Where We Are
Inequality is still a major global problem despite international efforts to address persistent disparities. Extreme poverty has decreased through social programs, but the economy of many emerging countries remains far behind those of their wealthier counterparts. The need for more equitable resource distribution and economic participation on the global arena is highlighted by this widening gap.
Expanding affordable remittance choices, guaranteeing equitable access to resources, and strengthening vulnerable populations are all necessary to meet Sustainable Development Goal 10, reducing inequality both within and between nations. Important actions include reducing debt loads, strengthening social protection, and expanding educational possibilities. Economic assistance, inclusive policy frameworks, and cooperative international initiatives to build more resilient and equitable societies will all be necessary for progress.
SDG 10 in Numbers
- By the end of 2023, a record 37.4 million refugees under UNHCR’s mandate were forcibly displaced due to war, conflict, persecution, and human rights violations.
- In 2023, there were 8,177 documented migrant fatalities, marking the deadliest year on record for migrants.
- For the first time this century, half of the 75 most vulnerable countries – those eligible for concessional lending from the World Bank’s International Development Association (or IDA) – are experiencing a widening income gap. A quarter of the global population – 1.9 billion people – live in IDA countries.
- Since 2000, two thirds of countries with data have reduced the proportion of their population living on less than half the median income.
“Inequality is not a technical or bureaucratic issue. At its heart, inequality is a question of power with historic roots.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, 24 September, 2024
In Focus
2-13 December | UN Convention to Combat Desertification Conference (COP16)
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be held from 2 to 3 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Global leaders, environmental specialists and politicians will come together at this crucial conference to discuss the growing problems of drought, land degradation, and desertification that are endangering ecosystems and livelihoods all over the world.
The Conference will emphasize the interconnectedness of three Rio Conventions — on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification — reinforcing that addressing land degradation is essential for achieving broader climate, environmental, and Sustainable Development Goals.
Further engagement opportunities and Conference details include:
- Conference website: https://www.unccd.int/cop16
- Programme details: https://www.unccd.int/cop16/programme
15-19 December | Internet Governance Forum
The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 15 to 19 December to address the urgent issues of privacy and security.
‘Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future’ is the theme of this year’s IGF, where participants will dive into four subthemes including digital contribution for peace, improving digital governance, harnessing innovation, and advancing human rights in the digital space. The Conference is significant in addressing some of the key issues highlighted in the recent Summit of the Future and recently adopted Global Digital Compact.
Key resources for the Conference:
- Conference website: https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024
- Programme details: https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-sessions
Highlights
3-6 December | Second Preparatory Committee Session for FfD4
The Second Preparatory Committee Session for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York from 3 to 6 December. This session is an important chance for leaders from the corporate sector, civil society, international financial institutions, and member states to collaborate on the direction of the FfD4 conference, which will take place in Seville, Spain from 30 June to 3 July 2025.
The session will concentrate on important topics like raising funds to accomplish the SDGs, tackling the debt issue of developing countries, and finding creative financing solutions to bridge the global SDG funding gap, all while building on the results of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and prior financing commitments. Additional information can be found here.
3-5 December | Academic Conference on Africa
The UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is convening the 2024 Academic Conference on Africa under the theme: “Power, Justice, and the People: Human Rights and the Rule of Law for Africa’s Transformation,” aiming to elevate African scholars and policymakers to the forefront of discussions, fostering collaboration and generating African-led solutions to critical issues surrounding the rule of law and human rights on the continent. Register to attend here.
Upcoming International Days
1 December | World Aids Day
AIDS continues to have an impact on communities throughout the world, serving as a reminder of the value of awareness, solidarity, and universal access to healthcare. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is ‘Take the Rights Path’ emphasizing the importance of protecting everyone’s health by protecting everyone’s rights. Further details and campaign assets can be found here.
3 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day emphasizes the value of accessibility and inclusion in our communities by honoring the resilience and contributions of those with disabilities. This year’s theme is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’ recognizing the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. A commemorative event will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York on 3 December, which will be available in person and online. Additional information and registration details for the event can be found here.
10 | Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day marks the fundamental principles that connect us all together. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves freedom, equality, and respect. The theme for this year, ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’, focuses on how human rights are a pathway to solutions and their relevance in our everyday lives. Further details and campaign initiatives for this year’s theme can be found here.
18 | International Migrants Day
Communities benefit from the varied cultures, resilience, and distinct perspectives that migrants bring to the table. International Migrants Day highlights the contributions that migrants make to nations throughout the world and brings attention to the need for safe, dignified migration practices. Additional information on this year’s theme and engagements will be available here.
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Goals can improve life for all of us. Safer cities. Equality. A Just Society. A peaceful world. These issues matter to everyone. But progress is too slow. We have to act, urgently, to accelerate changes that add up to better lives on a healthier planet. Join the campaign to learn — and do — more for #OurCommonFuture. Visit ActNow.
Awake at Night Podcast
The UN supports efforts to end poverty, tackle climate change, and break barriers to development across the world. Yet brutal conflicts can reverse decades of progress. In this episode, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner highlights the key challenges facing humanity and his hopes for a fairer, cleaner, and sustainable future for all. Learn more here: https://t.co/Mz2McIVLHT
Discover all the episodes and previous seasons here -> https://pod.link/1429922419
