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  2. Blog on SDG16

Blog on SDG16

Addressing poverty in fragile and conflict-affected settings: The central role of sound public…

Poverty interacts with conflict both as a cause and as a consequence. The harrowing situation in many countries, such as Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, serve as stark reminders of the interrelation between poverty and conflict. The case of Gaza is also illustrative. Prior to the Israel-Gaza Crisis, 61 percent of Gaza’s population lived in poverty, acute or moderate food insecurity affected 62.9 per cent of households, daily water consumption was lower than the 100 liters… Read More

Transforming the insurance industry to combat climate change-induced poverty and accelerate…

In the 23rd session of the Committee of Experts for Public Administration, the working group on institutions, climate action and environment facilitated an expert panel to discuss the topic of “regulating and reforming the insurance industry to combat climate change and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda”, based on the working group’s paper on the topic. Main findings of the paper and discussions are listed below.   The insurance industry plays a critical role in partnering with… Read More

A pentagram of governance action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and eradicate poverty

The 23rd session of the Committee of Experts of Public Administration (CEPA) took place in April 2024 against the backdrop of a weakening multilateral system and the emergence of a multipolar world - which could have existential repercussions for the United Nations, particularly its financing. In addition, the 2030 Agenda is off track or in reversal due to wide ranging causes, such as climate change, rising inequality, disruptive technological changes, lack of financing and outdated governance… Read More

Deficits, debt, sustainable development and the government machinery

Most governments these days are experiencing heavy doses of fiscal stress due to the ongoing multiple crises. In these circumstances it would be nice for them to have recourse to financial reserves accumulated during better times. Unfortunately, for most governments this is not an option as they did not accrue any reserves to speak of. Whether implementing national development plans or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), responding to crises or pursuing grandiose investment projects,… Read More

Governing artificial intelligence for all

How will artificial intelligence (AI) change the way governments pursue common interest and leave no one behind? At its 23rd session in April 2024, the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration highlighted the vast potential for AI to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, from healthcare to education to social welfare. While its promises are immense, so are its risks. Traditional and generative AI are two distinct approaches in the AI landscape. While the… Read More

Promoting public sector workforce diversity, inclusiveness, and non-discriminatory policies to…

During the 23rd session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA), held in 2024, its working group on public sector workforce matters recalled the CEPA governance principles of “non-discrimination” and “leaving no one behind” under the umbrella of “inclusiveness” when establishing and managing the public sector workforce. There have been important advances in public sector workforces worldwide in terms of gender equality, particularly supported by the explicit endorsement of… Read More

In times of multiple crises, keep your eye on public money

Achieving the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is impossible without realizing substantive investments aimed at increasing human well-being and leaving no one behind. Today, in the era of polycrisis, most governments have to cope with decreasing public revenues, while at the same time experiencing rising needs for public expenditures and increasing debt. The question, therefore, remains as to how to find the right balance while promoting fiscal responsibility. There is no… Read More

The Relevance of Culture for Security: Five priorities for impactful policies and rethinking…

The impactful role that culture and cultural diplomacy can play in the prevention of conflicts and in the quest for security and sustainable development in these challenging times must be urgently considered. The cultural dimension of security has always been central in the post-Cold War, yet it became prominent from the late 1980s, involving a reconfiguration of the field of security from material and military factors towards cultural and symbolic forms of distinctiveness and global influence.… Read More

Key Messages from the 2023 World Public Sector Report

It is my pleasure to share with you the key messages from the 2023World Public Sector Report. The report offers valuable insight into what Governments can do to strengthen the role of the public sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.Good governance and effective public institutions are not an end in themselves, but a critical foundation for securing the transformational changes required to achieve the SDGs.These transitional changes will have to be pursued in the very… Read More

Promoting the effective governance principle of participation to anchor the whole-of-society and…

The principle of participation is a fundamental principle among the 11 Principles of Effective Governance for Sustainable Development adopted by ECOSOC in 2018. It is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and included in several Sustainable Development Goals and targets, especially SDG16.The principle of participation means that to have an effective State, all significant political groups should be actively involved in matters that directly affect them and have a chance to… Read More

Stimulating public sector innovation through digital technology and measuring the impact of digital…

Digital divide in a growing worldIn November 2022, the world population reached 8 billion and it is expected to continue to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030. The world is also expected to continue urbanizing - from 56 per cent of the total population living in urban areas in 2021 to 68 per cent in 2050. This would result in an increase of 2.2 billion urban dwellers, living mostly in Africa and Asia. In 2022, 73 per cent of the world’s population over 10 years of age owned a mobile phone (… Read More

Changing mindsets to transform governance for SDG achievement

Mindsets are ingrained, presumptive ways of thinking. They consist of beliefs and attitudes that a person has assimilated throughout their lifetime about themselves and the world around them. As such, mindsets are reflected in the way we think and act, shaping the way public leaders and public servants behave. Changing mindsets of leaders and public servants is essential to transform governance in support of the SDGs. The necessary institutional transformation for SDG achievement needs to be… Read More