Podcasts about Least developed countries

China has granted zero tariffs to Least Developed Countries with established diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries, effective from December 1, 2024. This move significantly lowers costs for African exports, boosts competitiveness, and strengthens economic ties between Africa and its largest trading partner, China. With nations like The Gambia benefiting, this policy opens new doors for trade and investment while promoting shared development. Find out more about how this game-changing policy impacts African economies with Lamin Dampha, the Permanent Secretary at The Gambia's Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and Chen Huiyi, Research and Coordination Analyst with Development Reimagined.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed elevating bilateral ties with all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China to the level of strategic relations.

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Center for Effective Aid Policy has shut down, published by MathiasKB on July 2, 2024 on The Effective Altruism Forum. May 2024 marked the last month of the Center for Effective Aid Policy. This post serves as the public post-mortem. I have strived for it to be interesting to the average forum reader, who may not know much about the cause area. For professionals in development, we have a few internal private write ups which we may be more interesting, such as an overview of development asks we tried[1], their strengths and weaknesses, and our experience advocating for them. Our mission Our mission was to improve the cost-effectiveness of development assistance through policy advocacy. Governments spend billions on projects to help the world's poorest, few of them cost-effective. For example, one could propose the use of cash-benchmarking to the ministry or push through a political motion to increase the proportion of spending going to the Least Developed Countries. If one could make even a small part of this very large budget more cost-effective, it would be massively impactful. In October 2022 we were incubated through AIM's Charity Entrepreneurship programme and came out with $160,000 to get started. How far did we get? The first months Barely a month after receiving funding, we noticed Sweden's new government was likely to cut the aid budget. The cut would hinge on one party breaking its campaign promise not to cut, perhaps we could campaign for the party to hold their promise. Over two hectic weeks we put together a write-in campaign for dissatisfied voters. Our execution was not good enough (too little, too late), and we were not able to get voters to write in. Sweden cut its aid spending, and we moved on. Figuring out where to focus from there was difficult. We tried many things across different geographies, but nothing we did seemed to get much of a response from civil servants and decision makers. Writing credible reports was difficult. We were still learning the development world's many acronyms, and were struggling to find partners whose trustworthiness we could lean on. Things pick up Week by week our network and knowledge expanded. With it came opportunities to get our points across. Through monumental luck we got to present on cost-effective development aid for His Majesty's Treasury in the United Kingdom. In Denmark we moderated our first public debate between MPs on improving the cost-effectiveness of development. We eventually fell into a groove of spending the majority of our time writing briefs, taking meetings, and networking. Between events and meetings, we spent extensive time researching and preparing. Before our first meeting with one Dutch MP, we for example did message testing on 400 voters, broke the answers down by political affiliation, and were able to show with data what voters thought of our ideas. (cash-benchmarking was popular, cash-transfers less so!) In our record month we had meetings in three countries' parliaments (though it certainly was an outlier!). Our record event had almost 300 attendees and a keynote speech from the Dutch foreign ministry's chief of science. A little over a year in we got our first intermediary success. The election programmes of two Dutch political parties now stated their intention to increase the proportion of ODA going to the Least Developed Countries. The decision to shut down Our execution eventually became good enough that we got to sit in front of the busy people at the very top, whom we needed to persuade. Speaking to these people we became pessimistic of our odds. Decision makers just weren't buying what we were selling. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Many were skeptical that the RCT-driven approach we recommended would lead to the best outcomes. Those who were on boa...

May 2024 marked the last month of the Center for Effective Aid Policy. This post serves as the public post-mortem. I have strived for it to be interesting to the average forum reader, who may not know much about the cause area.For professionals in development, we have a few internal private write ups which we may be more interesting, such as an overview of development asks we tried[1], their strengths and weaknesses, and our experience advocating for them. Our mission Our mission was to improve the cost-effectiveness of development assistance through policy advocacy. Governments spend billions on projects to help the world's poorest, few of them cost-effective. For example, one could propose the use of cash-benchmarking to the ministry or push through a political motion to increase the proportion of spending going to the Least Developed Countries. If one could make even a small part of this very [...] ---Outline:(00:34) Our mission(01:14) How far did we get?(01:18) The first months(02:13) Things pick up(03:33) The decision to shut down(04:47) Why changing aid is difficult(04:51) Development is a competitive market(06:17) Political champions are few and far between(07:43) Decreasing budgets limit maneuverability(08:38) Was our execution sufficient?(09:47) Insufficient founder-fit(09:51) We lacked development experience(10:49) We came to struggle with morale(12:19) Should others try this intervention?(15:36) Thank you to everyone who helpedThe original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration. --- First published: July 2nd, 2024 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/emBSDADvCnSwtL2kS/center-for-effective-aid-policy-has-shut-down --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

This week's letter focuses on the expected positions of different players at COP 28.We look at three different players, the European Union, the United States, and China, together accounting for just over half of the world's total carbon emissions.We look at examples of positions from countries in South America or groupings such as the Least Developed Countries and small island nations.

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast is looking at the UN's Least Developed Countries Report 2023 with one of the authors, UNCTAD economist Matfobhi Riba. The world is facing soaring costs of food, energy and financing – along with extreme weather and geopolitical upheaval. Most vulnerable are the 46 nations classified as the least developed countries (LDCs). After some years of progress, the pandemic hit the LDCs hard, cutting economic growth sharply and pushing an extra 15 million people into extreme poverty. Listen in to UNCTAD's Matfobhi Riba to find out why these nations need urgent help to address inequalities and how they can get back on track for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Abschüttelung der unsichtbaren Ketten einstiger KolonialherrenEin Kommentar von Wolfgang Effenberger. Bis zum 26. Juli 2023 war das 26-Millionen-Einwohner-Land Niger ein wichtiger strategischer Verbündeter des Westens und zugleich der letzte afrikanische Staat im Inneren der Sahelzone mit einer demokratisch gewählten Regierung. An diesem Tag stürzten die Offiziere der nigrischen Präsidialgarde unter ihrem Kommandeur Brigade-General Abdourahamane Tiani den Präsidenten des Landes Mohamed Bazoum, setzten die Verfassung außer Kraft und lösten alle verfassungsmäßigen Institutionen auf.Niger gehörte zu den 15 Mitgliedsstaaten der "Westafrikanischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft ECOWAS" (englisch: Economic Community of West African States). Weitere Mitgliedsstaaten dieses Bündnisses sind: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone und Togo.Der westafrikanische Staatenblock ECOWAS hat angedeutet, dass er nach diesem Staatsstreich gedenkt, im Niger zu intervenieren (siehe "The Indian Express" vom 9. August 2023)(1)Der Niger, mit zwei fremden Militärmächten (USA und Frankreich) im Land, ist seit 1960 formell unabhängig von Frankreich, aber faktisch immer noch durch die Kolonialwährung CFA-Franc an Frankreich gefesselt.Mit der CFA-Franc-Zone sind auch die ECOWAS-Länder(2) Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal und Togo verbunden.Neun der 14 CFA-Länder gehören zu den am wenigsten entwickelten Ländern (Least Developed Countries). Die anderen haben häufig starke wirtschaftliche Einbrüche erlitten. Dies ist der Fall bei Gabun, Kamerun und Côte d'Ivoire. Nach den Entwicklungsindikatoren der Weltbank hatte Côte d'Ivoire, die größte Volkswirtschaft der Franc-Zone, im Jahr 2022 ein reales Pro-Kopf-BIP (2.430 $), das 20 Prozent unter dem Höchststand von 1978 lag (3.017 $).(3) Beim Niger lag das reale Pro-Kopf-BIP 2020 (545 $) ca. 15% unter dem von 1978 (638 $) - im Vergleich dazu Deutschland mit 50.795 $ und Frankreich mit realem Pro-Kopf-BIP von 44.853 $.(4) Den 14 CFA-Staaten brachte der feste Wechselkurs an den Euro 1994 nicht nur eine Abwertung von 50 Prozent ein, sondern sie haben auch jeden Zugriff auf 85 Prozent ihrer Währungsreserven verloren, die sie gezwungenermaßen bei der Agence France Trésor (AFT) hinterlegen müssen.(5)Obwohl das "Französische Kolonialreich" seit 1980 endgültig Geschichte ist, existiert die Kolonialwährung CFA-Franc noch immer. Er bleibt Mittel und Ausdruck einer Politik, die Frankreich den Einfluss auf dem afrikanischen Kontinent sichert. Alle CFA-Staaten sind gleichzeitig rohstoffreich und hochverschuldet. Burkina Faso, Mali und Niger gehören trotz ihrer immensen Bodenschätze zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt......weiterlesen hier: https://apolut.net/niger-erhebt-sich-gegen-den-wertewesten-von-wolfgang-effenberger+++Bildquelle: corlaffra und Peter Hermes Furian / shutterstock+++Apolut ist auch als kostenlose App für Android- und iOS-Geräte verfügbar! Über unsere Homepage kommen Sie zu den Stores von Apple und Huawei. Hier der Link: https://apolut.net/app/Die apolut-App steht auch zum Download (als sogenannte Standalone- oder APK-App) auf unserer Homepage zur Verfügung. Mit diesem Link können Sie die App auf Ihr Smartphone herunterladen: https://apolut.net/apolut_app.apk+++Abonnieren Sie jetzt den apolut-Newsletter: https://apolut.net/newsletter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "Small Islands, Big Picture", Emily and Matthew look at the United Nation's new Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), how it relates to age-old debates about small-state vulnerability, and why it could lead to a long-overdue shift in the allocation of international aid. In "Island Voices", Theresa Meki speaks about the meaning of vulnerability and George Carter highlights different aspects of SIDS' vulnerability that need to be considered. In "The Big Picture", Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa'olelei Luteru reports on how work on the MVI is proceeding. In "No Stupid Questions", Emily and Matt answer "Does thinking of Small Island Developing States through the prism of vulnerability risk infantilising them?".Featuring:Emily Wilkinson (host) | RESI Director and Senior Research Fellow, ODIMatthew Bishop (host) | RESI Director and Senior Lecturer, University of SheffieldGaston Browne | Prime Minister of Antigua-Barbuda and Co-Chair, UN High-Level Panel on the MVIFatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa'olelei Luteru | Permanent Respresentative of Samoa, UN High-Level Panel on the MVITheresa Meki | Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National UniversityGeorge Carter | RESI Co-director and Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National UniversityResources:ODI event | Putting the Glasgow Climate Pact into action: accounting for vulnerabilityProgramme page | Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI)Policy brief | A global bargain for resilient prosperity in Small Island Developing StatesUN website | Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States“Small Islands, Big Picture” is a new podcast from The Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI) and ODI which will shine a spotlight on the unique challenges and remarkable resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) around the world. Hosts - and RESI directors – Dr Emily Wilkinson and Dr Matthew Bishop will be joined by expert guests from the Caribbean, Pacific and beyond to discuss the political, economic, social and environmental issues facing SIDS today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the UN marks Africa Day on 25 May, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at the impact of the global food and energy shocks on some of the most vulnerable countries with Rolf Traeger, chief of UNCTAD's least developed countries section. The world is in one of the worst crises in modern history as the war in Ukraine hits food supplies just as many countries try to cope with extreme weather and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even before the disruptions from the war, many least developed countries were feeling the strain. Tune in to UNCTAD economist Rolf Traeger to find out why many resource-rich places have faced severe constraints with food production and access and what can be done.

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged developed and developing nations to grant duty-free and quota-free market access for products from the world's 46 least-developed countries to ensure their integration into regional and global value chains. The President criticised the current structure of the global financial system which places an unsustainable external debt burden on the most vulnerable countries. He cautioned that such debt burdens would make it extremely difficult for LDCs to meet the 2030 Agenda for Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. President Buhari underpinned the need for reforms of the international financial architecture that prioritizes the need of Least Developed Countries.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4090160/advertisement

JJ Cornish joins the show to discuss a range of topics, including thousands of Tunisians defying the government ban on protests against racist remarks by President Kais Saied, the 46 least developed countries in the world meet, and the Seychelles has a major drug problem.

JJ Cornish joins the show to discuss a range of topics, including thousands of Tunisians defying the government ban on protests against racist remarks by President Kais Saied, the 46 least developed countries in the world meet, and the Seychelles has a major drug problem.

Just ahead of the UN's fifth conference on the least developed countries, this episode of The Weekly Tradecast talks about why these 46 nations need urgent help to address inequalities, attract investment and deliver the Sustainable Development Goals with UNCTAD economist Rolf Traeger. The world's least developed countries (LDCs) are home to more than one billion people. They account for just 1% of global carbon dioxide emissions but bear the brunt of climate change with more destructive storms, floods and heatwaves. LDCs are also being hit hard by shortages, soaring food and energy prices and crippling debt that imperil their economic development. That presents them with a stark choice between adapting to climate change and exploiting their natural resources. Listen in to UNCTAD's Rolf Traeger to find out where the balance lies and how the LDCs can get there.

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at inequalities in technology for least developed countries with Torbjörn Fredriksson, head of UNCTAD's e-commerce and digital economy branch. During COVID-19, technology helped us to combat the virus and ride out the crisis. With pandemic restrictions in place, much of the world went online to stay in touch and to work, study and shop from home.  Many of those habits are here to stay. But not all countries and economies are equally prepared to go digital.  As the online economy grows, the technology gap is also growing for least developed countries. Tune in to UNCTAD's Torbjörn Fredriksson to find out what they must do to close the gap and benefit from the digital economy.

COP27 ended with the launch of a new ‘loss and damage' fund, which will provide financial assistance to poor nations stricken by climate disaster. But this money is unlikely to reach fragile communities in areas affected by conflict. These communities are also the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and the least ready to adapt.So the more unstable a state, the less climate finance it receives. And that's despite the fact that ‘Least Developed Countries' – many of which are conflict-affected states – were prioritised in the Paris Agreement for support because of their vulnerability to climate change.In this episode – the final in our three-part COP27 series – we hear about the unique challenges facing conflict-affected communities when it comes to climate adaptation. What can be done to support them and ensure COP27 commitments are delivered?SpeakersSara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIHis Excellency Abdirahman Abdishakur, Special Envoy for Humanitarian & Drought Response in SomaliaRobert Mardini, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);Rebecca Nadin, Director of the Global Risks and Resilience programme, ODITo read reports cited in this episode and related content, visit: Think Change episode 15: the climate and conflict double challenge – has COP27 delivered?

According to the International Energy Agency, the construction industry is responsible for 39% of global energy and process-related emissions and 36% of worldwide energy demand. This sector also accounts for 40% of drinking water consumption and 23% of air pollution. Our industry is also facing environmental issues such as air pollution, water shortages/contamination, and a shrinking supply of fossil fuels. With each passing year, the construction industry is reimagining the future of the built environment and is steadfast in curbing global carbon emissions. One framework the industry uses to benchmark its performance, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), include 17 interconnected global goals to promote development that balances social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This webinar will help you understand the UNSDG, how they relate to green building, and how you can integrate the UNSDG directly into your business processes. What You Will Learn: What are the UNSDGs? How do the UNSDGs relate to green buildings? How can the UNSDGs integrate into your business processes? Amritpal Virdee is a member of the ESG Team at Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) as a Senior ESG Consultant. His main responsibilities include identifying ESG material issues and engaging with clients to create compelling ESG Frameworks. Furthermore, he also works with clients to adopt the GRESB, GRI and other ESG initiatives such as the UN SDG Benchmarking. Amritpal has worked as an Economist in London where he advised clients on the impact of macroeconomic trends on their financial portfolios and educated companies on how to integrate ESG into their corporate decision-making processes. Additionally, Amritpal has experience working in the United Nations conducting sustainable finance policy research and working with former UN Chief Economist Elliott Harris on how to increase sustainable development funding in the world's Least Developed Countries. Amritpal's favorite hobby is sailing and he regularly spends summer weekends up and down the North East coast. Amy D'Angelo is the Director of ESG for Sustainable Investment Group. In this role, Amy provides leadership to the ESG and Energy Star departments and works with some of the country's largest REITs to identify and manage risks that pertain to environmental, social and governance issues. She also is leading our Corporate Sustainability Program with a particular focus on the “S” – empowering women within our organization and ensuring that we can have the greatest impact in the communities where we live. Amy spends her free time outside and enjoying the natural resources in the community where she lives, kayaking, biking or just walking on the beach. When she isn't outside, you can find her cooking for her family, playing with her dogs or tending to her vast collection of indoor plants. Show Highlight The SDGs push global policy sustainability goals for cities/countries/companies and more. Amrit shares how exactly green buildings relate to certain SDGs. Gain awareness on the learning objectives and very diverse and wide range 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories. * What are the UN SDGs? * How do the UN's SDGs actually relate to green building? * The direct importance on how the UN SDGs can be integrated into your business processes. * Economic growth, housing solutions, water safety and lower construction costs * Why integrate the UN SDGs into your business? Learn about a great resource called the C40 Cities Initiative, which highlights how local entities are taking very bold steps for sustainable growth. How are SDG goals applicable towards residential and commercial building or is it? SDG data partnership and metrics to map out your connection to LEED, WELL and other rating system scores. Additional benefits to SDGs * Subset of social impact bonds called SDG bonds, * WELL building standard has embraced UN SDGs Show Resource and Information Amritpal Virdee on LinkedIn Amy D'Angelo on LinkedIn WELL Standard Sustainable Green Spaces: Home Solved: How the World's Great Cities Are Fixing Don't forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the Green Building Matters website. Connect with Charlie Cichetti and GBES: Charlie on YouTube Charlie on LinkedIn Green Building Educational Services GBES on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Like on Facebook Google+ GBES Pinterest Pins GBES on Instagram GBES is excited our membership community is growing.  Consider joining our membership community as members are given access to some of the guests on the podcasts that you can ask project questions. If you are preparing for an exam, there will be more insurances that you will pass your next exam, you will be given cliff notes if you are a member, and so much more. Go to www.gbes.com/join to learn more about the 4 different levels of access to this one-of-a-kind career-advancing green building community! If you truly enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a positive rating and review on iTunes. We have prepared more episodes for the upcoming weeks, so come by again next week! Thank you for tuning in to the Green Building Matters Podcast! Copyright © 2022 GBES

Abdul Ghani and his extended family fled to the roof of a nearby girls' school in August when the floodwaters came to his town in southern Pakistan's Sindh province. His family was still there two weeks later, without tents or any other shelter, when waves whipped up in the floodwaters destroyed their house.“Our hearts sank,” Ghani said from the sun-scorched school roof, where the one remaining room of his home is still visible and surrounded by water. “The house that was our shelter, our children's home, was destroyed.”Ghani, a mason, built the nine-room home in a small farming town in the Dadu district himself. He lived there with his wife and three kids, along with his seven brothers and their families. Heer Mallah with her children Zulgar Non, 5, Zakia, 3, and Aurong Zeb, 1. Credit: Carolyn Beeler/The World Unprecedented rains in Pakistan that began in mid-June led to flooding that impacted 33 million people and killed more than 1,700 others, causing an estimated $30 million in damages and economic losses.Some two months after the rains stopped, 7,000 square miles of land in Sindh are still submerged under water.Five million of the 8 million people displaced by the floods are still unable to return home.Paying for damagesThe question of who should pay for damages like these wrought by climate-fueled disasters has been one of the most contentious issues at the UN climate summit this month in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with Pakistan's floods a focal point of discussions.“We are paying the price for other people's carbon usage,” said Sherry Rehman, Pakistan's climate minister, who is at the summit. In recent months, she's often cited the statistic that Pakistan has contributed far less than 1% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, even though it's among those bearing the brunt of the consequences.Pakistan is leading a negotiating bloc of 134 developing countries in calling for a dedicated pot of money to be established for “loss and damage” funding.“Countries on the frontline of the climate crisis are facing accelerated catastrophes, and are not getting the relief and rehabilitation funding they need,” Rehman said.For decades, developed countries have resisted calls for direct climate aid, partially out of fear of exposing themselves to claims of financial or legal liability, not to mention the complexities of defining which damages should be included.In the floods in Pakistan, for example, it's difficult to tease out how much climate change contributed to the estimated $30 million in damages and economic losses. What used to be a road in Pakistan's Sindh province before it was inundated by floodwaters. Credit: Carolyn Beeler/The World Warming contributed to the torrential rains that triggered these floods. An attribution study published by an international group of scientists in September found that rainfall in Sindh and neighboring Balochistan is 50% more intense now than it would have been without climate change.But the researchers say that other factors also drove the damages, including development on flood plains, inadequate infrastructure, an outdated river management system, high poverty rates and a lack of adequate early warning systems.Early momentum at COP27For the first time, this year, countries have started to volunteer funds specifically for losses and damages. Several European countries, along with New Zealand, announced tens of millions of dollars in aid in the first week of the summit. Also for the first time, negotiators at the climate summit have a mandate to discuss an official mechanism for loss and damage funding through the UN, “with a view to adopting a conclusive decision no later than 2024.It's not yet clear what shape any funding will take.Developed countries want to discuss options for funding at COP27 and decide on a solution by 2024. Developing countries want to agree to a loss and damage fund this year, and hammer out the operational details until 2024, when it would then go into effect.US climate envoy John Kerry said “not a lot of people want to sign off on something that is not yet fully defined.”“The well-known fact is that the United States and many other countries will not establish some sort of legal structure that is tied to compensation or liability,” Kerry added.The European Union's head of delegation, Jake Werksman, said last week that the negotiations aim to start a broad conversation, not focus on a single solution like a fund for losses and damages. The US and EU also favor funding to flow through existing programs and institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund or the Green Climate Fund.Insurance and disaster protectionThe G-7, meanwhile, spearheaded by Germany with a $173 million commitment, launched a “Global Shield” program on Monday, based on insurance and disaster protection for vulnerable countries.But developing countries insist that a loss and damage fund — not just insurance or loans, which would trap them in further debt — is essential, and must be agreed to this year.Proponents of such a fund argue that post-disaster aid, which currently seeks to address events like Pakistan's floods, comes at the whim of donors.So far, a UN appeal for Pakistan has brought in only a third of its goal, and that itself is only a fraction of the $16 billion the government estimates it will take to rebuild.“International aid is given for charity. Rich people feel bad that this event is happening in poor countries, and they give money,” said Saleemul Huq, a Bangladeshi scientist who's attended every UN climate summit and is a longtime adviser to the Least Developed Countries coalition.“Loss and damage is not that,” Huq added. “It is polluters taking responsibility for having caused the problem, recognizing that there are victims of the problem who they have the responsibility to help.”Meanwhile, aid that does follow disasters can be slow to arrive, exacerbating health and economic problems.Water-born illnesses spiked in Pakistan with the floods. Officials fear widespread increases of malnutrition — which impacted nearly 1 in 2 Pakistani children even before the floods — and upticks in child marriage rates.Back at the girls' school where Abdul Ghani now lives with five of his brothers and their families, it's hard to keep the kids out of the floodwaters.“We try to stop them, but they won't listen,” Heer Mallah, Ghani's wife, said while cooking stewed spinach and potatoes in the hallway of the school. Children from Abdul Ghani's own family and extended family play together in a courtyard in Pakistan. Credit: Carolyn Beeler/The World “The children are not healthy here,” she said. “But what can we do? We're helpless until we return home.”Her 5-year-old son has a persistent cough. He and his 3-year-old sister have malaria, with fevers that broke after more than a week.“We dream that our kids will get educated and become doctors. But how are they going to do that if they can't go to school?”Heer Mallah, Pakistani mother“We dream that our kids will get educated and become doctors,” Mallah said with a smile. “But how are they going to do that if they can't go to school?” Fatima Mullah, 12, shelters with her family in a classroom just a few doors down from where she used to study as a student. Credit: Carolyn Beeler/The World  Ghani's niece, 12-year-old Fatima Mallah, now sleeps in a classroom a few doors down from where she used to be in second grade. She likes playing with her cousins there, including gleeful games of tag in the school's courtyard, but she misses school.   “She cries and says, 'bring back my books,' but we can't, because we don't have money,” said her mother, Shaahzadi Mallah, sitting on a traditional wood and woven rope bed in the courtyard. “We can't even eat three meals, how can we buy books?”The family is down to two meals a day. The cow whose milk they used to sell is tied up in the school's courtyard, under a line of drying laundry. The cow's grazing land is flooded, so she's not producing enough milk for the family to sell.Most of the places where Abdul Ghani used to work as a mason are flooded, too. He recently bought nets to start fishing the floodwaters.Farmers are perhaps even worse off, as flooding ruined their rice crop for the year and, in many places, will prevent them from sowing wheat this month.In affected areas, pumps powered by tractor engines are working to “de-water” towns, which often means moving water to agriculture fields or other less populated areas. Pumps powered by tractor engines work to “de-water” flooded towns in Pakistan. Credit: Carolyn Beeler/The World Government and military officials are going door-to-door conducting damage assessments. Sindh's information minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said only when that's complete will money be distributed to help people rebuild.“Once the assessment figures come, then the rehabilitation work will start,” Memon said.Related: Loss and damage: Who is responsible when climate change harms the world's poorest countries?

Just ahead of the COP27 climate summit, UNCTAD's Weekly Tradecast looks at why developing nations suffer the most from climate change and need the most help to adapt, with Paul Akiwumi, UNCTAD's director for Africa and least developed countries. The world's 46 least developed countries, or LDCs, are home to more than one billion people but account for just 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet they bear the brunt of climate change with more destructive storms, floods and heatwaves. This week, UNCTAD released its annual report on LDCs, focusing this year on the low-carbon transition. These countries are the litmus test, it says, for international climate efforts. With support from advanced countries falling short, tune in to find out why a reboot is needed to ensure a just low-carbon transition for the world's most vulnerable countries.

In the second episode of Road to COP27, a special series as part of India Speak: The CPR Podcast, Navroz K. Dubash speaks to Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh, on the loss and damage debate that is expected to play a substantial role on the agenda. This series will bring leading experts in the lead up to Conference of the Parties (COP) 27, taking place from 6-18 November 2022 at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. They discuss the growing calls from developing countries for financial support to deal with the impacts of extreme climate events, such as the recent floods in Pakistan, and the possible obstacles that could emerge at the negotiations. The episode also explores the politics of this COP and the symbolism of an African COP. Saleemul Huq is the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh, and is an expert on the links between climate change and sustainable development, particularly from the perspective of developing countries. He was the lead author of the chapter on Adaptation and Sustainable Development in the third assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and was the lead author of the chapter on Adaptation and Mitigation in the IPCC's fourth assessment report. His current focus is on supporting the engagement of the Least Developed Countries in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He is researching the least developed countries' vulnerability to climate change and the impact of adaptation measures. Prior to becoming a senior associate, Saleem was a senior fellow with IIED, and was also previously director of the Climate Change research group. Navroz K Dubash is a Professor at the Centre for Policy Research, a New Delhi based think-tank and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS. He has been actively engaged in debates on climate change, air quality, energy and water as a researcher, policy advisor and activist for over 25 years. Navroz has been a Coordinating Lead Author for the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and has advised Indian government policy-making on climate change, energy, and air and water policy over the last decade. In the early 1990s, he helped establish the global Climate Action Network as its first international coordinator.

In the second episode of Road to COP27, a special series as part of India Speak: The CPR Podcast, Navroz K. Dubash speaks to Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh, on the loss and damage debate that is expected to play a substantial role on the agenda. This series will bring leading experts in the lead up to Conference of the Parties (COP) 27, taking place from 6-18 November 2022 at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. They discuss the growing calls from developing countries for financial support to deal with the impacts of extreme climate events, such as the recent floods in Pakistan, and the possible obstacles that could emerge at the negotiations. The episode also explores the politics of this COP and the symbolism of an African COP. Saleemul Huq is the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh, and is an expert on the links between climate change and sustainable development, particularly from the perspective of developing countries. He was the lead author of the chapter on Adaptation and Sustainable Development in the third assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and was the lead author of the chapter on Adaptation and Mitigation in the IPCC's fourth assessment report. His current focus is on supporting the engagement of the Least Developed Countries in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He is researching the least developed countries' vulnerability to climate change and the impact of adaptation measures. Prior to becoming a senior associate, Saleem was a senior fellow with IIED, and was also previously director of the Climate Change research group. Navroz K Dubash is a Professor at the Centre for Policy Research, a New Delhi based think-tank and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS. He has been actively engaged in debates on climate change, air quality, energy and water as a researcher, policy advisor and activist for over 25 years. Navroz has been a Coordinating Lead Author for the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and has advised Indian government policy-making on climate change, energy, and air and water policy over the last decade. In the early 1990s, he helped establish the global Climate Action Network as its first international coordinator.

In the second episode of their Weekly Tradecast, UNCTAD talks to Paul Akiwumi, Director of the Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programme division. Soaring food and energy prices are hitting especially hard as the region struggles with the impact of the pandemic and climate change. The continent of 1.4 billion people relies heavily on grain and other essentials from Ukraine and Russia – exposing them to shortages and crippling costs that imperil development. Mr. Akiwumi, who led the production of the UN trade and development body's latest Economic Development in Africa Report, says that to cope with this crisis and insulate itself for the future, Africa must rethink how it diversifies its economies to attract investment and narrow huge income gaps.

In the second episode of their Weekly Tradecast, UNCTAD talks to Paul Akiwumi, Director of the Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programme division. Soaring food and energy prices are hitting especially hard as the region struggles with the impact of the pandemic and climate change. The continent of 1.4 billion people relies heavily on grain and other essentials from Ukraine and Russia – exposing them to shortages and crippling costs that imperil development. Mr. Akiwumi, who led the production of the UN trade and development body's latest Economic Development in Africa Report, says that to cope with this crisis and insulate itself for the future, Africa must rethink how it diversifies its economies to attract investment and narrow huge income gaps.

In the second episode of the Weekly Tradecast, we talk to Paul Akiwumi, an UNCTAD director of the Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programme division.  We'll be looking at Africa, where soaring food and energy prices are hitting especially hard as the region struggles with the impact of the pandemic and climate change. The continent of 1.4 billion people relies heavily on grain and other essentials from Ukraine and Russia – exposing them to shortages and crippling costs that imperil their development.    Paul, who led the production of the UN's latest Economic Development in Africa Report, says that to cope with this crisis and insulate itself for the future, Africa must rethink how it diversifies its economies to attract investment and narrow huge income gaps.

Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier, New York Office Chief for the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), discusses how UNCTAD serves as the United Nations focal point for trade and development, and for interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. She stresses the importance of the Global Crisis Response Group, recently established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to develop strategies to confront trade and development challenges in Ukraine and other international hotspots, and the critical role that is played by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to empower women, combat climate change and eliminate poverty to mention only a few.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sent oil and natural gas markets for a loop.  But less attention has been paid to the implications of the war for global energy and food security, particularly for the world's least developed countries (LDCs).  For a deep dive into whether Western nations can still fulfill the climate finance promises made to LDCs in the midst of an unfolding global conflict and energy crisis in Europe, host Bill Loveless turned to Dr. Harry Verhoeven.  He's a Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy who has collaborated extensively with key policy actors including the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations and governments around the world. He is also the founder and Convenor of the Oxford University China-Africa Network.  In this conversation, Dr. Verhoeven outlines how the Russia-Ukraine conflict is destabilizing prices for certain food commodities like wheat and what the Russia-Ukraine war means for energy transitions of countries like Angola, Sudan and Mozambique.  Recently, Dr. Verhoeven authored a paper on the topic for CGEP called “International Energy Markets and Food Insecurity in the Least Developed Countries: The Russia-Ukraine Crisis and Beyond.” Soon, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development will release another report by Harry on the same topic.

In this miniseries, our host, Edoardo Tancioni, deciphers the Doha Programme of Action #DPoA for the Least Developed Countries, delving into how we can enhance international #trade and regional integration over the next decade. Websites: www.un.org/ldc5/doha-programme-of-action Hashtags: #CapitalMusings | #DPoA Leave a ReviewThanks for listening! If you found the episode useful, please spread the word about this new show on Twitter mentioning https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funcdf.us1.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D565a555b66f6c4de99f3bd48a%26id%3D41770e0ed0%26e%3D017f46cadf&data=04%7C01%7Cfernando.zarauz%40uncdf.org%7C436c8e936a144a6af1b808d9faba243a%7Cb3e5db5e2944483799f57488ace54319%7C0%7C0%7C637816500258542558%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=rU%2F%2F8%2Fvjq1OKMe%2Ff%2Fuyi38U%2FH0xYpK3AlfiWV6gyvYc%3D&reserved=0 (#CapitalMusings), or leave us a review on iTunes.  Reviews are hugely important because they help new people discover our podcast. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review on iTunes. Here's how: 

Veteran climate change negotiator, Ian Fry, revisits the Glasgow Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement (COP26). In this special LawPod edition, veteran climate change negotiator, Ian Fry, a former representative of the island nation of Tuvalu and the Alliance of Small Island States, revisits the Glasgow Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement (COP26), which took place between 31 October and 13 November 2021. Dr Peter Doran, of QUB Law School, and a senior writer/editor for the IISD's Earth Negotiations Bulletin at UN environmental negotiations, review the highlights of the Glasgow COP, examine the background to some of the big issues, and consider the growing gap between the incremental progress of UN-sponsored responses to the climate emergency and demands for radical system change from civil society. Ian Fry has been at the heart of the UN climate negotiations process for several decades, including negotiations leading up to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and played an important role acting as negotiator for the pacific island state of Tuvalu. He takes a close interest in the fate of the small island states and the Least Developed Countries in the negotiations. Dr Doran describes the importance of the small island states as “the conscience of the UN climate change negotiations process”, the indigenous and most exposed people and cultures for whom a failure to achieve climate justice raises the very real prospect of their extinction.  “Madam President, The fate of my country rests in your hands.” Ian Fry, Lead Negotiator for Tuvalu, reduced the ill-fated Copenhagen COP in 2009 to silence as he brought proceedings to a halt in a heartfelt plea for a legally binding agreement.

In the context of COP26, today's podcast is dedicated to the least developed countries. By now, the year 2021 has seen a familiar pattern of destructive impacts stemming from climate change, leading to increasingly devastating extreme weather events including fires, cyclones, hurricanes, floods, and droughts across the world.  Taffere Tesfachew, a career UN official, explains how the category of Least Developed Countries was created and how the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) works to support the group.

Aligning Climate And Trade Strategies In The Least Developed Countries by Overseas Development Institute

It is now beyond debate that emerging economies will shoulder the burden of the climate crisis. It is estimated that out of the $90 trillion needed for the infrastructure to meet the 2030 emission goals, two thirds should go to emerging economies. And in the recent Global Climate Risk Index, eight out of the ten countries most affected by the quantified impacts of extreme weather events are low- to lower-middle income and half of them are categorised as Least Developed Countries. COP26 is critical if we are to have a chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. The recent IPCC report made it clear it is still possible to meet the target but only if unprecedented action is taken now. If the conference is to be effective, emerging markets voices and their needs must lead the agenda. Join us for a conversation with Yvonne Aki Sawyerr OBE, the Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and passionate climate champion. Since her election in 2018, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr has put the climate agenda at the heart of her administration, focussing on innovative solutions and local action to address the immediate challenges cities in emerging economies like Freetown face. Your host is CDC's Director of Communications Lynsay Taffe. Additional links: Subscribe to our Insight newsletter here  For more perspectives from emerging economies on climate change, read our report here

The Unconnected with Courtenay RattrayA conversation between Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau and Courtenay Rattray, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This episode highlights the urgent need to connect hardest-to-connect communities, by exploring solutions to developmental challenges and connectivity barriers, with expert insights and recommendations on accelerating digital transformation in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. #UniversalConnectivity #broadband #LDCs #LLDCs #SIDS #ConnectivityForAll #ICT4SDG #OHRLLS #ITU #Internet #Technology #Tech #ICTs #Telecommunication #Development

Taffere Tesfachew, a career UN official, explains how the category of Least Developed Countries was created and how the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) works to support the group.

Professor Xiaolan Fu is the Director of the Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD), Professor of Technology and International Development and Fellow of Green College at Oxford University and, through the TMCD, responsible for OxValue.AI as Chair of the Board. And Prof. Xiaolan Fu is the new guest in this Dinis Guarda citiesabc openbusinesscouncil YouTube Podcast Series.Prof Xiaolan Fu Interview Focus1. An introduction from you - background, overview, education...2. Career highlights3. Your recent books include China's Path to Innovation, China's Role in Global Economic Recovery, and The Rise of Technological Power in the South. Can you tell us a bit more about them and the role of innovation in China's development?4. Can you explain to us what “Innovation under the radar” is? Any examples of that in the work you have been doing in Africa?5. Can you tell us about your work as Professor of Technology and International Development and Fellow of Green Templeton College in Oxford?6. Can you tell us about the Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD), where you are the founder?7. You have been a consultant for UNDESA, UNCTAD, UNIDO, the World Bank, OECD, European Commission, ILO, the Commonwealth Secretariat, UKTI and the Chinese government. You serve on the Advisory Expert Group of the OECD Global Investment Forum and the DFID/ESRC Economic Growth Directorate (DEGP), and you are President of the Chinese Economic Association (Europe) and CEA (UK) in 2010-11. Can you tell us about this work with global organisations and how do you see the bridge between your academic and research work and the collaboration with these organisations? Especially when it comes to open innovation, academic research and policy making?8. Can you tell us about OxValue.ai organisations and focus?9. OxValue.ai brings new ways to look at companies valuation. Can you elaborate on how it works and the research and AI behind it?10. How do you see AI and Society 5.0 - 4IR and all areas of digital transformation and ESG?11. What are your goals and how do you see the future of business, work and the main trends in tech, innovation and society? Special with Covid-19 outcomes?Xiaolan Fu BiographyBesides Pr. Xiaolan Fu's position as the Founding Director of the Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD), University of Oxford, she was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Ten-Member High Level Advisory Group of the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism and to the Governing Council of the UN's Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries. Professor Fu is also a member of the UN SDSN Leadership Council led by Jeffrey Sachs and a member of the Council for Global Economic Transformation co-chaired by Joseph Stiglitz and Michael Spence. She is the 2019 winner of the CFA Asia-Pacific Research Exchange Award (CFA Insitute), the 2018 winner of the Best Journal Paper of the Year Award (European Academy of International Business), and the 2017 winner of the Best Paper Award (European Association of Management (EURAM) Innovation Strategic Interest Group).About Dinis Guarda profile and Channelshttps://www.openbusinesscouncil.orghttps://www.intelligenthq.comhttps://www.hedgethink.com/https://www.citiesabc.com/More interviews and inspirational videos on Dinis Guarda YouTube Channel

Welcome to Disrupted Asia: Navigating the Global Order of Tomorrow, a podcast series by FES in Asia- where Asia's and Europe's leading experts tackle some of the most pressing questions around the changing geopolitical environment and how this is shaping the global order of tomorrow. Small and landlocked states have their own unique set of challenges, but also opportunities, especially when caught in the midst of global power shifts and geopolitical disruptions. In this episode, we explore how these challenges manifest for countries of the region and the roles they can play. Ambassador Gyan Chandra Acharya, former Foreign Secretary of Nepal & United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (2012-2017) shares his insights. Credits: Created by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Asia, https://asia.fes.de/ Directed by Mirco Günther Hosted by Dinkim Sailo Research by Mekhla Jha Communications & artwork by Isabelle Mischke and Coco Quimpo Sound production by Mediawok: https://www.mediawok.com/ Resources: Find out more about our new regional project “Navigating the New Geopolitics of Asia and the Global Order of Tomorrow” which analyses major regional and global dynamics at play and offers a platform for countries to unpack ideas and strategies on how to manage these geopolitical challenges and successfully navigate in an uncertain environment: https://asia.fes.de/our-work/geopolitics-of-asia

Ambassador Perks Ligoya, Permanent Representative of Malawi to the United Nations and leader of the LDC Group, explains why foreign direct investment, official development assistance, innovative financing mechanisms and productive capacity are critical for helping the world’s Least Developed Countries achieve their SDG ambitions.

We are delighted to welcome you back to a new year of WHF Podcasts! For our first episode of 2021, we are very pleased to introduce Mr Joshua Setipa who is the Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries. He has exceedingly extensive experience within technology and banking sectors within the development context. If you're interested in finding out more about his work, please visit their website at: https://www.un.org/technologybank/   If you're interested in participating with the World Humanitarian Forum, please visit us at: https://www.whf.london/

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting labour markets and livelihoods in advanced economies. But what is the impact on the world's least developed countries, or L-D-C-s, which together account for 1.3 per cent of the global GDP, 13 per cent of the world's population, and 40 per cent of the world's poor. In this podcast, Aurelio Parisotto, Head of the ILO's Employment and Economic Analyses Unit, provides insights from a new publication entitled “COVID-19 - Tackling the jobs crisis in the Least Developed Countries”, which draws preliminary evidence from a range of ad-hoc country studies intended to adequately capture the impact of the pandemic on labour markets in LDCs, and the policy responses needed to restart economies and promote a job-rich recovery that leaves no one behind.

Memristors, Neuromorphic Computing, Mysteries of the brain and the future of Computing Dr. Mehdi Anwar is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut. As a Jefferson Science Fellow, he served as Special Adviser for Technology Transfer and Innovation in the office of Intellectual Property Enforcement, Economic Bureau, U. S. Department of State. At present, Dr. Anwar is assisting U. S. Department of State and other U. S. Government organizations and the United Nations Office for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States to stand up the newly established United Nations Technology Bank. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scientificsense/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scientificsense/support

It’s safe to say Dr Ian McGregor has committed his entire career to tackling this century’s biggest challenge, global warming.Ian has attended every United Nations Climate Summit since 2009. He earned a place on Afghanistan’s delegation for six of those summits, in the lead-up to the Paris Agreement in 2015. Ian spent time in the country himself, consulting with the Afghan government on climate change policy. He has worked with some 35 other Least Developed Countries.Ian and I spoke about climate refugees and the political systems best suited to tackling global warming.Produced and presented by: Julia Carr-CatzelFeatured: Dr Ian McGregor, Business School, University of Technology SydneyMusic: Epidemic Sound

Sierra Leone currently ranks as one of the least developed countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of less than $300 and high levels of poverty. But President Julius Maada Bio has charted an ambitious development plan for the small West African country. Since 2017, President Bio has overseen increased investment in advanced technologies in the hopes of spurring development. Much of Bio's inspiration comes from Estonia, the small Baltic state that has been dubbed a “digital republic.” The country has for years now been working to digitize government and society under the project e-Estonia. Citizens in Estonia can do things such as vote and pay taxes entirely online. Additionally, non-citizens are able to apply for e-Residency, a gambit to increase foreign investment and business in the country. In February, Sierra Leone announced a three-year partnership with the e-Governance Academy of Estonia "to establish technical collaboration on e-governance for public service delivery and administration in Sierra Leone." Bio hopes to make the country the “Estonia of Africa.” Sierra Leone has also courted support from top research institutions such as Yale University. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Finance and Fury, The Furious Friday edition Continuing SDGs – today we are covering Economics or SDG 8 First, look at the economics of the UN itself – something never talked about Who pays for the UN – Member states - A complex formula - US pays most at 22%-28% of the UN's different budgets Aus - Regular budget for AUD - $86m (rough estimate) in 2016 - $58m USD – not too much But the official budget doesn’t include other donations – Gov agency voluntary contributions (specified or unspecified) – all revenues from government donors – Total was $747m p.a. USD ($1.1bn) – across 21 UN organisations A lot of money being shipped to UN when we have a desperate need to more infrastructure and helping create more liveable areas outside of Cities – Up from $601m in 2014 – massively increased - UN revenues massively increased – What does the UN spend money on? 2016, the organisation's total expenditures was nearly $50 billion, with the US financing about $10 billion, or one fifth, of that. Even with costs surging fourfold in the last 20 years – expenditures have been compounding at 7.8% p.a. since 1976 UN plans - Economic growth and decent work – SDG 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. World Pensions Council (WPC) development economists have argued that the twin considerations of long-term economic growth and infrastructure investment weren’t prioritized enough – Plan is growth through full employment on infrastructure projections 2020 Target - to reduce youth unemployment and operationalise a global strategy for youth employment. Implementing the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization is also mentioned. 2030 target - to establish policies for sustainable tourism that will create jobs. Strengthening domestic financial institutions and increasing Aid for Trade support for developing countries is considered essential to economic development (not for us though, but other nations). Implementing an Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries is their method for achieving sustainable economic development UN say that $5trn a year is needed – mobilise a lot more than currently being spent – essentially mass redistribution   At this economic model’s core - Global redistribution of GDP – push out lower-paying jobs to be outsourced by AI or by globalisation Built around David Ricardo's Comparative advantage theory from 1817 – Spent 4.5y doing Commerce – Finance also Economics – International Trade and Finance – Knew the right answers on the tests – That comparative advantage should benefit both parties if done right How the theory works – which argued that countries should specialise in the production of goods in which they have a relative advantage over other countries in production - promoting benefits of international trade Example – Back then a mutual trade benefit would be realised between China and the United Kingdom from China specialising in the production of porcelain and tea and the United Kingdom concentrating on machine parts. Makes sense right? In the 90s China for low wages in manufacturing/production and west for Service-based economy But what the theory doesn’t account for – Not 1817 – Capital (money) is easy to transfer across borders – Technology as well – With Capital comes technology (FDI) – China as an example – FDI and increase in tech – outproduce across board – but slowly wages rise in china – so do costs – so production leapfrogs to another country with lower wages – so previous country stagnates in wages and growth – then new country goes through the same cycle - so on – race to the bottom – takes a while – Has been happening since 1975 – Lima Accord – set the framework for the movement of capital and technology to developing nations – which are the labour cost in comparative countries Modern Robin Hood – But you are the rich when compared to the third world UN has engineered the decline of the Comparative Advantage efficiency – simply a beggar thy neighbour policy now that creates downward pressures on wages globally – Name of Globalism The offshoring of jobs has reduced Australian (USA, UK, other 1st world nations) manufacturing and industrial capability and associated innovation, research, development, supply chains, consumer purchasing power, and tax base of state and local governments – technology comes from engineering and not science (especially climate science) Comparative advantage Creates a Focus of Multi-national companies on short-term profits at the expense of these long-term costs – Effect of moving our economies to the developing world Currency and taxes come into this – Today Media calling tariffs a trade war - There is no trade war – simply the US trying to protect their industries by placing tariff barriers on the import of cheaper products from foreign countries The irony is half of the imports from China are imports from US companies – US at war with US companies – go figure Evident that our economies are in decline – GDP growth slowing as over decades our manufacturing/industrial/engineering capability has been transferred abroad. Our demise is what is fuelling countries like China - owes it faster than expected rise as a world power to the transfer of jobs, capital, technology, and business know-how to China Jobs have been declining for years in terms of value-added and pay – creates aggregate demand decline (lower GDP growth) Proof from listed companies using profits not for investment in new plant and equipment, but to buy back their own shares or make once-off dividend payments Economic growth comes from a rising labour force participation rate and engineering innovation – More people earning more money – better productivity than more money on top - Governments tried Aggregate demand model of redistribution (UBI proposed) – more likely Government work programs (infrastructure projects) – Gov projects force minimum wages – offer $15 in USA – employees have to now compete with gov – unfair as they are contributing through taxes to fund their own demise – What if the work isn’t worth $15 USA an hour? In USA – offer insurances and benefits – making it even harder for small businesses to complete But this wage capped and unaffordable –has to come from taxes – and would also be taxed – making it an inefficient redistribution – but does increase size and importance/reliance on Gov Perfect socialist world we would all get $100k p.a. for not working – but resources aren’t infinite As costs of labour increase in developing countries (i.e. china wage rises) – to maximise profits – wage regulations in developed countries further compound the decline in employment and wages Which is where it gets worse when combined with the implementation of recommended policies within the higher labour cost countries Decent work – the work that is funded by the Gov- limits free-market choices when Government competes – Almost like having a Communist Nation and fee market operating at the same time -   From the club of Rome – Watched their online lectures – available on the LinkedIn learning centres – not hiding it – just have to look Shorten the length of the work year and raise the retirement ages Redefine ‘paid work’ to cover those who care for others at home and Increase unemployment benefits Increase the taxation to redistribute profits – introduce death taxes Tax fossil energy to make low-carbon energy more competitive – higher prices (no different to tariffs) Shift taxes from employment to emissions and resource Increase death taxes to reduce inequality and philanthropy while boosting government income Expand the use of green stimulus packages by printing money or raising taxes to help governments respond to climate change and the need for redistribution Encourage unionization and restrict trade and business where necessary   With no employment or wage growth – where will growth come from? Same as last 30 years - Mostly debt – Some UN current donations from Governments – Also have infrastructure spending access from Supers, tax – next ep Mostly debt fuel growth through massive government infrastructure spending – employ people in the employment plans at higher than market wages with insurances and benefits (higher super counts) – all at additional costs to Gov budgets Plus more and more regulation – John Stossel did a great interview with entrepreneurs in Africa – Inequality they face is competition from the West through free stuff (can't compete with free) and Government regulations – which leads to corruption – only way to get things done is through bribes or having millions to get around regulations/paying the fines The whole of Economic growth in 21st century is expansion through Government spending and debt – cheap credit but consumer income has not kept pace and consumer debt expansion has reached its limits – at 120%   The core is to try and keep the debt-based economy going – IMF SDRs spending massive amounts of money on the next great social program – some referred to it as the great leap forward – create higher inflation again, then inflate the current debts away over time – also is the next step in a one-world currency – if they gain legitimacy and become the global reserve currency like China and Russia want Governments try to increase asset prices through printing money But this doesn’t increase production, as jobs and economic activity don’t exist anymore Just makes the property and other assets more expensive for us – while pushing up costs of living Next is to drive growth through reindustrialisation – global infrastructure works and climate change action – Growth driven by debt – FDR style – Great Society programs of mass Gov employment – at expense of population and companies paying for those wages – Gov spending comes form you or borrowing in your name Last next part is to merge Governments and companies – Fascism 101 – but only approved companies – create a completely controlled economy Through the consumption and production outlines in the circular economy Take away – Governments have proved to only be economic destruction houses – long history of getting it wrong and creating economic decline slowly over time with equilibrium policies – So why give them even more control and power over the economy and our lives? Other take away – Policies to fuel world GDP growth through more ‘beggar they neighbour’ policy – Take advantage through investing in Asian/developing markets and infrastructure companies – more on this next Friday   Thanks for listening – Next week – go through infrastructures and the inequality angle  If you want to get in contact, you can here.   UN Revenue by Gov data – https://www.unsystem.org/content/FS-D00-02 https://www.unsystem.org/content/FS-D03-01

In this episode, Jill Schwieters speaks with Florian Kemmerich about Bamboo Capital's Partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund. (UNCDF) The Partnership establishes an investment vehicle that will support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (‘SDGs’) in the world’s poorest 47 nations, known as the Least Developed Countries.  The vehicle will support a number of enterprises, many lead by women, locally sourced that have the potential to be viable, sustainable businesses making an impact in their communities.

Massimiliano La Marca (ILO) The presentation will discuss the major features and compilation methods of the 2010 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for Zambia as well as some applications of a prototype structural mutisectoral simulation model for Zambia. Massimiliano La Marca led an ILO technical assistance project to the Zambian Statistical Office for the construction of the Supply and Use Table (SUT), input Output Table (IOT), and SAM that serves as main data for an employment simulation model that will inform the implementation of the Zambian 7th National Development Plan. The tables include “Green” and conventional industries defined according to the UN System of Economic and Environmental Accounts (SEEA) and allow for an analysis of the contribution of the environmental sectors to the economy. The 2010 SAM includes sectoral breakdowns of formal/informal activities, labour occupations, formal/informal employment and household income groups and full set of institutional sector accounts, which allow for a wide range of applications in macroeconomic, industrial, social and environmental analysis. Biography: Massimiliano La Marca is Senior Economist at the Multilateral Cooperation Department of the International Labour Organization, in Geneva. He is ILO head of delegation to the G20 Development Working Group and G24. He has worked on economic and policy analysis and modelling on both developed and Least Developed Countries. Formerly economist at UNCTAD, he worked on the Trade and Development Report and the Least Developed Countries Report. He has a Ph.D. in Economics from the New School for Social Research, New York, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pavia, Italy. Speakers: Massimiliano La Marca (ILO), Gregor Semieniuk (SOAS) Event Date: 13 June 2018 Released by: SOAS Economics Podcasts

Mr Rolf Traeger, Chief of the Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes in UNCTAD – the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – shares his experiences working in the Division for Africa, and explains the vital global role of UNCTAD. Chaired by Amp Srichainak

Dr Saleemul Huq from International Center for Climate Change and Development, Dhaka discusses the power of Least Developed Countries at UN climate talks.

Alistair West, PMPA Business Plan Coordinator, UNIDO speaks on "Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry in Developing and Least Developed Countries". This movie has been recorded at ICGEB Trieste.

In ihr bildet sich die an Bedeutung gewonnene Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte ab, die im Rahmen der Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) als für alle Länder verbindlicher Rahmen die nun vor uns liegenden 15 Jahre leiten soll. Diese in einem der bislang größten UN-Konsultationsprozesse beschlossenen und mit 1. Jänner 2016 in Kraft getretenen SDGs verbinden ökologische mit sozialen Zielsetzungen. Mit 17 Oberzielen und 169 Unterzielen sind die SDGs sehr viel breiter als die MDGs.Liegt darin die Chance umfassender nachhaltiger Entwicklungsperspektiven oder aber die Gefahr nur schwer überprüfbarer und schwammiger Zielmarken? Wie werden die finanziellen Mittel für diese stark erweiterte Entwicklungsagenda aufgebracht? Eine Agenda, die keineswegs nur für die nach dem DAC-System als „Least Developed Countries“ definierten Länder gilt, sondern ebenso für die gemeinhin als entwickelt bezeichneten Länder. Was bedeuten die SDGs also auch für politische Entscheidungen in Österreich und wie werden sie sich auf die österreichische Außen- und Handelspolitik auswirken?Darüber diskutieren wir in der Sendung mit Annelies Vilim und Ulrich Brand. Außerdem wollen wir anlässlich der SDGs fragen, wie Nachhaltigkeit auch außerhalb eines westlichen Fortschrittsparadigmas gedacht werden kann und was unter indigenen Vorstellungen von Nachhaltigkeit zu verstehen ist. Georg Grünberg beleuchtet diese Frage aus einer u.a. guatemaltekischen Perspektive. Im Raum steht generell auch die Frage, ob es nach den MDGs nun eine in den SDGs abgebildete „Post-2015 Entwicklungsagenda“ braucht, oder aber eine „2015 Post-Entwicklungsagenda“.Gestaltung und Moderation: Fabian Unterberger (Verantwortlich für den Sendungsinhalt)Gäste:Mag. Annelies Vilim (Geschäftsführerin AG Globale Verantwortung)Dr. Georg Grünberg (u.a. Institut für Kultur- und Sozialanthropologie der Universität Wien, Mitglied des wissenschaftlichen Beirates des Interdisziplinären Universitätslehrgangs für Höhere Lateinamerika-Studien, Träger des Österreichischen Preises für Entwicklungsforschung 2015)Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brand (Institut für Politikwissenschaft der Universität Wien)Im Interview:Mag. Sylvia Meier-Kajbic ( Leiterin Abteilung VII.1 Multilaterale Entwicklungszusammenarbeit im BMEIA)Musik: Macroform - Dreaming; milan - Miracle; Greg Baumont - The blue star; Sweet Play - LIGHT OF FREEDOM; Kew - Dark Liquor; et_ - Tarmac. Nachzuhören auf Jamendo, einer Community für freie, legale und unlimitierte Musik, die unter Creative Commons Lizenzen veröffentlicht wurde.

This week the energy minister and the prime minister have been under fire as COP21 moves forward. While the main negotiating sessions continue, many other meetings take place as well. Mark Carney of the Bank of England has a view. The group of 77 nations  (G77) plus China has a view as well, and so do the 48 Least-Developed Countries. Caroline Lucas of the Green Party is concerned. Can we standardise climate change? Is emissions trading the answer? George Monbiot believes that that's attacking the problem from the wrong end. Jeremy Leggett is not at all happy with Minister Amber Rudd as you will learn from the latest chapter of his book, and the week will end with a massive march through the streets of Paris. I'm a member of iema (iema.net) and that entitles me to a daily update on the conference from the environmentalist magazine. Non-members can subscribe at  environmentalistonline.com. But we have our own man on the spot in Paris. You'll hear from Richard Lane later on.

Die Kommission für Entwicklungsforschung (KEF) fördert entwicklungsrelevante wissenschaftliche Projekte zwischen wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen in Österreich und in Less und Least Developed Countries. Mit den Filmtagen "Wissen.Schafft.Entwicklung." macht die KEF aktuelle Forschungsarbeiten einer breiten Öffentlichkeit zugänglich und verständlich. Die zweiten Filmtage mit dem Thema "Stadt.Land.Flucht." - welche von 18. bis 21. April, im Admiralkino in Wien organisiert werden, richten ihr Augenmerk auf die Urbanisierung, die Migrationsbewegungen vom Land in die Großstädte und die Herausforderungen Megacity und "gated communities."Laut einer Prognose der UN werden im Jahre 2015 weltweit ca. 630 Millionen Menschen in Megastädten (laut UNO-Definition, Städte ab 10 Millionen EinwohnerInnen) leben, zwei Drittel davon in Entwicklungsländern. Armut, Hunger, Konflikte und die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels treiben die Menschen vom Land in die Megastädte. Als wirtschaftlicher, politischer und kultureller Knotenpunkt sind die Metropolen meist Hoffnung auf ein besseres Leben. Doch die Hoffnung, in den urbanen Zentren der Entwicklungsländer bessere Arbeitsmöglichkeiten, Zugang zu mehr Bildung, Kultur sowie einem moderneren Gesundheitswesen zu finden, erlischt schnell. Um ihr Leben zwischen Slums, Hitze, Müll, Verkehrschaos und unzureichender Wasser- und Stromversorgung in den Megastädten zu meistern, entwickeln die EinwohnerInnen oft andere Methoden und Strategien als jene der örtlichen Stadtverwaltung.Mit Spiel- und Dokumentarfilmen, interessanten Vortragenden, FilmemacherInnen und KünstlerInnen wird das Augenmerk auf die Urbanisierung, die Migrationsbewegungen vom Land in die Großstädte und der Siedlungspolitik in den Palästinensischen Gebieten gerichtet. Es werden ein KEF-Projekt aus Mumbai und ein APPEAR-Projekt aus den Palästinensischen Gebieten vorgestellt werden. Für einen musikalischen Beitrag sorgt Marwan Abado.In der Radiosendung bringt Martin Stöbich - Projektbetreuer für die Filmtage und zuständig für die Filmauswahl - die Inhalte der Filmtage näher und gewährt einen Einblick in die Welt der Filmemacher. Die Kultur- und Sozialanthropologin Marie-France Chevron, Projektpartnerin in einem KEF-Projekt in Indien und Mitglied des APPEAR Auswahlgremiums, diskutiert die Themen der Filmtage aus wissenschaftlicher Sicht.Gestaltung und Moderation: Nikoleta Nikisianli (verantwortlich für den Sendungsinhalt)Gäste:Mag. Martin Stöbich (Projektbetreuer der KEF-Filmtage)Prof. Doz. Dr. Marie-France Chevron (Kultur- und Sozialanthropologin und Mitglied des APPEAR Selection Board)Sendetermin: Freitag, 5.4.2013, 20:00-21.00 UhrMusik: Why - A little dream, Luxurious - India, Numydia – Elborj, La Olla Express - Tiempo, Babylon (Jamendo) Nachzuhören auf Jamendo - eine Community für freie, legale und unlimitierte Musik, die unter Creative Commons Lizenzen veröffentlicht wurde. Marwan Abado - Khalik (CD Raushana)