparency in the enforcement of quotas and for leadership training programs for young women. These groups argue that stronger female representation can lead to more inclusive public policies, particularly on child care, workplace equality and anti-violence legislation.

Economic Gaps

Kazakhstan has made strides in women’s economic participation. In 2024, 65.99% of women were part of the labor force, above the global average. The government has worked to remove outdated job restrictions for women and expand entrepreneurship programs. 

Women’s Entrepreneurship Centers, launched by the Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), now operate across the country, offering financial training and startup support. However, women still carry the majority of unpaid domestic and care work, which continues to limit their economic mobility. SDG 5 calls for shared responsibility for unpaid work and greater access to affordable childcare. 

Strengthening maternity protections, introducing flexible work policies and expanding public childcare centers could help ensure women’s continued participation in Kazakhstan’s growing economy.

Solutions Advancing SDG 5 in Kazakhstan

The U.N. and the Government of Kazakhstan are jointly implementing the 2026–2030 Gender Equality Roadmap, with more than $172 million invested since 2021 in data collection, justice reform and prevention programs. Women’s advocacy groups, from urban NGOs to rural community networks, are also helping drive policy reform while increasing visibility for gender equality nationwide.

With stronger laws, greater support for survivors of violence and continued reform in politics and the workplace, Kazakhstan is building the foundation to achieve SDG 5. The goal is to ensure gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

– Niaz Youssefian

Niaz is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SDG 3 in Afghanistan: Health Gains and Persistent Barriers

SDG 3 in AfghanistanAfghanistan is still struggling to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for everyone. The country scores low on key health indicators and recent reports indicate that millions of people need humanitarian health support due to the system’s heavy strain. Years of conflict, economic problems and less international support have made Afghanistan’s health crisis worse. 

In 2024, Human Rights Watch said that big cuts in funding and technical help after the Taliban takeover have badly hurt the health care system, putting millions at higher risk of illness and poor care. These cuts have led to clinic closures and reduced services, leaving families with fewer treatment options. Even so, aid groups have kept some basic care going through emergency programs. 

Maternal and Child Health Remain Fragile

Maternal and child health is still one of the most urgent problems for SDG 3 in Afghanistan. Limits on women’s education and work in health care have made it harder to find female health workers. As a result, women and girls face more obstacles to accessing care, especially since many families already have trouble reaching clinics. 

In traditional areas, cultural rules mean women often need female providers, but there are even fewer now. This shortage puts women at greater risk during pregnancy and childbirth, when fast care can save lives. In 2025, UNICEF said that 14.3 million people in Afghanistan needed humanitarian health support and 857,000 children under 5 were expected to need treatment for severe malnutrition. 

The same report said that in May, more than seven million people got basic health services from UNICEF-supported clinics and mobile teams. These teams go to remote villages to give checkups, vaccines and nutrition support where regular clinics cannot reach. Their work helps improve child health and reduce deaths from preventable illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory infections.

Aid Groups Address Service Gaps

Humanitarian groups still provide many of Afghanistan’s most important health services. UNICEF-supported clinics and mobile teams have helped families who might not otherwise receive care. Reports show these services are still vital for meeting urgent health needs. 

Groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) also supply medicines and train local staff to handle outbreaks and regular care. By focusing on primary health care, these groups help prevent small problems from becoming emergencies. Still, the overall health system is unstable. 

A 2025 report warned that closing health centers due to funding cuts has worsened the risks of disease and malnutrition. These shutdowns hit rural areas the hardest, where people already must travel far for care. Aid cannot fully replace public clinics, but it helps fill gaps when there is not enough funding or staff.

Other organizations, such as Médecins Sans Frontières, run hospitals in conflict zones and treat thousands of people for war injuries, infections and childbirth complications. Their teams often work in tents or damaged buildings, showing how aid can adapt to tough conditions. These efforts support SDG 3 by keeping emergency and basic care available when government services cannot.

Disease Prevention Remains Critical

Disease prevention is also an important part of SDG 3 in Afghanistan. UNICEF’s 2025 report found more cases of acute watery diarrhea and warned that Afghanistan is still at high risk for outbreaks. Poor sanitation, hard-to-reach clinics and malnutrition can quickly turn common illnesses into serious emergencies. Weak water systems and crowded living conditions make it easier for diseases like cholera to spread, especially in summer.

Due to these risks, public health work in Afghanistan focuses on both treatment and prevention. Vaccination campaigns, nutrition checks and mobile health services help reduce preventable deaths, especially among children under 5, who are still most at risk. Programs target diseases like measles, polio and pneumonia, which take many young lives each year. Community health workers also teach families about hygiene and warning signs, helping build local skills for lasting improvements.

Mental health support is now another important focus. Conflict and displacement have left many people with trauma and NGOs now offer counseling at community centers. This work supports SDG 3’s broader goal of well-being, as untreated stress can worsen physical health problems.

Concluding Remarks

Progress toward SDG 3 in Afghanistan has been uneven. The Sustainable Development Report 2025 tracks the country’s SDG results and health is still a major concern, even though there have been some small improvements in services. Vaccination rates have stayed steady in some provinces and more children are getting treatment for malnutrition than before. These steps show that targeted aid can make a difference during a crisis.

Even so, the ongoing work of aid groups and health workers offers hope for improvement. Millions of people are getting care through supported clinics, which is crucial in a country with a weak health system. For Afghanistan to achieve SDG 3, these short-term gains need to become a lasting system of care.

Stable funding, more trained female staff and better roads could turn fragile progress into lasting health security. Until then, humanitarian efforts remain the main support for SDG 3.

– Niaz Youssefian

Niaz is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Flickr

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Towards Climate Collaboration: The U.K.–Pakistan Green Compact

U.K.–Pakistan Green CompactPakistan, consistently ranked among the top 10 nations most vulnerable to climate emergencies, has experienced an increasing frequency of floods, droughts and heatwaves in recent decades. As a result, its population remains in constant flux, facing the dual challenges of poverty and a deteriorating ecological system. Like other climate-affected nations, an increasingly volatile environment poses a significant barrier to sustained, wholesale development.

In response to these challenges, the U.K.–Pakistan Green Compact stands as a landmark agreement in global climate cooperation, marking a critical step toward safeguarding one of the world’s most at-risk nations.

The Deal

The U.K.–Pakistan Green Compact offers Pakistan a collaborative means to ameliorate some of the most pressing ecological challenges that it has faced in recent years. The agreement unlocks more than $35 million in targeted U.K. funding for projects that support the development of green energy and promote preventative solutions, such as the investment in expanding mangrove conservation. 

The compact is centered around five pillars:

  • Clean energy transition
  • Nature-based solutions
  • Innovation and youth empowerment
  • Climate finance and investment
  • Adaptation and resilience

Stabilizing Pakistan’s Vulnerable Regions

The accessibility of finance to support sustainable climate projects is one of the major barriers to progress in Pakistan, a central concern that this compact hopes to address. The climate development that this will facilitate will, in turn, stabilize the regions in Pakistan most directly impacted by the floods, droughts and heatwaves that claimed more than 1,000 lives in 2025 alone. In particular, greater efforts in mangrove conservation made possible by this deal will help protect coastal communities from ongoing flooding risks. 

These floods weaken local economies, destroy homes and infrastructure and threaten the lives of both people and their livestock. More than 18 million Pakistanis were affected by the 2025 monsoon floods. The disaster led to widespread displacement and the destruction of vital public assets.

Essential cropland exceeding 2.23 million acres was either submerged or destroyed. This loss erased critical resources that support regional food security and an economy partly dependent on agriculture. The macroeconomic effects of the disaster are severe. It is projected to reduce the nation’s GDP for 2025–26 by up to 2%, posing a significant barrier to development.

The targeted solutions that the U.K.–Pakistan Green Compact provides hope to the roughly 60 million people living in poverty in Pakistan. The highest concentration of national poverty is found in the most rurally situated districts. As a result, it is the communities most reliant on agriculture that are made the most vulnerable by the impacts of changing climatic conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Collaborative action between international powers, such as the U.K.–Pakistan Green Compact, is essential for building a global framework for climate cooperation. This approach enables the sharing of data, resources, systems and expertise to address the climate crisis and its direct link to high poverty rates.

The future of climate action and poverty reduction is closely interconnected. It depends largely on sustained, large-scale international collaboration. The Green Compact deal stands as a strong example of the kind of coordinated economic action needed to support a more environmentally stable and economically resilient future.

– Evan Meikle

Evan is based in Kingston Upon Hull, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SDG 14 in South Africa: Fisheries and Sustainability

SDG 14 in South AfricaMore than 3 billion people depend on the ocean for food and work. Nearly 60 million people have direct employment in fisheries and millions more work in processing and distribution. Fish and seafood account for more than 20% of the dietary protein intake for more than 3 billion people worldwide. Protecting these marine resources is the primary focus of Life below water (SDG 14), one of the United Nations’ 17 goals in the 2030 Agenda.

In South Africa, where unemployment rates are among the highest globally and poverty rates remain widespread, the health of marine ecosystems provides an undeniable economic opportunity. Efforts to protect life below water and reach SDG 14 in South Africa have not only become environmental priorities, but a broader strategy to support livelihoods for all generations.

Marine Resource Management Challenges

South Africa’s marine environment continues to face growing pressure through the exploitation of marine resources, changing weather patterns and plastic pollution. Overfishing remains one of the most significant threats to ocean ecosystems, with 34% of South Africa’s fish stocks either depleted or heavily depleted. Nearly half of South Africa’s marine sources are already fully exploited with another 15% overexploited, putting substantial pressure on key economic species like rock lobster and tuna. Local marine ecosystems are being reshaped along the country’s expansive coastline, driven by changing weather patterns. Fisheries are highly dependent on ecosystem health as the food web drives biodiversity and biomass.

Sardines play a crucial role in the region’s marine food web supporting a large portion of the country’s pelagic fishing industry. However, sardine biomass declined 25% of its historical maximum since 2004 along South Africa’s west coast, significantly impacting fish stocks up the food chain. As populations decline, annual catch quotas are reduced with significant decreases in employment opportunities in fisheries, processing plants and export sectors.

Only 46% of South Africa’s 122 million tons of plastic waste is recycled, leaving an estimated 79,000 tons every year to enter rivers, oceans and the environment. This makes South Africa one of the largest contributors of land-based marine plastic pollution. Beyond plastics, 86% of sewage treatment did not meet safety standards and continues to release effluent contaminants into rivers. These environmental pressures have consequences beyond biodiversity by threatening coastal economies that rely heavily on ocean resources. With unemployment in South Africa reaching around 32%, fisheries and marine tourism provide important sources of income.

How SDG 14 Initiatives Are Combating Challenges

In response to SDG 14, South Africa continues to invest in research and collaboration efforts to improve scientific understanding, expand marine protection efforts, and promote sustainable resource management. Most notably, South Africa has increased marine protected areas from 0.4% to 5.4% of its Exclusive Economic Zone, protecting more than 1.5 million hectares of marine critical habitat. 

Researchers at the University of Cape Town play a key role in this effort by tracking ocean conditions to inform fisheries policies. One major initiative is the Marine and Antarctic Research for Innovation and Sustainability (MARIS) program. The Benguela Current system alone supports fisheries valued at more than $1 billion annually, highlighting the importance of research programs such as MARIS in guiding sustainable marine policy. Another key focus is the implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management in the Benguela Large Marine Ecosystem through three primary objectives:

  1. Capacity and skills for research, management and compliance
  2. Sufficient finances for research, management and monitoring 
  3. Effective data management between the monitoring and legal enforcement teams

The nutrient-rich Benguela current supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across southern Africa. To ensure sustainable fisheries policies and regulations within the marine park is critical. As Melrus managing director Tomas Kjelgaard states: “It’s very important for us to have a long-term business. If we overfish like they have done in many places during the last 20 years, then we don’t have a business the day after tomorrow.” To protect the livelihoods of future fishermen, continued cooperation between government agencies, local stakeholders and neighboring countries such as Namibia and Angola is essential.

Government-led education campaigns continue to spearhead community-driven initiatives in South Africa. Particularly, coastal cleanup programs removed 111.85 tonnes of waste from beaches and waterways during volunteer cleanup campaigns in 2024 and has employed more than 200,000 volunteers across the country. Additionally, academic programs such as SEAmester have helped train more than 500 students from 15 institutions, supporting next generation of marine scientists and securing employability across the sector.

The Future of South Africa’s Life Below Water

As South Africa continues to strive towards reaching the SDG 14, oceanic health and prosperity are becoming increasingly important toward reducing poverty and supporting sustainable economic development in South Africa. Despite universal challenges of overfishing, the changing climate and pollution, ongoing targeted research, informed policy decisions and community initiatives show that progress is possible. With expanding marine protected areas, stronger fisheries management, and education programs training the next generation of ocean stewards, South Africa is charting a course toward a healthier ocean and stronger coastal communities.

– Alyssa Forget

Alyssa is based in Dundas, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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SDG 4 in Haiti: Global Partnerships Advancing Education 

SDG 4 in Haiti

Across Haiti, school closures, language barriers and chronic underfunding continue to disrupt education for millions of students. The UN’s fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focuses on “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. In a country like Haiti, achieving this goal is especially urgent as the population continues to face extreme levels of poverty, violence and repeated school disruptions. In recent years, however, efforts have emerged to create a more robust system that will support the overall growth of Haitian youth. International organizations and local partners play an important role in supporting progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti.

Barriers To Achieving SDG 4 in Haiti

Years of political instability and the rise of gang violence have long impacted Haiti’s education system. As of May 2025, more than 1,600 schools across four departments shut down, largely due to the escalating insecurity. In addition to these safety concerns, education is severely underfunded. Less than one-quarter of schools are public institutions. In fact, approximately 80% of primary schools are privately run. Many families do not have the necessary resources to pay for a proper education, while the government does not provide them with the adequate tools to do so.

There are also key systemic issues that hinder learning outcomes. Haiti has two official languages: French and Haitian Creole. However, in reality, only a small minority of Haitians are bilingual, with around 90% of the population only speaking Haitian Creole. Despite this reality, French remains the official language of instruction, which creates an additional barrier for the majority of monolingual students. Educational materials in Haitian Creole remain limited, further complicating classroom learning.

Proper instructor training is another ongoing concern. Many teachers do not have the proper training or qualifications needed to deliver high-quality instruction. To add on to that, classrooms are often overcrowded and lack basic resources. Millions of students lack the proper support and tools needed to succeed, making progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti particularly challenging.

UNESCO Supports Curriculum Reform in Haiti

Despite these many obstacles, international actors continue to create initiatives that aim to strengthen Haiti’s education system. UNESCO has been a major player in Haiti’s pursuit of higher quality education. The Ministry of National Education of Haiti and the UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education recently signed a $6.8 million agreement to support curriculum reform and development in the country.

This project aims to create a better system by understanding and addressing the root causes of issues. Rather than focusing solely on classroom content, it aims to address why education is delivered the way it is and who it serves. Self-described as an “endogenous” education, it aims to completely reform the way in which Haitians perceive education to a more holistic view of it, understanding the power of their environment, their culture and their realities. This approach integrates Haiti’s cultural and social context into the curriculum through a more interactive process that involves the students and their input.

The project will unfold in three phases. The program began with a diagnostic phase from 2022 to 2024. Its conclusions revealed the system’s most glaring issues including overloaded curricula, a discrepancy in teacher training, learning assessment and content, and issues surrounding the use of the language of learning. Phases II (2025-2027) and III (2026-2029) both involve an integration of the newly developed curriculum into schools, including experimentation in classrooms. The final phase will develop digital educational resources that students can access both online and offline. This is especially important in the context of Haiti today, where electricity and internet access can be inconsistent. In addition, the program will train teachers, inspectors and pedagogical advisers who will help implement and monitor the new curriculum as it is gradually rolled out nationwide.

While UNESCO’s initiative represents only one component of broader reform efforts, it is a great example of how international partnerships are helping move SDG 4 in Haiti forward.

Programs Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

A student’s ability to focus and succeed in school is also contingent on their well-being outside of the classroom. The improvement of education outcomes therefore requires addressing broader challenges that students face such as nutrition, stability and access to basic resources among other factors. Hunger and financial hardship often reduce attendance and academic performance significantly. 

Organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) work to address issues surrounding nutrition. WFP helps to provide daily meals to around 420,000 students all over the country. Hunger reduces overall focus and energy, making it difficult for students to be fully present in class. On the other hand, school meal programs improve nutrition and serve as an incentive for families to keep their children enrolled in school.

Other organizations, including UNICEF, have developed programs that address emotional and stability barriers to learning. For example, UNICEF’s EDUPOL provides psychosocial care for more than 200,000 children affected by gang violence and displacement. The program also provided financial assistance to around 18,000 households and supported 33,062 students across 129 schools through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services designed to improve health and well-being.

By addressing these out-of-classroom challenges, these programs help create the conditions necessary for students to succeed academically. Education improvements require addressing both classroom and societal challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Education in Haiti

Haiti continues to face numerous challenges that inevitably affect the education of all students. However, educators, policymakers and international actors increasingly recognize the need for a more robust education system. Different initiatives have already improved the lives of countless students. Sustained collaboration between these different entities will be essential for these efforts to continue to expand. By addressing both systemic education barriers and the broader social challenges students face, these initiatives can help build a more resilient education system and expand opportunities for Haiti’s next generation, advancing progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti.

– Chloe Bonnefil

Chloe is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Africa: Startups Driving Sustainable Growth

Renewable Energy in Africa: Startups Driving Sustainable GrowthRenewable energy in Africa is transforming markets, communities and the environment as innovative companies expand access to clean, affordable power across the continent. While roughly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, particularly in parts of West and Central Africa, a range of startups and business ventures are stepping in with technology-driven solutions that improve lives and create economic opportunities.

The Energy Challenge and Opportunity

Despite Africa’s enormous renewable potential, it holds about 60% of the world’s best solar resources, and the continent has historically received a small share of global clean energy investment. Renewables accounted for around 14% of total energy supply in 2020, and Africa received 2% of global clean energy funding in recent years.

Currently, energy access remains a development priority. Nearly half of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lives without reliable electricity, limiting business growth, health services and education. However, the growth in renewable energy, especially solar, signals a shift toward long-term, sustainable infrastructure across both urban and rural communities.

Startups Powering Progress

Several startups are leading the charge in delivering renewable solutions that expand access to power and stimulate local economies:

  • Sun King. Sun King operates a pay-as-you-go solar model that provides clean energy systems to households and small businesses. Its products, including solar lanterns and home kits, have reached millions of users across East Africa, helping households reduce dependence on expensive and polluting kerosene lighting while increasing productivity after dark.
  • M-KOPA. M-KOPA has pioneered affordable solar energy through digital micro-payments. Offering flexible payment plans, M-KOPA enables low-income households in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana to access solar systems without high upfront costs. The company has served millions of households and facilitated broader financial inclusion in underserved regions.
  • Bboxx. Bboxx provides pay-as-you-go solar power and smart energy solutions across multiple African countries. Bboxx not only supplies solar equipment but also integrates technologies such as batteries and enabled management systems that help users monitor and pay for energy more efficiently. With operations in more than 10 countries, Bboxx aims to expand its reach in the coming years.

Business, Health and Social Benefits

The spread of renewable energy in Africa is not only an environmental benefit; it is also a business and social solution. Consistent electricity enables small enterprises to scale, increases educational opportunities by providing light for study after dark and powers clinics and refrigeration for vaccines. Solar power investment also creates jobs, from installation technicians to business service providers, boosting local economies and workforce development.

Looking Ahead

Investors are taking notice, with grid and clean energy ventures attracting hundreds of millions in funding in recent years, showing growing confidence in Africa’s renewable energy market. Indeed, with continued innovation and investment, the region is positioned to make renewable energy a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and climate resilience. Renewable energy in Africa is not just a technical solution; it is reshaping markets, supporting communities and helping build a cleaner future for millions.

– Nishanth Pothapragada

Nishanth is based in London, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 6 in Burkina Faso

SDG 6 in Burkina FasoBordering the Sahara Desert, Burkina Faso is a West African nation within one of the fastest heating climates in the world. Burkinabe people in rural areas are especially vulnerable to reduced water access with as many as two thirds unable to access clean drinking water reliably. The sweeping reforms current administration leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré made have prioritized the donation of machinery, vehicles and equipment to local rural communities. With the added donation of training and construction supplies, Faso Mêbo is a government program that is expanding access to clean drinking water in Burkina Faso and aims to empower rural communities to keep change sustainable. These reforms mark important updates on SDG 6 in Burkina Faso, particularly in relation to rural water access and public infrastructure development.

Water Access in Burkina Faso

Between 2000 and 2022, Burkina Faso was the only West African nation where the proportion of people with access to clean drinking water decreased.  The United Nations aims to end global poverty through shared targets for 17 key factors. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), SDG 6 sets out targets for Clean Water and Sanitation. Recent updates on SDG 6 in Burkina Faso show that one cannot separate water access from security, governance and climate pressures.

Since armed conflict with insurgent forces began in 2016, access to clean drinking water in Burkina Faso has deep ties to security. The militant group JNIM in particular has been ramping up attacks against water infrastructure, such as water transport trucks and village water pumps, since 2022. Researchers Zoltán Ködmön and Júlia Szőke for Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (2025) show evidence of a strong geographical link between water facilities hit by militants and regions where communities accessing cannot access clean drinking water on a regular basis, indicating that solving this crisis has to be multifaceted. They argue that “sustainable water security can only be achieved to a certain extent, as the work, the money spent over many years and the results achieved can be destroyed by armed groups in no time.”

A general reduction in rainfall, hotter weather and crops failing due to sudden temperature changes characterize an increasingly volatile West African climate. As the climate crisis worsens, rural communities become more reliant on often expensive irrigation reforms to survive. Traoré’s initiative to restore water storage infrastructure to its previous capacity shows a commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing SDG 6 in Burkina Faso

A recent trend of government policy sees local communities undertake the construction of water reforms across Burkina Faso using materials and vehicles the administration donated for irrigation and hydro-agriculture. This is a departure that signals an increased willingness to cooperate with rural groups the Compaoré administration had alienated in the decades prior and align with Ködmön and Szőke’s recommendation that “decentralizing water governance and building local institutional capacities—particularly in conflict affected areas—[is] essential for improving long-term resilience.”

An increased focus on water development in the North is essential to the well-being of the poorest in Burkina Faso. The African Development Bank (ADB), since the 2015 change from Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals, has funded more projects in the Nord and Sahel provinces but the imbalance of funding still remains.

Looking Ahead

Updates on SDG 6 in Burkina Faso imply that clean water access is a technical and environmental challenge and also a question of class, security, and sovereignty. The Traoré administration’s turn toward public ownership, decentralized governance and mass participation represents a rupture with neoliberal development models that have ultimately failed the rural poor in Burkina Faso in the past. By placing infrastructure, training and decision-making power directly in the hands of communities, Faso Mêbo demonstrates that collective ownership and international co-operation can achieve sustainable development.

– Zoey Cruz

Zoey is based in Bedfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Landmine Clearance and Food Security

How Landmine Clearance and Food Security Support Development in IndonesiaLandmines, cluster munitions and improvised explosive devices continue to threaten civilian lives and block economic progress long after conflicts end, making land unsafe for farming, travel or everyday life. These explosive remnants of war can lie hidden for decades and prevent people from safely accessing land for food production, shelter or infrastructure. They are one reason communities often cannot rebuild after conflict. At least 58 states and territories remain contaminated by these explosive hazards — 29 with cluster munition remnants and more than 60 with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) — endangering millions of people and limiting economic opportunities.

Because contaminated land is unsafe, farmers often cannot grow food where they once did, which reduces food production and household income and slows community recovery. This weakens food security and forces families to rely on outside support instead of producing their own food. Mine clearance makes land safe again so families can plant crops, raise animals and support their own food supplies — a key part of strengthening landmine clearance and food security and promoting long-term community well-being.

Clearing Land for Food and Growth

Mine action — the process of surveying, mapping, detecting and removing landmines and explosive remnants of war — does more than save lives. As teams clear contaminated land and certify it safe, farmers can return to productive use, reinforcing landmine clearance and food security. This work also supports broader improvements such as irrigation systems, water access points and improved roads, which help sustain agricultural productivity and support community development.

Clearing landmines also reopens roads and paths that were once too dangerous to use, allowing children to go to school, families to access health care and goods to be traded at markets. Safe infrastructure supports local economies and helps communities rebuild and connect with broader development opportunities.

Indonesia’s Role in Mine Action and Food Security

Indonesia frames mine action as both a humanitarian obligation and a development priority, particularly through its participation in international disarmament and peacebuilding frameworks. As a state party to the Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Indonesia links mine action to civilian protection, post-conflict recovery and long-term development, including food security.

While Indonesia is not among the most heavily contaminated countries, it plays a role in international mine action assistance through peacekeeping operations, South-South cooperation and regional leadership in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has also expressed concern about the growing global threat posed by explosive remnants of war, particularly as climate change increases flooding and extreme weather, causing unexploded ordnance to move into previously cleared agricultural areas. These risks further undermine food production in climate-vulnerable regions and highlight the need for sustained international cooperation and innovation in mine action.

The Importance of Funding for Mine Action

Funding is essential for mine action because clearing landmines and supporting affected communities requires long-term investment. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) receives support through assessed contributions when mine action is part of peacekeeping or other United Nations missions and through extra-budgetary resources provided by member states to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. The fund helps finance surveys, clearance, risk education and victim assistance.

Indonesia has repeatedly warned within the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly that declining voluntary funding threatens the sustainability of mine action programs worldwide, especially as global military expenditures continue to rise. Continued funding is needed to sustain clearance operations, support survivors, expand risk education and integrate mine action with broader humanitarian and development programming.

Indonesia and International Support

Indonesia supports international efforts to remove landmines and participates in global frameworks that encourage civilian protection and post-conflict recovery. Agreements such as the Mine Ban Treaty have led to widespread destruction of landmines and mobilized international cooperation to help countries and communities address contamination, including through risk education and assistance to survivors.

Mine action is not only about physical clearance. It also includes risk education, which teaches people how to recognize and avoid explosive hazards, and victim assistance, which helps those injured regain independence and participate in community life. These programs help communities rebuild confidence, participate in economic activity and focus on education and work rather than fear of unexploded weapons, though challenges remain as some regions recover more slowly.

Food Security and the Future

The relationship between landmine clearance and food security plays a critical role in helping communities rebuild after conflict and invest in long-term development. When land is cleared of explosive hazards, farmers can grow more food, households can invest in farming and other income-producing activities and communities can reduce poverty. Safe land also encourages investment in infrastructure such as irrigation, roads and local markets, strengthening resilience in agricultural communities and fostering economic growth.

Indonesia emphasizes that mine action directly supports global development goals such as ending hunger (SDG 2), promoting peace (SDG 16) and improving human security. Although progress can be uneven across regions, continued international support and cooperation help mine action reach more people, make communities safer and contribute to long-term development outcomes in Indonesia and around the world.

– Anaisha Kundu

Anaisha is based in Skillman, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Updates on SDG 1 in Mongolia

SDG 1 in MongoliaSustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) is one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals the UN adopted in 2015. The goals are part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the aim of achieving “peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030.” SDG 1 is the broadest and most-encompassing of all the goals: to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” The poverty rate in Mongolia was 27.1% in 2022; more than a quarter of Mongolians still live in poverty. However, there are currently many NGOs acting in Mongolia to reduce the poverty rate. Here is an update on SDG 1 in Mongolia.

UNICEF’s Role in Fulfilling SDG 1 in Mongolia

NGOs are playing a crucial role in relieving poverty in Mongolia. UNICEF has been active in Mongolia since the 1960s. Currently, the majority of UNICEF’s funding in Mongolia is directed towards health programs. In 2023, UNICEF helped to launch a program to screen all school children for the bacterial infection that causes strep throat, a disease which when left untreated, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Poor nutrition is another prevalent issue amongst children, with many experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiencies. UNICEF is training school chefs, helping to greatly improve the quality of school meals, as well as promoting healthy diets and eating habits throughout local communities.

The UN

The UN is helping to fulfill SDG 1 in Mongolia by aiding farming communities. The dzud is a disaster unique to Mongolia. Dzuds are extreme winters, characterized by frozen ground, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Many herders suffer great losses to their livestock during these periods; the winter of 2023-2024 saw a loss of 7.4 million Mongolian herd animals. The UN is leading the Humanitarian Country Team in Mongolia, which managed to raise $10.6 million in 2024. The team has worked to mitigate the effects of the dzud, providing hay and fodder for animals, education for farming groups and cash support for the farmers worst affected.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has implemented the ‘Addressing Climate Change-Induced Human Mobility in Mongolia’ since 2024. The project aims to increase the resilience of government agencies and local communities to the impacts of changing weather, chiefly migration challenges and natural disasters. The IOM is working to ensure that rural communities have increased access to resources, education and support to negate the impact of climate-related disasters, with a special emphasis placed on the education of women and children. Furthermore, as of October 2025, the IOM has provided livelihood support for climate migrants across 21 provinces and nine districts.

People in Need (PIN)

People in Need (PIN) has been active in Mongolia since 2008, establishing a permanent Mongolian office in 2011. Since 2011, PIN has run around 30 individual aid projects, helping people in both rural and urban settings across 19 different provinces. The aims of these projects have varied greatly, respectively concerning emergency response, gender and social inclusion, change and sustainable livelihoods and civil society empowerment. More recently, PIN has supported both state authorities and civil society organizations in the adoption of digital technology, and has aided with media literacy. PIN also supports local NGOs in accessing international funds and global political expertise.

Looking Forward

Overall, although the Mongolian poverty rate is still relatively high, many NGOs are making great efforts to reduce it through a large variety of aid strategies. The future is positive for Mongolia. The poverty rate decreased by 2.5% between 2016 and 2022. Through the hard work of NGOs and government aid, the poverty rate is set to decrease in the coming years, making SDG1 in Mongolia seem more achievable than ever.

– Arthur Horsey

Arthur is based in Hampshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr