Items tagged:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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A changing world needs changing methods: six steps for evaluations to assess “what will work”
Climate change is creating unpredictable futures for sustainable development. Yet, evaluation methods for assessing development progress have remained unchanged. Emilie Beauchamp and Stefano D’Errico explain why evaluations must urgently turn from assessing 'what works' to 'what will work' and introduce a new guide to evaluation in a time of climate change
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The health, wellbeing and climate benefits of slum upgrading
Upgrading informal settlements can foster wellbeing while also building resilience to climate change, particularly when equitable, far-sighted strategies seek to partner closely with communities and address multiple health risks
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Country-led evaluations: revealing the progress of Agenda 2030 – third episode of podcast mini-series
In the third and final episode of podcast mini-series ‘Sustainable Development Goals – Evaluating progress for a brighter future’, Kassem El Saddik, co-chair of EvalSDGs, hosts a discussion on what country-led evaluations can bring to assessing progress towards the SDGs
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Adaptation Research Alliance: accelerating adaptation action and solutions
As part of the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) secretariat, IIED worked with partners to help catalyse action-oriented research for high-impact climate adaptation and resilience solutions
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Defining and scoping an SDG evaluation: how do you get started? – second episode of podcast mini-series
In the second episode of podcast mini-series ‘Sustainable Development Goals – Evaluating progress for a brighter future’, Dirk Hoffmann and Nataly Salas Rodríguez from DEval host two discussions, one in English and one in Spanish, about how an SDG evaluation is done
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Adaptive evaluation: considering climate risks in theory and practice – first episode of a new mini-series
In episode one of a new podcast mini-series, IIED hosts a discussion about the principles, practice and challenges of considering climate risks in evaluation of programmes aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Sustainable Development Goals: evaluating progress for a brighter future – podcast
Every country has 2030 as the date for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some are well on the way to meeting targets, others have further to go. In this new three-part mini-series, we explore how to evaluate progress against the goals.
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Definitions matter – part two
How is it possible to monitor progress, or otherwise, towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water and sanitation without clear definitions?
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Closing the digital gender gap: lessons from the pandemic
This IIED Debates event explored why and how the digital world should consider the needs of both women and men of all ages to enable progress
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Climate-induced migration and modern slavery
How is climate-induced migration creating vulnerability to modern slavery and what are the solutions?
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Feeding all city inhabitants
Cecilia Tacoli explores how food and nutrition security in urban areas is often overlooked by policymakers and city governments
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Mapping community development requirements in the mining sector
A catalogue of community development laws related to the mining sector has been created featuring legislative arrangements from 54 countries. All legislation can be searched in a map and is available for download
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Increasing the visibility of artisanal small-scale fishers, fish farmers and fish workers
The United Nations has declared 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. An IIED-led initiative aims to focus global attention on the importance and the role played by small-scale fishers, fish farmers and fish workers
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Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale fisheries and its markets
Safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly damaging for small-scale fishers’ livelihoods. An IIED-led project aims to evaluate the impacts and identify initiatives for small-scale fishers to build back better
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Business with purpose in the era of COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has delivered a profound shock to the world economy. IIED's Laura Kelly argues that businesses must commit to more responsible and inclusive practices as part of their efforts to build recovery
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Is SDG evaluation just business as usual?
Stefano D'Errico outlines four steps that should be considered in the design of an effective evaluative process for the Sustainable Development Goals
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Guide to national-level SDG evaluation launches
A new guide for evaluators and evaluation commissioners working on the Sustainable Development Goals will be launched in New York today (4 February). It offers a timely ‘real life’ introduction to assessing progress on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs at national level.
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Wanted: corporate global citizens to deliver the SDGs
Businesses are global citizens too – and have a prominent role in collective achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, explains guest blogger David Croft
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We need more than business as usual, to leave no one behind
In the latest blog in our series exploring how business and investors can contribute to achieving the SDGs, Rijit Sengupta discusses the challenges and opportunities for businesses in India seeking to raise the bar on sustainability
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Bringing business into the conversation on sustainable development
IIED has launched a new series of blogs and interviews exploring how business and investors are contributing to sustainable development
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Delivering energy access for all: Make Change Happen podcast episode 2
Nearly one billion people are still without access to electricity, and nearly three billion people lack clean, safe cooking facilities. IIED's new podcast focuses on how to deliver sustainable energy access for the world’s poorest
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Q&A: Ready for impact?
In the first of a series of articles exploring how investors and business can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, IIED’s Laura Kelly puts questions to Chris West from Sumerian Partners on the lessons and challenges from impact investing
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Critical theme: How can inclusive finance accelerate universal energy access?
In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 7 – universal energy access – by 2030, the enormous public and private energy financing gap must be bridged. On 14 November 2019, IIED hosted a critical theme to debate the role that investors and finance intermediaries could play to reach SDG7
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IIED launches new 'Insights' series linking business and sustainability
IIED has today released the first in a new series that will deliver practical evidence and strategic insights to support businesses and investors as they address environment and development challenges
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Navigating ocean investments
In the first of a new series of ‘Insights’ case studies designed to highlight links between business and sustainability, IIED looks at a business model that could be the key to bridging the marine conservation funding gap.
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Monitoring and evaluation guidance for SDG14
Despite the importance of marine resources to life on earth, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) has struggled to gain attention and support on an international scale. This project provided guidance on how to develop and implement appropriate monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to support and accelerate progress towards achieving SDG14 and related goals.
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Pathways to learning – finding new ways to evaluate SDG progress
The United Nations High Level Political Forum is a great opportunity to take stock of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this year’s forum under way in New York, Stefano D’Errico discusses how countries can use the agenda principles as a framework to evaluate their trajectory towards sustainable development
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New guide to monitoring progress on SDG14
IIED has published a practical handbook on how to assess progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life below Water. By encouraging better monitoring and evaluation of SDG14, the new handbook aims to support better reporting and learning across the 2030 Agenda
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Achieving transformational change for the ocean
Making progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 – life below water – is a complex and increasingly urgent challenge. A new handbook offers practical guidance on monitoring, evaluation and learning for SDG14, and emphasises the importance of using systems thinking
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Why the UK parliamentary committee recommendations on international climate finance are so important
The International Development Committee recently published its findings on UK aid for combating climate change. Clare Shakya, IIED’s director of climate change, gave evidence at the parliamentary inquiry and writes what the UK needs to do to make sure money reaches where it matters most
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Leave no one behind: assessing policy choices
At the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals lies a promise to ‘leave no one behind’. IIED worked with partners in Asia and Africa to ask what the phrase means to different groups and what action is needed to turn it from rhetoric to reality
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Modern food systems to emerge in new decade of family farming
Global farmers affirmed the vital relevance of small-holders at the World Rural Forum in Bilbao, Spain recently, highlighting how through innovative approaches they will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals over the next ten years
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Archive of completed locally-controlled forestry projects
Forests and livelihoods have been the focus of pioneering work by IIED since the 1980s. This archive page links to past forest projects managed by IIED
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Independent Research Forum (IRF): supporting change for a sustainable future
To view or download all of the IRF's briefings, discussion papers and reports,
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How can insights from CBA12 inform global discussions on the SDGs and resilience?
Delegates to this week's UN High Level Political Forum on sustainable development will be considering the subject of resilience. Clare Shakya highlights some of the insights from CBA12 in Malawi that are relevant
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Q&A: getting indigenous women's voices heard on the SDGs
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim discusses the challenges facing indigenous women in Chad and how to get sustainable development policies in place that really support their needs
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Harnessing #MeToo momentum to drive climate action
Guest blogger Christiana Figueres calls upon women and girls across the world to channel the energy behind the #MeToo movement to bolster the global fight against climate change
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Q&A: Women are driving the change we need
Fatima Denton describes how women's voices are becoming more prominent in policy circles but why more work is needed for this change to make a real difference to women on the ground
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Getting Lebanon’s water flowing: using new SDG data in an urban crisis
Anna Walnycki explains how reliable, disaggregated data on water access – supported by the framework of the SDGs – could help tackle the challenges facing Lebanon's water sector
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Public-private partnerships and aid's 'private turn': addressing the investment law dimensions
Public-private partnerships are emerging as important vehicles for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Their legal and financial implications must be carefully considered
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Changing landscapes: key issues for action on sustainable development in 2018
As we face up to the challenges of the coming year, how does the global landscape for sustainable development look? IIED director Andrew Norton offers his thoughts on the key debates and changes we may see during 2018, and what they might mean for IIED's work
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Making the link between the SDGs and natural capital accounting
There is a risk that policymakers working on the Sustainable Development Goals see the 17 goals as 17 separate issues and fail to integrate efforts to achieve them. Rosalind Goodrich reports on a forum that looked at how natural capital accounting can encourage an integrated approach to achieving the SDGs and provide useful information for policy decisions
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Effective evaluation for the Sustainable Development Goals
Evaluation processes will play a key role in national and global review systems for the Sustainable Development Goals.IIED and EVALSDGs are publishing a series of briefings about evaluation designed to help promote effective conduct and use of evaluation in SDGs implementation, follow-up and review.
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Animations: explaining the SDGs in three minutes
The wide-reaching agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals was brought to life in an animation commissioned by IIED
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Social and environmental trade-offs in African agriculture
In sub-Saharan Africa, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of 'zero hunger' (SDG2), while reducing inequalities (SDG10) and conserving ecosystems (SDG15), is a big challenge. A new IIED-led research project aims to develop knowledge, relationships and research capacities to address this task
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Engaging for change – refreshing our strategy for the next two years
IIED's new strategy update will sharpen our focus on how we tackle the challenges of climate action, global social justice and sustainable development over the next two years
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Evaluations, reviews and assessments are key to embedding the SDGs
How can we embed the Sustainable Development Goals into development processes to reach the tipping point that we desperately need for dealing with the big challenges of our time? This blog by Stefano D'Errico follows up a joint UNICEF/EVALSDGs webinar in New York
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Investing in natural capital to deliver the SDGs and reduce poverty
With the meeting of the UN High-level Political Forum on sustainable development under way, Paul Steele discusses how natural capital can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and lift the poorest out of poverty
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Sustainable development in the UK – an issue for party manifestos?
A cross-party report finds the UK government is falling behind on its commitment to sustainability but the election provides an opportunity for all parties to show the way forward.
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Q&A: Why do we need a philosophy for better evidence?
Stefano D'Errico talks about how better evidence can help decision makers make better policy, and help realise the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals
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Monitoring, evaluation and learning capacity development
IIED values monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) as an important tool for research and influence to foster sustainable development. We work with NGOs, communities, and local and national authorities to enhance their institutional MEL capacities
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The hilsa fishing ban: good for the fish, but good for the fisher?
Seasonal fishing bans are helping to recover stocks of Bangladesh's national fish, the hilsa. Bigger fish are fetching better prices and – from traders to retailers − many people along the value chain are benefiting. But a new IIED study shows how one group is slipping through the net: the fishermen and women
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IIED's work on the post-2015 agenda
It took three years of international negotiations to agree the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the agenda for 2030. The scope and ambition of the SDGs resonate with IIED's work for a fairer and greener world
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Bringing solar out of the shadows
For Tanzania to meet its energy needs - and in a way that is sustainable - huge levels of finance are required to boost its decentralised energy sector. But the latest research shows current funding flows are way off target.
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SDGs: from adopted framework to political force for change
One year on from the Sustainable Development Goals coming into effect, IIED asks whether the international consensus underpinning the goals is strong enough to drive the shift from vision to creating real political change
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Turning the tide: creating incentives for sustainable oceans
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in place, but are policy makers ready and willing to bite? Dave Steinbach explains why now is the time to move from intent to action – and outlines a new approach on how to deliver SDG 14.
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Fighting for the future – sustainable development and the battle for ideas in 2017
Following the landmark global agreements on sustainable development sealed in 2015, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change, the end of 2016 prompted the question: can the world sustain this hard-fought momentum?
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One people, one vision
Countries with a strong sustainable development planning framework are finding that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) work best as a political motivator for domestic action, rather than as a literal set of targets. Tighe Geoghegan explains the political case for SDGs from a Jamaican perspective
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Money where it matters: how to deliver finance to the local level
At an IIED-hosted event, financiers, decision makers, practitioners and researchers tackled three key questions on how to get climate finance to where it's needed most
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Creating waves for small-scale fisheries
Dave Steinbach identifies three approaches to help ensure small-scale fishers are not left behind in ambitious new development agendas
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Making World Bank aid sustainable
Clare Shakya sets out seven ways the World Bank can make its development aid sustainable and inclusive.
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How serious are the SDGs about tackling inequality?
The international commitment to reducing inequality marks a welcome breakthrough. But without clearer targets for measuring progress, driving change to tackle rising inequality will be a challenge
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Are citizens being left behind by India's approach to the SDGs?
Although India has taken some important steps to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, there is still not enough participation in developing plans and not enough information has reached citizens
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Data that supports local development
Global goals and targets often rely on national data, but local data are needed to inform action on the ground and to monitor progress on the goals
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Participatory investment planning for environment, water and energy in the dryland of northern Kenya
Water availability is variable and unpredictable in the drylands, where energy options and ecosystem processes differ from those in more humid environments. These environmental characteristics can have a positive or negative effect on human activities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Why do we ignore the local processes that deliver global goals in urban areas?
International agencies must support local processes if we are to achieve ambitious global goals – so benefits reach urban communities on the ground whose needs these goals are set up to meet
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Why social inclusion matters for green growth
From wetland protection in South Africa to scrapping fossil fuel subsidies in Indonesia, the best climate policies are pro-poor
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Q&A: A pragmatic approach
Chime Wangdi from Bhutan explains how her country's philosophy of seeking Gross National Happiness aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals
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Will the UK be left behind on sustainable development?
The global goals, which UN members signed up to last year, are for all countries, not just poor ones. How is the UK going to implement them?
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Poverty Environment Partnership issues call to action on 2030 Agenda
A new report urges structural reforms to end extreme poverty and tackle climate change and the loss of environmental assets during the next 15 years
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Positioning the SDGs within the politics of national development
Reconciling diverse visions of sustainable development will be key to SDG progress
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Untangling the net: what does 'leave no one behind' mean for fishers?
The ambition of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 targets, according to the introductory text, is to 'leave no one behind'. But what does it mean in practice? This blog aims to explain this by focusing on the small-scale fishery sector in a developing country – specifically using the case of a fishing community in the Lower Meghna Basin in Bangladesh
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How are the LDCs defining a new sustainable development agenda?
IIED talks to development experts from around the globe to find out how the Least Developed Countries are working to define new ways forward for sustainable development
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2016 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
IIED was involved in three side events at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from 11-20 July, 2016
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Five challenges for Least Developed Countries in the post-2015 era
Can the Least Developed Countries reimagine development? A meeting in London looked at the key issues
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Navigating uncharted waters: the EU referendum, the spirit of Paris, and the SDGs
IIED's director Andrew Norton argues that a spirit of internationalism must live on in the UK following the seismic shock of Brexit
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Country progress on putting the sustainable development goals into action
The 21st Poverty Environment Partnership (PEP) meeting, held earlier this month by IIED and partners, focused on putting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action
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Painting a new picture of development
Can the Sustainable Development Goals trigger a new approach to development in the world's Least Developed Countries? A dialogue event explored the potential
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Ending endemic violence through education in Cité Soleil
How to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for children growing up in a violent slum? An innovative project in Haiti faces big challenges
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Q&A: LDC Independent Expert Group chair on the SDGs and tackling inequality
Former Prime Minister of Haiti Michèle Duvivier Pierre-Louis discusses the challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing inequalities related to gender, trade and climate change
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Clearing the air in Kathmandu
As one of the world's fastest urbanising countries, how can Nepal manage growing demand for transport and electricity, while ensuring clean air?
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In the world's poorest countries, cities could be the Sustainable Development Goals test
Ahead of next week's dialogue event on the challenges and opportunities posed to Least Developed Countries by the Sustainable Development Goals, Gordon McGranahan examines how cities and urbanisation can contribute to attaining development goals.
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People with disabilities struggle in Malawi's cities
How can the Sustainable Development Goals help children with disabilities in Malawi's cities?
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Q&A: A shift in mindset for the LDCs
The Least Developed Countries need a new way of thinking if they are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, says Saleemul Huq
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An urban approach to 'leaving no one behind'
Taking an urban approach can help identify who is at risk of 'being left behind' and how this can be avoided
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Q&A: Linking low-carbon pathways with the SDGs
Youba Sokona discusses the challenges and opportunities around low-carbon development in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals
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Recognising urban rights: global debates and local struggles
Global debates can help frame how human rights in the city are recognised but are often far removed from processes that affirm rights at local level
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Q&A: Making the SDG agenda work for LDCs
Farah Kabir discusses how the Least Developed Countries have been driving their own sustainable development, and outlines what's needed for these vulnerable countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
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Unpacking what we mean by 'leave no one behind'
'Leave no one behind' is emerging as a central principle of the Sustainable Development Goals. In practice it will be interpreted in a number of ways
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Reimagining development in the LDCs: what role for the SDGs?
The challenges and opportunities that the Sustainable Development Goals create for Least Developed Countries were discussed at an event in London in June
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Briefing: Will Habitat III produce an effective "new urban agenda?"
This discussion focused on the likely outcomes and impacts of this year's UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, Habitat III – plus the launch of the April issue of E&U
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Improved water access unaffordable for urban poor
On World Water Day, a new briefing shows that the urban poor are missing out on the benefits of 'improved' water services because the costs are too high
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): IIED and the new global agenda on sustainable development
In September 2015, the global community agreed the Sustainable Development Goals, setting out new development priorities for all countries, post-2015. The 17 new goals have been designed to integrate global ambitions on tackling poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change, and protecting ecosystems including oceans, forests and biodiversity. It is an ambitious and universal agenda.
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Where are the local indicators for the SDGs?
As discussions on the SDG indicators are under way in New York, David Satterthwaite asks where are the indicators that report on local needs and support local action in urban areas
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Is more inclusive urbanisation essential to the 2030 Agenda?
Efforts to better accommodate rural migrants moving to cities could play an important part in resolving conflicts in the 2030 Agenda and ensuring no-one is left behind
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Does "leave no-one behind" risk too narrow a focus?
"Leave no-one behind" has become a key phrase in interpreting the Sustainable Development Goals, but we should think carefully about what it implies
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Seeds of the post-capitalist forest?
Could innovative local organisations working with forests, together with the Paris climate agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and global financial crisis help deliver us into a post-capitalist era
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What can Southern NGOs teach us about disruptive change?
Interviews with Southern NGOs reveal valuable lessons in how to see disruptive change as a force for good – and highlight how donors and Northern partners can provide more effective support
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Shaking up the private sector
The private sector has a key role to play in the new sustainable development agenda, says IIED's Mick Blowfield, but let's keep multinationals' commitment to change in perspective
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What's happening to aid to the Least Developed Countries?
New figures show an overall decline in aid to the world's Least Developed Countries, yet commitments made in Paris and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda call for more aid, not less
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The Paris Agreement, SDGs and simple local monitoring
How can we minimise monitoring costs and make sure that money intended for local "development" ends up with the people who need it?
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Food demand and forests in sub-Saharan Africa
With the support of country partners, IIED is conducting research to better understand existing and future competition and trade-offs between food production and natural forests, and the implications for land use policies in sub-Saharan Africa
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Driving change by supporting action at the local level
A new mapping project highlights the importance of local action in delivering global change
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The SDGs speak and we like what we hear
Smallholder and community carbon projects have shown they can deliver local benefits and promote climate resilience. Now the Plan Vivo Standard and its partners, representing the oldest ethical carbon standard, have pledged their commitment to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals
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2014/15 annual report: our work on a sustainable future
The Sustainable Development Goals set the development agenda for decades to come. How will IIED's work feed into the SDG agenda?
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The SDGs don't adequately spell out cities' role in implementation
The new development framework lays out a groundbreaking vision on the common good. But it doesn't say enough about how this is to be achieved, by whom and with what funding
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'Sustainable development science' for transforming our world
IIED's Steve Bass proposes a 10-year review of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment as a guide for taking forward the SDGs
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Mountain communities rebuild diverse, climate-resilient crops
The Sustainable Development Goals have been agreed, but for mountain communities around the world this action can't come quickly enough. Climate change is already here, threatening their food security, nutrition and livelihoods
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What might slum dwellers want from the SDGs?
Jockin Arputham has been fighting for the rights of slum dwellers for nearly 50 years. Ahead of World Habitat Day, he highlights what the Sustainable Development Goals could mean for slum dwellers
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Why listen to and support the most vulnerable?
Four reasons why the voices of the most vulnerable must be heard and prioritised if we are to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals leave no one behind
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Understanding the SDGs: powering Goal Seven
IIED senior researcher Ben Garside says the Sustainable Development Goal on energy will be a powerful driver for development
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Global goals, global audience – how well did we score?
IIED's animation about the Sustainable Development Goals took us into new territory – but what were we trying to achieve?
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A sustainable ocean by 2030
A Sustainable Development Goal for oceans, seas and marine resources is a significant milestone, but how will it be financed and who will benefit?
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Sustainable goals for a sustainable green economy
The Sustainable Development Goals set the priorities for a more sustainable, green economy, but that means that how we assess and measure that economy needs to change, argues Oliver Greenfield
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The SDGs must carry us beyond Paris to 2030
The Sustainable Development Goals, to be agreed in New York later this month, are a key step on the road to a climate agreement in Paris in December, but must set the agenda for resilient low carbon development beyond Paris to 2030
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The SDGs and 'a new urban agenda'?
If the world delivers on the Sustainable Development Goals, will IIED be out of a job? The SDGs may have a lot to say about what needs to be achieved but not about how, by whom and with what funding and support. There is hardly any mention of local government and local civil society. But you cannot meet the commitments listed above or indeed most of the other goals and targets in urban areas without their support.
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Understanding the SDGs: the importance of Goal 14
Conserving our oceans and marine resources is critical to an integrated approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, argues Essam Yassin Mohammed
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Global goals for sustainable development
The final text of the Sustainable Development Goals marks an important advance for the international development community, but enormous challenges still lie ahead
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Climate finance for sustainable development: regional forum
IIED is co-hosting a regional forum with UNDP in Jakarta, Indonesia, to share learning and experience on making sure climate finance works for sustainable development
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A step change in our approach to development
IIED's chief economist Paul Steele says the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise the crucial challenge of achieving zero poverty and zero net emissions
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Sanitation in informal settlements: a networked problem
Can understanding how people perceive sanitation help achieve sustainable access to sanitation in cities?
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Understanding the SDGs: Tom Bigg
In the first of a series of video interviews with IIED experts working on issues relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Strategy and Learning Group director Tom Bigg highlights the importance of their universality
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The work of the Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group
Since its creation in 2013, the Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group (IEG) has provided an independent voice for sustainable development of LDCs, contributing ideas, expertise and challenges to international debates
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Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group
The Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group was an informal group of individuals with a deep commitment to sustainable development and an understanding of the challenges to achieving it in the world's poorest countries
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Why universality is a taxing agenda…
IIED's director Andrew Norton reflects on the Financing for Development conference in Addis and the challenge of 'universality'
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It's the thought that counts: how can Addis deliver for the world’s poorest?
When the world's leaders meet in Addis to decide how they fund the SDGs, the real question is whether this money will support the world's poorest to shape their own futures
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Finance, Addis and the Sustainable Development Goals
Ahead of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, some of the world's Least Developed Countries have been sharing their priorities
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Putting ourselves out of business – forward planning for the PEP
The 20th Poverty Environment Partnership (PEP) meeting focused on the opportunities for an integrated approach to development as embraced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but recognised that key challenges still remain to make implementation a reality
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Will climate change render the SDGs impossible?
Later this year, countries will be meeting at a UN Summit in New York to agree on a set of post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will build on the Millennium Development Goals
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Walking along the road to Paris
Much is at stake in 2015 – IIED's director Camilla Toulmin looks at how far we have come, the obstacles that remain, and what we need to do if we are to bring about change
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Cameron can assure a lasting legacy
A constant feature of David Cameron's premiership has been as champion of international development, including unwavering support for Britain's overseas aid contribution
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Animating the universal ambition of the SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) aspirational, wide-reaching agenda for change is brought to life in a new animation, commissioned by IIED
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Development finance and climate finance: achieving zero poverty and zero emissions
Ahead of the Financing for Development conference in Addis, Paul Steele asks whether changes are needed to the way we address climate and development finance
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Taking an integrated approach to eliminating poverty and sustaining natural resources
As the UNDP-UNEP Poverty Environment Initiative celebrates its 10th anniversary in Edinburgh, guest blogger Michael Stanley-Jones explains how its integrated approach is key for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
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IIED responds to UK election outcome
IIED hopes the new Conservative government will demonstrate UK leadership on inclusive citizenship and green prosperity on the global stage
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Integration: will the UN Forum on Forests lead the way?
Ahead of the UN Forum on Forests meeting in New York, IIED’s Jonathan Reeves argues that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – particularly for forests – depends upon integration and compromise and asks whether the political will exists to lay aside egos and break down institutional barriers
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2015: a critical year for the Least Developed Countries
As four major strands of global decision-making come together in 2015, IIED senior fellow Saleemul Huq explains why they are so important for the world's least developed countries
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Securing indigenous and community land rights in the future we want
Explicit inclusion of secure land rights for local communities and indigenous peoples is key to "leaving no one behind" in global Sustainable Development Goals, writes Jenny Springer of Rights and Resources Initiative
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Learning the lessons from Chile's energy transformation
The SDGs promise transformational change – but how is this delivered? A new study from RIMISP, a partner of the Independent Research Forum (IRF), looks at how major change came about in Chile's energy sector
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The right to sustainable development: what the post-2015 agenda declaration should say – but won't
Negotiations underway this week will focus on the declaration text for the Sustainable Development Goals. Jonathan Reeves suggests this is an ideal opportunity to raise global ambition – but says the signs are not good
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Facing up to the awkward realities of the post-2015 agenda
The post-2015 sustainable development agenda promises a better future – but only if some awkward realities are confronted
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The glass is half full: in 2015 we need to demand that our leaders deliver
As leaders from politics, business and civil society gather in the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the World Economic Forum, IIED's chief economist argues that "hope" is the most scarce resource
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Local democracy as a substitute for data (and rather a good substitute too)
Why is there so little data on who faces poverty and where they live? David Satterthwaite examines why 'better' data is better than 'more' data
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Can the road to Paris lead to the road to dignity?
After climate negotiations drew to a close in Lima, Jonathan Reeves reflects on the UN Secretary General's synthesis report on the post-2015 agenda and asks whether the "road to dignity" will take us to the right destination.
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SDGs 'not just for overseas'
In its latest report, the UK parliament's Environmental Audit Committee has warned that the government risks undermining new global development goals, following evidence that the UK has been seeking to limit their scope and ambition
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Zero-zero, dolphins and conversations for change
IIED director Camilla Toulmin reflects on her trip to Lima for the COP20 Development and Climate Days
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Have your say: Enabling forest landscapes to score Sustainable Development Goals
IIED co-hosted a discussion at the Global Landscapes Forum in Lima, Peru, on how forest landscapes can score Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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The IPCC and an urbanising planet
The IPCC's Fifth Assessment gets the importance of understanding and acting on urbanisation
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Look beyond the trees: the SDGs will have to do more than just 'protect forests'
A UN working group has drafted targets to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, which will expire next year. IIED's assessment finds a strong set of targets, but also trade-offs and missing issues
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Ebola – what must we learn?
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is launching an unprecedented appeal in response to the Ebola crisis, but what lessons must we learn if we are to effectively and equitably tackle future shocks of this scale?
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Toulmin lecture: How can the Least Developed Countries be heard?
IIED director Camilla Toulmin discussed how the Least Developed Countries get their voices heard in international negotiations when she delivers a lecture on 23 October
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A week that may change the world
It's been a busy week for IIED senior fellow Saleemul Huq, with plenty of action unfolding on the climate change front in New York. Here he provides an inside look into what transpired, and some reflections on how the recent events may impact upcoming climate negotiations
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Q&A: Helping the poorest nations with development goals
The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) want their voices heard at climate and development talks. They will need a range of support to build their capacity to meet their development goals
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Well-financed climate change action must be central to the post-2015 goals
Climate change and sustainable development are inextricably linked. It is critical, therefore, that the post-2015 sustainable development agenda fully embeds climate change
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Urban water and sanitation
With water and sanitation recognised as human rights, IIED has been working with local partners to identify how sanitation can be improved in deprived urban locations
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LDC experts to share ideas on building productive capacity
How can Least Developed Countries (LDCs) progress so they are no longer held back by extreme poverty? A conference next week in Cotonou, Benin, will address this issue, bringing together ministers and experts from LDCs, along with UN representatives and development experts.
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The Musketeers of development
Does the zero draft of the Sustainable Development Goals take enough note of the crucial interdependencies between goal areas?
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Can we change the goals of development without changing the implementers?
The latest draft of the Sustainable Development Goals and targets contains a stunning list of commitments, but fails to address how we will achieve them.
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OWG 'zero draft' is a huge step forward: now let's get practical
The OWG's 'zero draft' on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a marked improvement on previous versions, but we still have a long journey ahead
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If we don't count the poor, the poor don't count
Research in several countries shows how governments and development agencies undercount the scale and depth of urban poverty
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Integrating forests into the post-2015 development framework
This IIED project aimed to install forest-related targets and indicators into the post-2015 development framework, contributing towards notional goal areas on poverty reduction and equality, economic growth and employment, food security, water and energy, climate change, ecosystems and biodiversity
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Making gender equality a global and local reality
The UNFCCC has taken significant steps to promote women's increased participation in the global climate change negotiations process. It's a gain for gender equality, but gaps remain
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Wanted: Urban data revolution for post 2015 sustainable development goals
Around a billion people live in informal urban settlements that lack essential services and security, so the concerns of these people should be high on the agenda when agreeing a new set of sustainable development goals
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Ensuring an Energy Sustainable Development Goal delivers for poor people and the planet
In late February, discussions over the post-2015 development agenda reached a milestone. The co-Chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG), the body tasked with preparing a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposal for consideration by the UN General Assembly in September 2014, issued a "Focus Areas Document".
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Reducing risks to urban health and building climate resilience
Climate change, health and urban resilience are all connected, and this means research and policy in these arenas must join up
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Transforming growth for least developed countries
A focus on four key priorities could help Least Developed Country governments lift their citizens out of poverty by generating inclusive growth
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Media missing from UN drive to engage millions on post-2015 development agenda
Rosebell Kagumire says consultations on the future of global development framework should involve journalists or they will fail to reach the masses.
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Saving the forests for last – in the hope, at last, of saving the forests
The Sustainable Development Goals must not only mention saving the world's forests, but also explain how to do this.
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Post-2015 development framework: priorities for LDCs – coverage from Wilton Park
From January 29-31, Wilton Park hosted a conference enabling frank and open dialogue between those in the political process of setting 'sustainable development goals' and those in least developed countries (LDCs) who will need to implement the goals.
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Ten ways to ensure there are plenty more fish in the sea
Sustainable fisheries must be central to the new global development goals that all nations will pursue from 2015, says Essam Yassin Mohammed.
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Sustainable development requires an infusion of love
Next year, new Sustainable Development Goals will set our trajectory into an increasingly uncertain future. But country delegations are arguing over the wrong thing
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Future world: addressing the contradictions of planet, people, power and profits
Our new paper on global trends aims to provoke debate as part of the process of developing IIED’s new five-year strategy. Read it and tell us what you think.
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New international development goals: score or miss?
The UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel has published their set of recommendations for international development. What is the verdict? How do they ‘score’?
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Introduction to our work on climate-resilient development
IIED works with national and local government policymakers and planners, civil society organisations, private sector companies and local communities to design, test and evaluate equitable solutions to the climate emergency in low-income countries
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Moving beyond the preamble to creating a new story at Rio+20
The panelists, Tony Cunningham MP (Labour), Martin Horwood MP (Liberal Democrats),
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Influencing the outcomes at Rio+20
IIED is playing an important role in getting government representatives and environmentalists together at our
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Green Economy Coalition gives Rio 2012 text a Grade B
Twenty years on from the first summit on sustainable development, yesterday the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Bureau released th
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Earth Summit 2012: Crucial opportunity that needs broader buy-in
As shoppers in New York surged through streets and avenues bedecked with festive offerings, delegates from around the world were summoning up the collective will to make something of the crucial opportunity presented by the Earth Summit in Rio
