Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that usually manifests during early childhood. It affects people irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Autism Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society. The 2024 observance marks a significant milestone, as it endeavors to offer a comprehensive global perspective on the state of affairs concerning autism, uniquely centered on the voices and experiences of autistic individuals themselves.

The 2023-2024 Human Development Report, "Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world" presents ways forward that hinges on reimagining cooperation in ways that do not assume away divergent interests or opinions but work with them to deliver global public goods that benefit us all. This report is the first in a new trilogy of human development reports that will further explore the layers of uncertainty: how to address polarization (2023-24), shape our shared digital future to advance human development (2025), and marshal human aspirations to navigate the Anthropocene (2026).

The World Day of Social Justice reminds us each year of the need to build fairer, more equitable societies. Support is growing for creating a wide-reaching Global Coalition for Social Justice to bolster multilateral cooperation and align policies to further social justice aims. To mark the Day, the International Labour Organization is broadcasting live a series of events held in major cities around the world. The events bring together high-level speakers from across the world of work to discuss how to put social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas.

Hello Future is a UNDP video series exploring the trends shaping our world. From digitalization to inequality, the nature and climate emergency to crisis response, we examine the critical challenges we must address to achieve the future envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goal.

Season 2 Episode 4: Futures scope - Development practice is vastly different that what it was 50 years ago.

A growing movement advocates for social justice as the guiding principle for all policies, arguing it enables cohesive societies and economies. But persisting injustices, insecurity, inequality, and crises threaten progress made. Proposals to advance social justice include improved governance of work; lifelong learning; fairer labour market outcomes; and extended social protections. A special concert at the UN in Geneva on 15 February, marking the World Day of Social Justice will amplify messages of justice and social change through the power of music. 

The labour market showed modest improvement in 2023, with a decline in the unemployment rate below pre-pandemic levels. But the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 finds worrying trends for 2024. The report reveals imbalances and vulnerabilities that are damaging prospects for a sustainable global recovery. A decline in real wages, persistent inflation, an increase in working poverty, and a deceleration in productivity growth create the conditions for greater inequality and undermine efforts to achieve social justice.

It can be difficult to ignore the negative news that surrounds us every day. We see evidence of a planet that is warming too quickly, conflicts and inequality that persist despite our best efforts. However, the United Nations Development Programme reminds us that despite these challenges, there are still reasons for hope and optimism. In 2023, there was a significant drop in the deforestation rate in the Amazon compared to the previous year. Additionally, the world made progress towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution on both land and in the ocean. Alternative energy, particularly solar, is finding its place in the sun, even in the remotest communities.

International Human Solidarity Day (20 December) reminds us that all human beings should benefit from humanity's collective achievements. The concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since its creation, when the peoples and nations of the world got together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The UN was founded on the basic premise of unity and harmony among its members, expressed in the concept of collective security that relies on the solidarity of its members. Human solidarity is also the basis of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

New data released by UNCTAD highlights the limitations of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as an all-encompassing metric for progress, underscoring that higher economic output doesn’t equate to more inclusive and sustainable growth.

Facing historical discrimination, indigenous groups around the world lack access to social services and economic and political opportunities. The indigenous people of the Philippines are no different. Battling high levels of pervasive illiteracy and unemployment, even accessing a birth certificate is a challenge. Without a birth certificate, children are unable to access public education nor are they able to access government social welfare programs, intended to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in the Philippines. With SDG 16 in focus, UNOPS in partnership with the EU are ensuring no one is left behind by providing access to legal services in the communities.   

Mabrouka Ayadi, a 70-year-old widow who has been fishing her whole life, has no government pension or medical care. She hopes the SocPro4Fish project will lead to adequate coverage in the fisheries sector to support her health and well-being. “I have to take care of my health care. I have four kids at home, and they depend on my fishing,’’ she says. FAO and partners work to reduce poverty and sustain the aquaculture sector’s development. The project also seeks to expand coverage of social protection to fishers and fish workers in Tunisia and other countries.

Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — that undermine peace, security, development and harmony among the world's peoples. To confront these challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms, the simplest of which is friendship. The International Day of Friendship (30 July) upholds the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

Fashion has one of the most powerful marketing engines that influences the identities, values, and actions of billions of people. This, in turn, impacts consumption patterns, a central factor in reducing the sector's climate impact. UNEP and UN Climate Change launched the Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook, a guide with an interactive version, on how to align consumer-facing communication in the fashion industry with sustainable targets in accordance to the Paris Agreement. Its purpose is to reduce the carbon print and overconsumption, demand action, and inspire sustainable lifestyles.

Observed every 1 June, the Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their selfless commitment to children. Parents play the most important role in their child’s development, which is why UNICEF celebrates caregivers and calls for the support families need. Throughout June, UNICEF is sharing expert tips and resources to support caregivers and their families, including mental health guides on everything from self-care for busy parents to supporting teens during stressful times. Also available are fun play ideas to help make the most of every moment together.

In Colombia, the coastal town of Buenaventura boasts one of the country’s busiest ports. Local communities rely to a great extent on fisheries and aquaculture to make a living, and women make up a large part of the workforce. These women fish sellers – known as the Platoneras - work informally and earn low wages.  These women are not covered under any social protection scheme, making them particularly vulnerable to adverse shocks such as illness, injury, and the eventual onset of old age. FAO, and its partners including the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, NORAD, are supporting the Platoneras to strengthen their livelihoods and improve their access to social protection schemes - all the while boosting the community's food security. Sandra Gómez Montaño speaks with Heysel Calderón and Andrea Garay. Presented by Laura Quiñones.

Photo: @ FAO/Heysel Calderón