Archive for category: United Nations

Information and stories about United Nations.

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A Shift Toward Ethics: UN Involvement in the DRC

U.N. Involvement in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a Central African country with beautiful landscapes and lush green mountains. The nation is dense with natural resources like cobalt, a highly sought-after resource in today’s economy because it is used in batteries of electric vehicles. The DRC is currently the world’s largest supplier of cobalt. Despite this, the DRC is still considered a less-developed country. This untapped resource potential should mean the DRC is the richest country in the world, but that has not been the case. The mining, export, and production processes are plagued by smuggling, corruption, child labor and armed group conflicts. The United Nations (U.N.) involvement in the DRC cobalt production becomes vital to transform the current climate. The focus is on using the demand for this dense natural resource for sustainable economic development and growth, instead of perpetuating armed violence, forced coercion and child labor.

The United Nations has committed to multiple panels, forums, and invested resources in programs focused on responsible mining practices and ethical working conditions. Such programs include the United Nations Guiding Principles to Guide Global Energy Transition (UNGPGET). The U.N. notes that without proper management, increasing demand for critical minerals risks perpetuating commodity dependence, which is the current reality for people in the DRC. Fortunately, there are other programs that focus on concrete steps for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to follow.

Are UN Programs Doing Enough?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s poverty rate increased from 69.9% in 2012 to 78.9% in 2020, according to World Bank data. This indicates a country in need of aid. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Initiative on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is a task force involving the DRC, launched in 2025 that focuses on five pillars to implement the UNGPGET principles. These pillars include value addition, traceability, a global mining legacy fund, artisanal and small-scale mining, as well as circularity and material efficiency. The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) also works with the DRC to promote sustainable economic growth while promoting ethical practices for the extraction and production of cobalt. Their programs in the DRC include collecting risk data to fund improvements in artisanal and small-scale mining sites (ASM). They also fund vocational training for at-risk youth as an alternative to working in the mines. The programs funded by the RMI are important to promoting economic growth and development by providing alternatives to mining, like education. Collective action is crucial in cases like the DRC involving unethical treatment, corruption and natural resource dependency. Programs with RMI support U.N. involvement in DRC cobalt production, making it as safe and ethical as possible.

Working Toward Standards of Human Rights

Due diligence processes have become important in bringing about a shift toward ethical mining practices. One of the biggest mines operating in the famous “Copperbelt” of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kisanfu mines, has set forth a clear due diligence standard. Guidelines include no toleration of torture, cruel or inhumane and degrading treatment, forced or compulsory labor and the “worst” forms of child labor. These standards set forth clear treatment expectations, with violations resulting in suspension or discontinuation of engagement. The other major mine in the Copperbelt is the Tenke Fungurume mine. This mine does not set forth clear standards but has contributed to sustainable growth and development in four areas: education and capacity building, access to savings and credit, construction of production and conservation infrastructure and agriculture.

DRC Enacts Cobalt Export Ban

Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government enacted a ban on exporting cobalt in hopes of retaining more value from these minerals in the form of sustainable economic growth and development. This is not the first ban on cobalt exports; the DRC enacted multiple bans in 2013, 2019 and 2023. Christian-Gerand Neema, a mining analyst for China-Global South Project, expects this ban to have little effect on the DRC economy because “the majority of Congo’s cobalt and copper is already refined domestically.”

Looking Ahead

While the U.N.’s involvement in DRC cobalt production is a good start and their programs lay out important guidelines, countries involved in armed conflicts from coups or violence from governments tend not to follow these guidelines until sanctions are placed upon them by international organizations. This is where the Due Diligence Standards are beneficial. However, there is an obvious need for more. While these programs and standards aim to stop unethical or inhumane treatment in the mines or mining communities, violence and armed conflict remain prevalent. Major sanctions placed upon the DRC by external actors with capital could leverage this position.

– Lily K Gibson

Lily is based in Bristol, CT, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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The UN’s Mission of Eradicating Extreme Global Poverty

extreme global povertyMedia coverage often frames global instability as inevitable, spreading the idea that the conditions of global poverty are beyond the reach of policy and action. However, organizations like the United Nations (U.N.) and the World Bank offer a more hopeful approach to this matter. The U.N. has created a mission to end poverty called Sustainable Development Goal 1, with the aim of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030. Since its creation in 2015, it has shifted from a charity-driven initiative to a systematic blueprint essential for the global economy.

The Basis

For many years, a country’s success has often been defined by its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet, as noted in the Beyond GDP report, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres points out that when people look at a country’s growth, they ignore the people that the growth is actually meant to help. The U.N. has recently launched the Global Dashboard, which measures progress from an environmental and human rights approach. In other words, a country’s growth does not simply rely on its factories but on citizens’ access to gender equity, technology and clean water.

Social Protection Achievement

This year, a landmark achievement was confirmed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). According to Global Issues, more than half of the world’s population now receives at least one form of social protection benefit for the first time on record. These social protection benefits range from child allowances for struggling families to pensions for people living in rural villages. The U.N. strives to extend this social protection and emphasize that financial security is not a luxury but an essential human right. The U.N.’s Pact for the Future report outlines goals including promoting universal health coverage, increasing access to quality and inclusive education and improving opportunities for decent work and universal access to social protection.

This milestone is particularly significant in sub-Saharan Africa, where social protection implementation has historically been slower and less effective than in other regions. Nations such as Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya have expanded their cash transfer programs over the years, reaching millions of families.

A New Approach To Extreme Global Poverty

The World Bank recently updated its Multidimensional Poverty Measure (MPM) with the aim of defining extreme poverty not through income but through access. According to a U.N. report, the international poverty line was raised from $2.15 in 2017 purchasing power parity to $3.00 in 2021 purchasing power parity, meaning anyone living on less than $3.00 a day is considered extremely poor. The new standard urges countries to expand access to education, sanitation and electricity, placing a strong emphasis on the standard of living.

The new framework increases pressure on governments in sub-Saharan Africa to expand basic services such as electricity, sanitation and education, rather than focusing solely on income levels.

Looking Ahead

The World Bank shows that the extreme global poverty rate is around 10%, a significant decrease from the past, though hundreds of millions of people continue to struggle. The frameworks set by the World Bank and the U.N. represent new approaches for addressing these disparities and offer a roadmap for sustained progress in the years ahead.

– Hasini Muddapu

Hasini is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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How the United Nations is Working to Prevent Hunger in Tonga

Hunger in TongaThe Kingdom of Tonga, a constitutional monarchy, is a 171-island archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. Its estimated population of almost 105,000 occupies 45 of the islands, with over two-thirds living on the island of Tongaatapu. Over 75% of Tonga’s population is rural, although less than 28% of the land is arable. Tonga is an upper middle-income economy, with “enormous diaspora and remittance reliance” (estimated at almost 42% in 2022). Tourism is a key industry, and the country is a major fish exporter.      

Food Security: Access vs. Quality

The most recent Sustainable Development Report for Tonga for the U.N.’s SDG 2, Zero Hunger, shows decreasing trends in terms of improvement, with significant challenges remaining.  (Information was available for only four of the eight indicators comprising the assessment.) While the SDG has been achieved for stunting and wasting of children under 5, significant challenges remain for the Sustainable Nitrogen Management Index, and a major challenge regarding the prevalence of obesity, where the improvement trend is decreasing. 

Tonga has not met the criteria for inclusion in the Global Hunger Index, most likely because of insufficient data. Still, other sources support the conclusion that food security in Tonga is not a question of access to food, but rather an issue of the quality of food being consumed. The Pacific Community: Tonga Food Security Profile reports that more than 97% of the population has adequate access to food, but around 12% lack access to nutritious foods. While vegetable and fruit consumption is approximately what the WHO recommends for a healthy diet, 60% of dietary energy comes from foods it is recommended to limit or avoid—e.g., sugar and animal fats. Only 15% of Tongans consume a balanced diet. 

This conclusion is supported by the 2022 Global Nutrition Report, which indicates that Tonga’s obesity prevalence (57.9% of adult women and 45.5% of adult men) is higher than the regional average and among the highest in the world. At the same time, while Tonga is “on course” for childhood stunting, childhood wasting and childhood overweight, there has been no progress, or worsening, for anemia among women of childbearing age and exclusive breastfeeding. Tonga is off course for the remaining eight indicators of the report. 

Impact of Dietary Diversity on Health

The World Food Programme’s mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping survey, October/November 2024, in Tonga, similarly noted that 98% of the households surveyed experienced adequate consumption, but diets lacked diversity. Although food security was found to be stable, the high cost of food and rural poverty are challenges. Significantly, the poor quality of diets can lead to NCDs (non-communicable diseases). 

The World Bank had previously noted an increase in poor diet as one of the behavior-related risk factors contributing to Tonga’s rise in NCDs, which accounted for four of the five leading causes of mortality. A 2021 World Bank study focused on NCD-related fiscal policies, such as taxation policy on unhealthy food consumption behaviors.

The World Bank has worked with Tonga to evaluate programs put in place 2016-2019 to promote healthy lifestyles. These programs were:

  • A government policy to mandate overseas fishing vessels to sell a portion of their catch in Tonga at a discounted rate, thus increasing the supply of fish available domestically
  • An NCD tax on unhealthy foods
  • A government buy-back program, whereby the Ministry of Fisheries purchased fish wholesale from local fishing boats and subsequently sold it to the public at a subsidized rate

The World Bank’s findings showed that “integrated, innovative solutions can work together to reduce food security risk… and improve health and nutrition outcomes.” 

Climate Challenge

Not to be ignored is the impact of climate on Tonga and its key economic sectors—tourism, agriculture and fisheries—and thus the direct and indirect effect on food security and health. Natural hazards include heat waves, drought, floods, cyclones and storm surges. In January 2022, for example, a volcanic eruption and tsunami destroyed crops and polluted drinking water. 

Subsequent to the COVID pandemic, the U.N.’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) worked through the Informal Economies Recovery Project to support the implementation of various agricultural development activities in Tonga. IFAD’s mission is to reduce rural poverty, to improve nutrition and increase food security, as well as to strengthen resilience. IFAD partnered with MORDITT in Tonga (Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation Tonga Trust), with activities including the distribution of seedlings. 

A Collaborative and Multi-Pronged Approach

Addressing hunger in Tonga is thus a combination of national and international commitment with macro-level policy and sectoral efforts, as well as micro-level behavioral change efforts.

– Staff Reports

Photo: Flickr

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Education for Somali Women: Rebuilding a Nation

Education for Somali womenThe African country of Somalia has been ravaged by war for decades. Conflict began in the late 1980s and worsened after the fall of Siad Barre’s military government in 1991 at the hands of clan-based militant movements—the Somali National Movement (SNM) in the northwest, the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF) in the northeast and the United Somali Congress (USC) around Mogadishu. Over the next 30 years, Somalia’s conflict would take many different forms, according to BBC News.

In August 2012, after years of clan violence and Islamist insurgency, Somalia’s first formal parliament in more than two decades was sworn in. The following month, Somalia’s parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking the first presidential election since 1967, according to BBC News. Today, Somalia remains at war with Al-Shabab—an extremist Islamist group—yet the government has turned much of its focus toward reconstruction and long-term stability.

According to the United Nations (U.N.), 4.4 million Somalis are projected to face acute food insecurity through the end of 2025, and 1.85 million Somali children are likely to experience acute malnutrition. Somali government initiatives and nongovernmental organizations are working to support vulnerable populations, but shrinking international support threatens to stall progress.

Still, Somalia’s situation is not unsalvageable. The nation’s recovery depends not only on government institutions but also on its citizens’ resilience and commitment to rebuilding—a mission many Somali women have taken to heart. Women have become increasingly involved and influential in Somali politics, education, entrepreneurship and peacebuilding, according to the U.N.

Below is a closer look at how women across Somalia are leading the way toward a brighter and more stable future.

Driving Economic Recovery Through Entrepreneurship

For a nation rebuilding from decades of war, expanding economic opportunity is essential to reducing poverty and strengthening support for struggling citizens. In 2019, Somalia launched the Gargaara Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Financing Facility, designed to fund aspiring Somali entrepreneurs and small businesses.

According to the World Bank, by June 2024, Gargaara had lent more than $23 million to MSMEs across the country, with women-led businesses receiving half of all loans—at least 800 in total. Yet, despite this equal distribution by number, the total monetary value of loans to women was significantly lower than that of male-run enterprises, highlighting a persistent gender gap in capital access.

Even so, Gargaara and its partners at the World Bank have committed to expanding their reach—onboarding more Somali financial institutions, increasing available credit and building lending capacity—all with the goal of supporting a greater number of women-owned MSMEs. Their efforts underscore how vital women entrepreneurs are to rebuilding Somalia’s economy.

Expanding Women’s Political Influence and Representation

Women in Somalia are increasingly taking leadership roles in politics. In March 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on women to get involved in political and security work during a state iftar dinner with more than 100 women leaders, according to AllAfrica News. He praised the work women were already doing—supporting troops and caring for the wounded—and urged them to join political parties, run for office and organize beyond clan divisions.

At the local level, progress is already happening. In Hirshabelle State, women have been elected to district councils and trained in leadership, advocacy and peacebuilding through programs supported by Finn Church Aid (FCA) Somalia. FCA also works with “peace mothers” and female councilors to organize community forums where women, elders and local leaders discuss policy and inclusion. Women now hold roughly 23% of council seats in these areas.

Education for Somali Women

Education for Somali women has been a struggle for generations, but the script is finally starting to flip. “Historically, two groups of patriarchs denied Somali female children schooling—those were the Italian and British colonists,” said University of Minnesota Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar. “It’s really the liberation movement in the 1950s and then the country’s independence in 1960 and thereafter, where female children’s education was expanded. So those challenges still exist.”

Education has become one of the most powerful tools for Somali women to rebuild their lives and communities. According to the U.N., educator Amina Abdi Ali has helped more than 450 women in Kismayo learn to read, write and improve their math skills through a local adult literacy program. Larger initiatives like the Somalia Girls’ Education Programme, led by the U.N. Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) and CARE Somalia, have also focused on keeping marginalized girls in school by removing barriers that prevent them from learning—especially in rural areas. According to the World Bank, the Rajo Kaaba program recently awarded scholarships to more than 2,000 Somali girls, allowing them to study in fields such as teaching and nursing.

Peacebuilding and Social Healing

After decades of warfare, civilian bloodshed and displacement, women in Somalia are taking it upon themselves to advocate for peace. One way they have done this is by establishing the Joint Programme on Women, Peace and Protection (WPP) in May 2022. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), U.N. Women and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia, the WPP has taken steps to localize peace and security for women in Somalia.

The WPP has already achieved major accomplishments, illustrating its importance as a program for sustained peace. These include the development and launch of a Local Action Plan (LAP) with presidential endorsement, the formation of a Peace Working Group bringing together diverse community leaders and the establishment of a One Stop Center that supports victims of sexual violence, according to the UNDP.

Looking Ahead

“Over the last 35 years, women really have been very crucial to keeping Somali society together—not only the family, but the whole society,” said Abdi Ismail Samatar. From running businesses and creating jobs to taking leadership roles in politics, expanding education for girls and young women and pushing for peace at the local level, women are at the heart of Somalia’s recovery. Their efforts show that rebuilding the nation is not just the work of governments or aid organizations—it is also the work of women who refuse to let their communities fall behind.

– Jordan Venell

Jordan is based in Edina, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Brazil’s Removal From the Hunger Map

Brazil's Removal From the Hunger MapOn Monday, July 28, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) removed Brazil from the U.N. Hunger map. Being on the Hunger Map means that most of the country’s population does not have regular access to enough food for a healthy life. Brazil was able to exit the hunger map due to Brazil’s government prioritizing poverty, stimulating job and income generation, supporting family farming, strengthening school feeding and creating access to healthy food.

Many plans, programs and initiatives were implemented to achieve Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map. These plans include:

  • Food Supply National Plan, also known as “Food on the Plate.”
  • Agroecology and Organic Production National Plan (PLANAPO).
  • Arroz de gente (“Our Rice” Program).
  • Renovation and Modernization of Conab Warehouses.
  • Leasing of spaces at the São Paulo General Warehouse and Wholesale Company.
  • Public notice for the modernization of Food Banks at wholesale markets.
  • Strengthening territorial arrangements for the production and distribution of healthy foods.

The Food on the Plate and the PLANAPO Programs

The Food on the Plate,” and the PLANAPO plans were all created to ensure food on the table for all Brazilians. The programs also seek to minimize poverty by building a resilient and sustainable food production system that uplifts small-scale farmers, agriculture cooperatives and community-based associations. Central to this vision is a national commitment to ending hunger, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all, while promoting environmental health and local empowerment.

Rice Production and the Zero Hunger Strategy

Our Rice Program provides low-interest credit and technical support to small producers while supplying rice to solidarity kitchens and food-insecure populations, helping those in poverty. The renovation of the Conab warehouse increases grain intake capacity, improves food logistics and reduces spoilage. Meanwhile, the leasing of spaces enhances the distribution of fresh produce to urban areas. It stimulates economic activity and job creation through expanded vendor participation.

In parallel, the modernization of food banks, which is aligned with the national “Food on the Plate” plan, upgrades the infrastructure for food recovery and redistribution. This initiative helps redirect surplus food to vulnerable populations, improving efficiency and equity in the food system. These programs promote sustainability, reduce hunger and strengthen Brazil’s resilience against economic and environmental disruptions.

Brazil also implemented the zero hunger strategy, which allows access to adequate food, agricultural support, income-generating activities and social participation. These plans and programs allowed Brazil to leave the Hunger Map and helped many underserved communities.

Conclusion

Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map marks a transformative milestone in its fight against poverty and food insecurity. The country has shown that systematic change is possible when policy meets community needs through strategies like sustainable agriculture, modernized infrastructure and inclusive social programs.

Initiatives like Food on the Plate, PLANAPO and Arroz de Gente improved food access, empowered small producers and revitalized local economies. Brazil’s success story offers a powerful model for other nations grappling with hunger, proving that hunger can be eradicated with political will, innovation and grassroots engagement.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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United Nations Pilot Agrifood Initiatives To Combat Famine in Gaza

Combat Famine in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is mounting, reaching Phase 5 of famine according to the United Nations’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (U.N. IPC). Distrust in aid sites is rising as the Israeli military killed 1,373 Palestinians seeking basic necessities between May 27 and July 31, 2025, alone.

Calls for the blockade to end have led to droves of civilian-led flotillas to end the siege and renew the flow of aid into the region. Aside from this, action taken by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has facilitated the freedom of Gazans to restore their food supply.

Cash-Based Assistance Plan

The FAO has invested in farmers to combat famine in Gaza by monetarily supporting their agricultural practices. The U.N. has successfully supported 200 farmers in the Strip through its pilot initiative. This scalable model can recover some of the population’s food production abilities from the ground.

The FAO covers the costs of the supplies and resources available, many of which are extremely unaffordable due to hyperinflation. By funding farmers to buy costly fertilizers and seeds, agrifood systems can successfully reduce unaffordability by cultivating crops, returning supply to their economy and providing a basis for rebuilding the region.

In addition to the need to enact this model on a larger scale, Palestinians are unable to cultivate land without clearing a significant amount of rubble. As only 4.6% of the land in the Strip was deemed arable by the FAO in March 2025, compared to the 42% usable before 2024, the threat of desertification could severely escalate the issue.

A combination of funding for farmers and funding for removing and disposing of rubble to propagate the land is therefore essential to combating famine in Gaza.

Debris Management Framework

According to an article published by the American Journal of Public Health, bombardment in Gaza has caused environmental degradation and a public health crisis. The debris of fallen buildings has spread asbestos and other contaminants, affecting water, air and soil health. A geospatial assessment from the FAO and United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) maintains that there is little space to “preserve livelihoods” because of the reduction of usable land.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has long guided debris management projects worldwide, providing technical documents to support rapid response during national emergencies. One such document highlights the “UNDP/Gaza rubble removal experience” in 2005, when the agency efficiently established a high-capacity rubble crushing site.

Removing highly contaminated and hazardous materials in accordance with the UNDP framework will help the local people meet environmental standards necessary to prevent toxic soil contamination. In addition to the FAO’s cash-based assistance plan for restoring food production, the UNDP framework can guide the revitalization of soil health to combat famine in Gaza.

Conclusion

The World Bank predicts that Gaza will not recover its gross domestic product (GDP) until 2038 under the current conditions. Simply giving buying power back to Palestinians is not a solution on its own. Ending the blockade now to allow essential supplies, like quality seeds, infrastructure and construction materials, is necessary to restart the agrifood sector and combat famine in Gaza.

– Aliyah Omar

Aliyah is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Tackling Data Bias in Poverty Metrics: From MDGs to SDGs

Poverty MetricsPoverty alleviation remains a core focus of global development efforts under the 2030 United Nations (U.N.) Agenda. However, questions continue to arise about the accuracy and inclusivity of the metrics that define and measure poverty—especially in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) legacy. Critics point to a persistent data bias in poverty metrics, which has become even more pronounced with the rise of predictive artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven development planning.

Overly Ambitious MDGs

The MDGs, followed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), initially aimed to achieve basic development milestones but failed to demonstrate significant progress toward sustainable development in practice. The U.N. introduced the MDGs in 2000 to address extreme global poverty.

During the early rollout of the MDGs, many observers predicted near-certain failure due to “overly ambitious goals” and “unrealistic expectations placed on aid.” Vague and sweeping targets relied on 1990 baseline levels for indicators such as child mortality and access to clean water—despite limited data availability. This reliance created a data void where estimates depended largely on guesswork. Many viewed the underlying assumption—that aid transfers alone could resolve poverty—as flawed, particularly given the global context shaped by capitalist globalization and historical exploitation.

The U.N. Independent Expert Advisory Group later criticized the MDGs for lacking sufficient data, noting that fewer than 70% of required indicators had consistent reporting in any five years. In response, the U.N. introduced the SDGs in 2015 with 231 indicators to address data gaps and improve goal tracking across development efforts.

The SDGs Data Revolution

The SDGs replaced the MDGs and marked a shift toward a more data-driven, metric-heavy development model. This approach emphasizes “big data” and quantifiable benchmarks to define and monitor progress. However, relying heavily on quantitative data presents challenges. In poverty metrics, numerical targets often distort or oversimplify the real issues. Numbers can obscure the theoretical debates that drive progress, obstructing efforts to address structural inequalities and the underlying causes of poverty.

The SDGs’ poverty eradication target continues to draw from a Eurocentric definition of poverty that emphasizes meeting basic needs. This narrow approach overlooks broader and more critical frameworks, such as feminist, racial, or decolonial theories. For instance, the focus on primary school enrollment as a proxy for educational progress ignores the need for vocational skills training and access to secondary or higher education. It also assumes that children who enroll in primary school will continue their education—an assumption that fails in contexts where girls often leave school early to become houseworkers or wives.

The data rarely reflects racial disparities in access to education—such as the disproportionate number of minority children unable to attend school. As a result, the metrics often look impressive on paper but lack practical value. These biases reinforce dominant ideologies and redefine development only in terms of poverty alleviation while failing to address its root causes.

Existing Gaps in Quantitative Data Use

Another growing concern is the increasing use of big data and AI to generate development metrics. AI models, trained on datasets mostly derived from Western countries, often replicate and amplify existing biases. These systems apply Eurocentric assumptions to global poverty issues and generate outputs that fail to capture the diverse realities of communities outside of the United States (U.S.) and Europe.

Critics argue for the need to complement big data with data ethnography and qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews and participatory research help uncover the social contexts behind data points. Without such methods, AI systems risk embedding and reproducing the same structural biases that shape current development models.

Looking Ahead

The shift from MDGs to SDGs introduced measurable targets, but the overemphasis on quantitative indicators could undermine the understanding of poverty as a complex, context-specific issue. While the MDGs struggled due to data gaps, the SDGs may now rely too heavily on numbers that fail to reflect lived experience. To build a more accurate and inclusive global development agenda, future efforts can potentially embrace a multidimensional approach—one that incorporates local knowledge, cultural context and qualitative insights.

– Autumn Joseph

Autumn is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Global Human Rights: Strengthening UN Support to Save Lives

Global Human RightsSeptember 2024 is the month when world leaders and diplomats from around the world gather in New York City, New York, to discuss a variety of global issues ranging from conflict to poverty to education, among many others. From September 22-30, the whole world will be watching as world leaders address international challenges, such as eliminating nuclear weapons and antimicrobial resistance, in summits and high-level meetings in an effort to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Overall, the theme of the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.” Despite the positive aspiration in the theme, reports from U.N. agencies within the last year show that there has not been stronger U.N. support recently.

Institutional Issues Within the UN System

The U.N. system is facing internal institutional challenges, resulting mainly from funding shortages and inadequate support for its efforts to help vulnerable communities in places such as Gaza and Mali. In fact, on August 30, 2024, the acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator stated that as the number of humanitarian emergencies increases, a shortage of funding hinders them from “reaching people who need life-saving assistance.”

Although agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have been implementing innovative solutions to difficult issues, countries are not providing the stronger U.N. support needed to make these solutions work on a larger scale. This highlights a lack of commitment from the international community to protect and preserve global human rights values.

More Funding Equals More Lives Saved

The main obstacle to the U.N.’s humanitarian work is the lack of adequate funding for its critical life-saving operations. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at the U.N. has stated that of the $49 billion needed to reach at least 187 million people who need assistance the most, it only received 29% of the funds.

As of August 30, 2024, the countries whose emergency operations are deemed underfunded include Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Honduras, Lebanon, Niger, Sudan and Syria. Although OCHA was able to assist these countries via its emergency response funds, stronger financial support is still needed to ensure that OCHA can reach as many vulnerable communities as possible around the world.

Funding Innovation in Humanitarian Aid

As humanitarian aid becomes more difficult and complex, U.N. agencies have decided to find new ways to overcome obstacles and deliver more life-saving assistance than before, including digital data-sharing between agencies. For example, UNHCR has a database on digital registration, identity management and case management called PRIMES. In contrast, WFP has one on digital beneficiary information and transfer management called SCOPE.

Thus, in an effort to enhance their aid operations, UNHCR and WFP created a joint database combining both PRIMES and SCOPE called PING that helps both agencies transfer data safely and efficiently. Therefore, if the international community provides stronger U.N. support via more funds, it will enable U.N. agencies to innovate their life-saving operations further.

Strengthening Global Human Rights

The needs and innovations of U.N. agencies highlight the urgent need for stronger support from countries worldwide. With the rise in global conflicts and crises, the number of vulnerable people requiring life-saving aid has grown, outpacing the U.N.’s current funding capabilities. Although U.N. agencies have been implementing the necessary reforms that enhanced their life-saving operations, such as inter-agency digital data sharing, more monetary support is needed for them to implement more innovative reforms.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Funding Initiative for Fighting Poverty in Puerto Rico

Fighting Poverty in Puerto RicoIn a significant effort to boost economic development and fight poverty in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has given the green light to allocate $158 million in federal funds for Puerto Rico under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund. 

This substantial investment has a two-fold focus, with $85.7 million dedicated to broadband infrastructure and $64.7 million allocated to multi-purpose community technology centers. This initiative’s primary objectives include combating poverty and nurturing development within the territory by bridging the digital divide that plagues Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico’s Lack of Connectivity

More than 61,000 homes and small businesses on the island currently lack access to broadband internet. This digital divide has far-reaching consequences, limiting access to critical services such as health care, educational opportunities and employment prospects.

Impacts Across Multiple Sectors

The investment of $85.7 million in broadband infrastructure represents a transformative opportunity for Puerto Rico. This significant funding will connect thousands of households while ushering in a wave of positive changes for the island’s residents.

One of the most notable benefits will be the enhancement of telehealth services. With improved broadband access, residents will have easier and more reliable access to remote medical consultations. This is especially vital for individuals in rural or underserved areas who may struggle with physical access to health care facilities. The statistics suggest a substantial increase in telehealth consultations, ensuring that more Puerto Ricans can receive timely medical care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

The investment also opens the door to expanded online education. With faster and more reliable internet connections, students of all ages will have improved access to online courses and educational resources. This is crucial for remote or underserved communities, providing them with opportunities for skill development and academic advancement. The expected rise in online course enrollments is a testament to the potential educational impact.

This infusion of funds will also stimulate remote work opportunities. As Puerto Rico’s digital infrastructure improves, remote job prospects will increase significantly. This is a particularly welcome development, given the flexibility it offers to the workforce. The anticipated growth in remote job opportunities will enable residents to access a broader range of employment options without the need for relocation off-island.

In addition to the broadband infrastructure investment, the allocation of $64.7 million to multi-purpose community technology centers is a game changer. These centers will serve as more than just internet access points; they will become vital community hubs, providing educational resources, training and access to various services. These centers are poised to empower communities by offering essential skill-development programs, digital literacy training and a space for residents to access critical services such as job searches, government assistance programs and more.

The Commitment to Fighting Poverty Globally

This initiative underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to equity and the long-term development of Puerto Rico. Reducing poverty and enhancing economic opportunities represents a significant stride toward creating a more prosperous and interconnected Puerto Rico. In the realm of Congressional politics, several bipartisan bills in the House aim to address global poverty and development. Dedicated representatives who recognize the importance of international cooperation champion these bills.

Multilateral Organizations and Their Role in Fighting Global Poverty

Beyond Congress, big multilateral organizations like the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank also play a pivotal role in combating global poverty. Their collaborative efforts with governments worldwide underscore the significance of international partnerships in tackling poverty on a global scale.

The U.S. Treasury’s $158 million initiative for Puerto Rico is a beacon of hope for the island’s residents. By reducing the digital divide, expanding access to vital services and fostering economic growth, it exemplifies the positive impact of strategic investments. Moreover, it aligns with a broader global effort involving both Congress and international organizations, to address poverty and foster development.

– Suhani Bhattad
Photo: Pixabay

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How the UN is Aiding the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Aiding the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world’s poorest countries. Consistently ranked among the five poorest nations in the world, in 2022 almost 62% of the DRC’s population, totaling around 60 million people, lived in extreme poverty — less than $2.15 a day. The DRC has a long history of conflict, political upheaval and instability and authoritarian rule over the last two decades since the end of the Congo Wars in 2003, exacerbating extreme poverty in the country. 

With such a politically unstable situation in the country, the work of global organizations such as the United Nations has taken on an important role in working to improve the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here is how the U.N. is aiding the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United Nations and MONUSCO 

The U.N. launched the Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty around the globe by 2030, and to ensure “peace and prosperity for all people.” Some of the SDGs include: eliminating extreme poverty; eliminating malnutrition and hunger; reducing the global maternal mortality rate below 70 per 100,000 births; and eliminating preventable deaths of newborns and children under the age of 5. 

MONUSCO (The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) is the main mechanism through which the U.N. aims to achieve its goals regarding aiding the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a continually dangerous and volatile political and social situation in the DRC, MONUSCO is a U.N. peacekeeping operation that aims to protect the DRC’s civilians and support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts. As of July 2023, 17,753 personnel were estimated to be stationed in the country, including 12,379 troops. 

What Has MONUSCO Achieved? 

MONUSCO has always been a controversial presence in the DRC. In 2022, there were numerous protests in the country against the presence of the peacekeeping mission. In large part, this negative perception of MONUSCO among many of the DRC’s civilian population comes from a lack of understanding of what the goal of the peacekeeping mission is in the country, with experts arguing that the U.N. needs to do more to engage with local communities to remove these misconceptions. 

Nevertheless, in 2019, a research team part of the Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network (EPON) conducted a study to assess the impact of MONUSCO in the DRC and highlighted the positive impact it had had. The overarching conclusion was that MONUSCO, and its predecessor before July 2010, MONUC, had been able to achieve, with the rather limited resources it had, a great deal in the country to improve the situation in the DRC. 

The research team revealed that the peacekeeping mission played an important role in maintaining the DRC in its current form — preventing breakaway regions — while also helping to prevent a recurrence of major violent conflict. Its presence in the country has enabled other international and national actors to provide key services that stimulated the DRC’s economy and supported democratic politics. MONUSCO has also played a crucial role in monitoring human rights violations to support international criminal justice, helping to protect the country’s most vulnerable from political violence. 

Improvements 

Despite the DRC’s continually high poverty rates and continued political and social conflict, there have been some noticeable improvements in the country’s political, economic and social situation, indicating a more hopeful future for the DRC’s poorest. 

In January 2019, the DRC experienced its first peaceful transition of power after 62 years of independence, with Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo winning the December 2018 election and succeeding Joseph Kabila, who had led the country for 18 years. As the World Bank reveals, there are indications of a new social contract emerging between the state and its citizens in the DRC, through the roll-out of free primary education and public sector reforms, alongside an emphasis on conflict prevention and stabilization in the East of the DRC. 

Economic growth is another area where the DRC has seen improvements in recent years, reaching 8.6% in 2022 and keeping up the momentum from 2021 (6.1% growth). Access to education, particularly among girls, has also increased considerably over the past two decades, with enrollment into primary education reaching 78% in 2017, up from just 50% in 2000. 

Furthermore, while remaining very high, poverty rates have improved over the last two decades. In 2005, it was estimated that 71% of the population lived in extreme poverty, with that number having decreased to around 10% by 2022. Thus, while there is still much more work to be done to improve the situation in the DRC much more drastically and to achieve the U.N. SDGs by 2030, the numbers do show the positive impact that global organizations like the U.N. can have on countries impacted by high levels of extreme poverty and a volatile political and social situation. 

– Eleanor Lomas
Photo: Flickr