Christina Perrine is a woman whose early environmental awareness led her to take action locally. In 2023, she became a Plastics Ambassador for the . Using her solar-powered bicycle, she visited rural villages to collect discarded plastic bottles and educate the community on recycling and reducing plastic use. The initiative, supported by and the , trained six ambassadors, engaged over 4,000 citizens, and collected more than five tonnes of plastic waste. The project also organized clean-up campaigns, assisted small businesses in minimizing single-use plastics, and reached nearly 1,800 students with educational programs.
UNDP
Our future isn't predetermined; we have choices amidst conflict, climate change, and inequality. By harnessing the creativity of 1.45 billion young people, we can pursue financially rewarding and transformative pathways. However, the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals is nearing, necessitating fresh approaches and global cooperation that are urgently needed due to escalating challenges like declining development assistance and a deepening debt crisis. The serves as a vital platform for leaders to address interconnected crises, reaffirm commitments to inclusive systems, and protect future generations, especially in Africa and Asia.
Small Island Developing States are taking bold action to safeguard ocean biodiversity, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions.
Diego, Hilda, Juan, and their son Hugo are farmers in Comandante Andresito, Argentina, where together they face the same challenge, living alongside jaguars, known as 'yaguareté' in the region. These large felines, significant in , have seen their population decline by 50% since the 19th century, largely due to habitat loss and conflict with livestock farmers. In Argentina, the situation is even more dire. It’s estimated that of the jaguar's original habitat has been lost. To alleviate these issues, a insurance program was introduced, providing farmers with financial compensation and technical support following confirmed jaguar attacks.
On October 24, 2024, history was made in the serene hills of Kurumugl village, nestled in the Gembogl District of Simbu Province (Papua New Guinea). The Kulkane Tribe formalized their commitment to preserving the country's natural heritage by signing a Conservation Deed, pledging 9,000 hectares of pristine tropical and montane rainforest to conservation. This milestone event marked the culmination of the first phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project pilot site at Mt. Wilhelm, a significant initiative aimed at reducing the funding gap for the country’s Protected Areas Network. The project is to protect biodiversity while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The Kulkane Tribe’s commitment extends the boundaries of the Mt. Wilhelm Protected Area, safeguarding critical biodiversity hotspots.
In Yucatan, women are transforming beekeeping into a powerful tool for environmental conservation, financial independence, and community sisterhood through the ancient practice of meliponiculture.
National Adaptation Plans () help countries incorporate climate adaptation into their existing policies and programs, particularly in key sectors like agriculture and water. By proactive planning, governments can reduce risks and enhance climate resilience. NAPs also facilitate access to climate finance and promote collaboration across different societal levels to implement adaptation measures, such as improved water management and resilient infrastructure. NAPs are especially vital for the already facing severe climate hazards, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (), which are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
shows that with the right choices, AI can help tackle inequality and global challenges—turning today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s opportunity.
Glaciers, which hold around 70% of the Earth's fresh water, are vital for regulating climate, sustaining ecosystems, and supporting nearly 2 billion people who rely on glacier meltwater. Found on every continent except Australia, they have deep cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples. However, glaciers are rapidly shrinking due to climate change, causing disruptions in the water cycle, altering river currents, and increasing competition for resources. As glaciers melt, they contribute to sea-level rise and fuel extreme weather events. The release of toxins from thawing permafrost further threatens water quality. Despite these challenges, we can act by combining scientific and Indigenous knowledge to protect glaciers, improve land-use practices, and engage local communities to ensure their preservation.
In 1988, Tram Chim National Park in the Dong Thap province of Viet Nam was home to a stunning sunset view featuring over 1,000 sarus cranes, the world’s tallest flying bird and a symbol of Dong Thap's natural and cultural heritage. However, due to the loss of key plant species, these cranes have not been seen in nearly 40 years, with none returning by 2022. The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (), a flagship initiative supported by the German Government, is working with the Vietnamese Government to address this issue. They are implementing a strategy to restore wetland habitats and support local communities in Tram Chim, aiming to reduce ecosystem pressures and encourage the return of the cranes.
At 4,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains and vast meadows, the women of the Sumac Vicuñitas Artisans Association of Umpuco-Palca, are part of a long tradition that Andean communities have developed since pre-Inca times: the domestication and breeding of alpacas, a species of South American camelid mammal related to the llama. In this tradition, women have played a crucial role in preserving ancestral knowledge and promoting local economies through the production of alpaca wool fibres for yarns and weaving.Today, a sustainable value chain in the Peruvian department of Puno allows them to transform alpaca fibres into competitive products replete with added value, opening the way for Quechua women to have better opportunities from the sustainable use of agrobiodiversity.
The calls for rethinking global institutions to make them more people-centered, inclusive, and future-oriented in response to the convergence of political, ecological, social, and economic crises.
Forests are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and agriculture. They help maintain soil fertility, regulate water cycles, and support biodiversity, which are essential for productive farming. Sustainable practices like agroforestry and crop rotation can reduce deforestation and land degradation. However, the growing demand for food can lead to unsustainable farming practices that harm forests. This interdependence underscores the importance of balancing forest conservation, food production, and ecosystem health for long-term sustainability. Addressing these connections is key to combating climate change, ensuring food security, and protecting forests. Innovative projects can help maintain this balance. On the occasion of the International Day of Forests (21 March) here are three examples of how food products and forests intersect to promote sustainable land use and community benefits worldwide.
It’s been 30 years since the established a global roadmap for advancing the rights of women and girls. Despite some progress, economic inequalities remain deeply entrenched in societies, exacerbating issues like domestic violence. Insufficient social protections, such as paid parental leave and childcare, along with higher tax rates for female earners, negatively impact women’s lives. The UNDP's for Public Institutions is a voluntary program in over 100 institutions across 30 countries, aimed at enhancing policy reforms to better address the diverse needs of women.
It will take an estimated 137 years to end extreme poverty for women and 257 years to close the pay gap between women and men. But what if we choose not to wait? In 2025, the world can choose to invest in gender equality so all of society benefits. Instead of waiting centuries, let’s choose to do it now.