In 2025, we will begin the five-year countdown to the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change. These events serve as crucial reminders of the urgent need to accelerate and expand vital development solutions. In November, world leaders will convene at the Second World Summit for Social Development to invigorate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Throughout the year, various key events and observances will provide opportunities to emphasize interconnected solutions and encourage action. A central theme across many of these events will focus on four key areas with the potential to transform our world: women, finance, artificial intelligence, and peace.

Experts emphasize the significance of establishing a second Decade for People of African Descent for the period 2025-2034, building on the progress made during the first decade (2015-2024). 

They argue that such an initiative is essential to addressing ongoing challenges faced by people of African descent globally, including racial inequality, discrimination, and the need for greater inclusion. By focusing on areas like education, employment, health, and human rights, the proposed second decade aims to further empower African communities, promote social justice, and enhance their contributions to societies worldwide

Human rights are fundamental to our values, encompassing the right to life, freedom, equality, health, education, work, and a sustainable environment. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a roadmap for building a peaceful world. Evidence shows that nations that protect human rights are less vulnerable to conflict and crises, while those that respect these rights are more resilient to challenges like pandemics and climate change. Embedding human rights into development reduces poverty and inequality, benefiting both communities and businesses.

Amid global challenges, nations are united to tackle interlinked issues such as strengthening health systems, advancing climate action, reducing inequalities, and promoting inclusive growth. On International Human Solidarity Day (20 December), the UN highlights its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, reform financial and technological systems, and ensure equitable access to innovations like AI while mitigating associated risks. Global dialogue, advocacy and digital change show that sustainable development depends on empathy, mutual support and leaving no one behind.

With over 9000 attendees from more than 175 countries and more than 300 sessions, the 19th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum opens its doors today in Riyadh for five days (15-19 December) of discussions on public policy issues about the Internet. Under the theme ''Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future'', the conference will focus on four main themes, including the digital contribution to peace, development and sustainability; human rights and inclusion in the digital age; improving digital governance of the Internet; and harnessing innovation in the digital age.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) highlights the essential role of persons with disabilities in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. It also underscores that the leadership of persons with disabilities is needed to drive transformative change and promote disability-inclusive peace and development at all levels. The theme aligns with key global milestones, including the Pact for the Future and the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025, reinforcing efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Human Development Park in Alajuelita, Costa Rica, provides a vital recreational space for youth, fostering community engagement and inclusivity amid high rates of violence and social exclusion.

The signs of conflict, distrust, economic inequality, and the climate crisis are all around us. A staggering 2 billion of the world’s 8 billion people live in conflict. For them, planning next week, let alone the more distant future is an unimaginable luxury. The recent Summit of the Future launched a conversation on how to create a better present while preserving choices for future generations. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) kicked off the debate with its latest Signals Spotlight report, which identifies areas where our legacy to future generations is in doubt.

Statelessness impacts millions of people worldwide, limiting their lives. Millions of individuals across the globe are not recognized as citizens of any country. This lack of nationality has severe implications for their lives, affecting their access to education, societal inclusion and economic opportunities. As of the end of 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that 4.4 million people were stateless or of undetermined nationality. However, due to the lack of accurate data and the challenges in counting individuals without legal identity, the actual number is believed to be much higher.

Adaptive social protection in the Sahel proves to be a profitable investment, reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and bolstering resilience against climate change and shocks.

Cabo Verde is a Small Island Developing State consisting of ten volcanic islands with a population of just over half a million people. Fogo, the youngest and most volcanically active island, is home to the Pico do Fogo volcano, which erupted most recently in November 2014, forcing the evacuation of 964 residents. The community of Chã das Caldeiras, located inside the volcano crater, was buried by lava. Despite this, the resilient community has bounced back, with around 500 people now living in the village and working in agriculture and tourism as part of Fogo Natural Park.

Safeguarding future generations in a world at a crossroads. With that goal in mind, the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU WIDER) is organizing a three-day (May 14-16) conference in Maputo, Mozambique. The event will be attended by renowned researchers and policy experts who will discuss the greatest development challenges of our time -climate change, persistent inequalities, and growing political instability- and what action is needed now to best protect future generations.

At the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, world leaders recognized that sustainable development requires prioritizing human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and empowering women and girls. While progress has been made, it has not been equal for everyone, and crises like climate change and war threaten to roll back advances. 30 years later, 47 UN Member States are meeting to assess progress and commit to closing gaps and ensuring rights and choices for all.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum, the largest annual gathering of young people under the UN banner convened at the United Nations from April 16th to 18th. This year’s forum echoed the theme of the 2024 High-level Political Forum: "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions." The three-day event featured plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally based discussions, and discussions on innovative solutions for young people in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April), presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people’s lives across the globe. The global theme for 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”. The UN has long recognized the power and universality of sport and has used it to unite individuals and groups through the promotion of sports for development.