« Previous |
1 - 50 of 89
|
Next »
Number of results to display per page
Search Results
2. Better livelihoods through income diversification in Tanzania
- Author:
- Oliver Morrissey and Milla Nyyssölä
- Publication Date:
- 04-2021
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Diversifying income sources is an important livelihood strategy for households in low-income countries. Having several sources of income helps in increasing total income, and in spreading the risks. New findings on the benefits of income diversification from Tanzanian households can inform policy aiming to develop welfare at the grassroots level and beyond.
- Topic:
- Labor Issues, Diversification, and Livelihoods
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Tanzania
3. The economic gains of reducing the employment gender gap in Morocco
- Author:
- Olivier Bargain and Maria C. Lo Bue
- Publication Date:
- 06-2021
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, including Morocco, currently record the lowest rates of female labour force participation (FLFP) in the world. These rates — between 20-30% in 2019 — appear substantially low in comparison to Western countries, but also compared to low- and middle-income countries that average between 40% (Asia) and 55% (Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa).
- Topic:
- Economics, Gender Issues, Women, Employment, and Economic Growth
- Political Geography:
- North Africa and Morocco
4. Policy implications of empirically estimated fiscal multipliers for South Africa
- Author:
- Johannes Hermanus Kemp and Hylton Hollander
- Publication Date:
- 07-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Despite the frequent use of fiscal policy for stabilization purposes, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the impact of fiscal policy decisions on macroeconomic outcomes. This impact is quantified by calculating fiscal multipliers. A fiscal multiplier measures the impact of government’s tax and spending decisions on economic output.
- Topic:
- Macroeconomics, Fiscal Policy, and Financial Stability
- Political Geography:
- Africa and South Africa
5. Designing inclusive public finance policies in developing countries: Five key issues and solutions
- Author:
- Jukka Pirttilä and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 07-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Taxation, and public sector matters more generally, are high on the agenda for the international development community. This is clearly reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG17 stipulates the need for improving domestic resource mobilization directly, and most of the other SDGs cannot be achieved without adequate tax and spending policies.
- Topic:
- Developing World, Sustainable Development Goals, Tax Systems, Public Spending, and Inclusion
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
6. Mining for change How can natural resources support inclusive growth in Africa
- Author:
- John Page and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 11-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- For a growing number of countries in Africa the discovery of natural resources is a great opportunity, but one accompanied by considerable risks. There is an extensive literature linking natural resource dependence to poor economic performance. One cause is that resource-abundant economies tend to have economic and export structures that are highly concentrated on only few export products. Most of Africa’s resource-rich economies experienced increases in export concentration during the first decade of the twenty-first century.
- Topic:
- Industrial Policy, Natural Resources, Economic Growth, Mining, and Inclusion
- Political Geography:
- Africa
7. Migration governance in the Global South
- Author:
- Rachel M. Gisselquist and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 09-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Building knowledge about migration governance and policy in the Global South is a priority for research and policy. Migration is a defining feature of our time and one closely linked with processes of economic and political development. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 10.7 prioritizes the facilitation of ‘orderly, safe, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies’. What exactly constitutes ‘well-managed’ migration policies remains a point of some discussion.
- Topic:
- Development, Migration, Governance, and Sustainable Development Goals
- Political Geography:
- Global South
8. Resurgent Asia: Diversity in Development
- Author:
- Deepak Nayyar
- Publication Date:
- 09-2019
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- In 1820, Asia accounted for two-thirds of world population and over half of world income. The subsequent decline of Asia was attributable to its integration with a world economy shaped by colonialism and driven by imperialism. By 1970, Asia was the poorest continent in the world, marginal except for its large population. Its demographic and social indicators, among the worst anywhere, epitomized its underdevelopment. A deep pessimism about Asia’s economic prospects, voiced by Gunnar Myrdal in Asian Drama, was widespread at the time.
- Topic:
- Economics, History, Economic Growth, and Economic Transformation
- Political Geography:
- Asia
9. Is global inequality rising or falling?
- Author:
- Tony Addison, Jukka Pirttilä, and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 02-2019
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- When measured in relative terms, global inequality has been decreasing. However, in absolute terms it has been increasing. What does this mean for analysing and addressing inequality? While it remains vital to continue reducing the global incidence of poverty, inequality has risen both in international and national agendas. Inequalities — in incomes, assets, and human development — matter for citizens as ethical and political issues. Large inequalities matter for economic development as they and can slow economic growth, generate economic crises, and destabilize political systems.
- Topic:
- Development, Poverty, Inequality, and Economic Growth
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
10. Inequality in Brazil: Inclusive growth trend of this millennium is over
- Author:
- Marcelo Neri
- Publication Date:
- 05-2019
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- After three decades of persistently high inequality, Brazil has been experiencing a downward trend since 2001, accompanied by a rise in household incomes. These trends lasted until 2014 when a major reversal took place on both fronts.
- Topic:
- Education, Inequality, Finance, and Income Inequality
- Political Geography:
- Brazil and South America
11. The politics of social protection in Eastern and Southern Africa: Actors, institutions and dynamics
- Author:
- Sam Hickey, Tom Laver, Miguel Niño-Zarazúa, and Jeremy Seekings
- Publication Date:
- 12-2019
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Since the mid-1990s, there has been in Africa something of a ‘quiet revolution’ in poverty reduction strategies with the proliferation of social assistance programmes that entail cash transfers to the poor. The past two decades have also been characterized by a series of important political developments that have reshaped both state–society relations within sub-Saharan Africa and its relationship with transnational actors. What lies behind these changes?
- Topic:
- Development, International Organization, Poverty, and Social Services
- Political Geography:
- Africa, South Africa, and East Africa
12. Inequality in India on the rise
- Author:
- Hai-Anh Dang and Peter Lanjouw
- Publication Date:
- 12-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Following the introduction of economic reforms in the early 1990s, India today is achieving unprecedented per capita growth rates. Poverty reduction has also accelerated and is justly celebrated. There is great concern, however, that this growth is being accompanied by rising inequality.
- Topic:
- Economics, Reform, Inequality, and Economic Growth
- Political Geography:
- India and South America
13. Industries without smokestacks: Industrialization in Africa reconsidered
- Author:
- Richard Newfarmer and John Page
- Publication Date:
- 10-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Our research shows that structural change in Africa is relying on a new set of economic activities, called ‘industries without smokestacks’, created by recent technological changes and a changing global market place. Adopting a broad concept of industrialization is crucial to recognizing that manufacturing, while important, is not everything. However, a lot needs to be done internationally, regionally and at the country-level to push these unique drivers of structural change.
- Topic:
- Development, Economic Growth, Investment, Diversification, and Industry
- Political Geography:
- Africa
14. Toward gender equity and women’s empowerment
- Author:
- Jean-Philippe Platteau
- Publication Date:
- 10-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- There are three main channels of women’s empowerment: legal or policy reforms, outside economic opportunities, and collective action. Legal (or policy) reforms are generally based on statutory laws that enact rules to be followed or prohibit certain practices. External economic opportunities for women represent alternative activities and places of working and living. Collective action brings women together to advance their collective interests.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Women, Discrimination, Equality, and Empowerment
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, Africa, China, Europe, Turkey, India, Asia, and Senegal
15. Inequality dynamics in China: Income growth for the poor, but more for the rich
- Author:
- Shi Li and Terry Sicular
- Publication Date:
- 12-2018
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- In the late 1970s, China embarked on a major programme of economic transition and reform. Since then, China’s economy has been transformed from a socialist planned economy to a predominately market economy characterized by a combination of state, private, and mixed forms of ownership. Over the past forty years, household incomes have risen six-fold, poverty has declined dramatically, and in recent years a new class of ultra-rich has emerged. These developments have naturally led to questions about inequality trends in China.
- Topic:
- Economics, Poverty, Reform, Income Inequality, and Welfare
- Political Geography:
- China and Asia
16. Multidimensional poverty and wellbeing in Mozambique
- Author:
- Ricardo Santos and Vincenzo Salvucci
- Publication Date:
- 02-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon involving things other than consumption — such as access to and quality of health and education, housing, possession of durable goods, freedom, and many other factors. The consumption and multidimensional poverty approaches are complementary: it is possible for example that a family has consumption levels below the poverty line but lives in a good quality home, its members have a good level of education, and vice versa.
- Topic:
- Education, Health, Poverty, Survey, and Housing
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Mozambique
17. Development assistance for peacebuilding
- Author:
- Rachel M. Gisselquist
- Publication Date:
- 02-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Development assistance to fragile states and conflict-affected areas is a core component of peacebuilding. It includes support for the restoration of core government functions, delivery of basic services, the rule of law, and economic revitalization. Yet, while aid has been among the largest financial inflows to fragile states in recent years, its impact has been mixed. Better understanding of what works and why thus remains a core challenge for development researchers and practitioners.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Foreign Aid, Conflict, and Peace
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
18. Aid, environment and climate change
- Author:
- Channing Arndt and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 12-2017
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Development aid by itself cannot ‘save the planet’. Yet, development aid and institutions have the potential to remain important catalytic actors in achieving developmental and global environmental objectives. Developing countries must be crucial players in successful climate change mitigation as they are responsible for 88% of the growth in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1970. However, the current aid architecture — which was designed in the 1970s when environmental issues were a distant concern — is not well suited to support environmental challenges that extend beyond low-income countries.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Environment, and Foreign Aid
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
19. Aid for governance: How to support effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions for sustainable development?
- Author:
- Rachel M. Gisselquist and Danielle Resnick
- Publication Date:
- 11-2016
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Aiding government effectiveness in developing countries has been a priority issue for the international donor community since the 1990s. With the Paris Declaration in 1994, donors further committed to aiding government effectiveness in a manner consistent with local ownership and harmonization with national development objectives. These issues have received renewed attention in discussions surrounding the Sustainable Development Goals, which have highlighted the importance of effective governance and institutions.
- Topic:
- Development, Foreign Aid, Governance, and Inclusion
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
20. How do governments respond to food price volatility?
- Author:
- Per Pinstrup-Andersen
- Publication Date:
- 01-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Large food price fluctuations—caused primarily by extreme weather events, market disruptions, investor behaviour and government policy—began in the world market in 2007 and presented serious challenges for governments, private traders, farmers and consumers. A collaborative project between Cornell University, University of Copenhagen, and UNU-WIDER on the political economy of food price policy studied how selected governments responded to increasing food price volatility, and explains why they responded as they did. The degree to which world market price volatility was transmitted to national and local markets varied greatly among the 16 countries included in the project. This was due to trade policies, differences between import and export parity prices, and several other factors. The low degree to which international prices were reflected in domestic prices in some cases, and the large impact of national factors—such as local weather events, poorly functioning domestic markets, and limited dependence on foreign trade—meant that the behavioural response by governments to the international food crisis tended to be similar to the responses to earlier food price fluctuations caused by national factors. Path dependence was widespread.
- Topic:
- Government, Markets, Food, and Volatility
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
21. Four key areas to improve aid effectiveness
- Author:
- Tony Addison and Finn Tarp
- Publication Date:
- 08-2015
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The design and implementation of effective aid policy requires a deeper understanding of the impact of aid and the overall environment in which development aid operates. This policy brief addresses four areas which are key to understanding how aid works: the relationship between aid and economic growth, the effects of aid volatility, the benefits of co-operation, and the macroeconomic management of aid flows.
- Topic:
- Foreign Aid, Economic Growth, and Macroeconomics
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
22. Migrant and Refugee Integration in Global Cities: The Role of Cities and Businesses
- Author:
- Teressa Juzwiak, Elaine McGregor, and Melissa Siegel
- Publication Date:
- 05-2014
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- This policy brief considers how businesses and governments in global cities contribute to the integration of migrant and refugee populations, either through outreach, specialized programmes, the provision of services, or targeted funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and to what extent these contributions can be deepened or expanded. The research involved the study of eight cities around the world representing a diversity of immigration experiences: Auckland (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Chicago (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Lisbon (Portugal), Nairobi (Kenya), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), and São Paulo (Brazil).
- Topic:
- Non-Governmental Organization, Immigration, and Governance
- Political Geography:
- Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, Lisbon, Portugal, New Zealand, Chicago, and Kuala Lumpur
23. Women in the Informal Economy: Experiments in Governance from Emerging Countries
- Author:
- Shyama V. Ramani, Ajay Thutupalli, Sutapa Chattopadhyay, Veena Ravichandran, and Tamás Medovarszki
- Publication Date:
- 05-2014
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Women entrepreneurs in the informal economy need business engagements with other women (and men) that offer 'spaces' for dialogue to learn and build business capabilities. While formalization of entrepreneurial activity is favourable under some circumstances, it can be detrimental under others, necessitating a case-by-case evaluation. Many top-down actions for women's empowerment in the informal sector are only effective in gender-neutral economic development programmes. In this Policy Brief, we argue that although policy interventions may be favourable, they are neither necessary nor sufficient for change, as successful women role models are often the best agents for sweeping change.
- Topic:
- Development, Diplomacy, Gender Issues, and International Trade and Finance
24. Bytes beyond Borders: Strengthening Transboundary Information Sharing on Wildlife Crime through the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System (WEMS) Initiative
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade is a global crisis that not only threatens the conservation of protected species but also has deep implications for peace and security in nations across the world. As wildlife trafficking becomes more organized and illegal trade of wildlife continues to flourish on the ground and in cyberspace, there is an urgent need for a concerted international effort to gather and share wildlife crime information among law enforcement and policymakers, empowering them to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking. There are several good examples out of such efforts, primarily by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and INTERPOL, to combat wildlife poaching and transboundary illegal wildlife trade. At a policy level, the formation of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) can be considered as one of the major achievements in recent times, where CITES, INTERPOL, World Bank, UN Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and World Customs Organization have come together as one unit to address the issue. The good work done by civil society, including WWF, TRAFFIC, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and member organizations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Species Survival Network (SSN) including grass root NGOs, is noteworthy as well. Yet, combating wildlife crime remains a big challenge. The collective efforts of the conservation community and governments are still unable to check the behaviour of poaching syndicates and organized criminals. We remain far behind in finding an adequate response to the crisis.
- Topic:
- Crime, Globalization, International Law, International Organization, Natural Resources, and Law Enforcement
25. Achieving Development Success: Strategies and Lessons from the Developing World
- Author:
- Augustin K. Fosu
- Publication Date:
- 03-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- What can the less well-off developing countries learn from the “successes” of other developing countries? This Policy Brief highlights successful development strategies and lessons from in-depth case studies of select countries from the developing world. The coverage includes East Asia and the Pacific, the emerging Asian giants, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, along with respective regional syntheses. Although countries' experiences are not necessarily replicable, the recurrent themes across countries and regions provide the appropriate connectedness for a comprehensive global perspective on development strategies and lessons.
- Topic:
- Development, Emerging Markets, and Poverty
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Middle East, Israel, and Latin America
26. Death Penalty Policy in Countries in Transition
- Author:
- Madoka Futamura
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Countries under transition from war to peace or from an authoritarian to a democratic regime face fundamental political and social transformations and difficulties in emerging from a problematic past. The transition presents challenges but also opportunities for countries to reconsider their death penalty policies. It is in such a context that some countries abolish, retain or even actively resort to the death penalty to tackle transitional needs. Those who are working for abolition of the death penalty need to go beyond the human rights approach and take a more holistic approach to understand the fragile and complex local situation and needs in which the death penalty becomes a highly political issue.
- Topic:
- Political Violence, Democratization, Development, Human Rights, Political Economy, Prisons/Penal Systems, and Reform
27. Multi-actor Approaches to Total Sanitation in Africa
- Author:
- Kei Otsuki, Weena Gera, and David Mungai
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Since the 2000s, African cities have witnessed a series of interventions to improve water and sanitation. This policy brief outlines key lessons learned from the intervention experience, drawing on the UNU research project Multi-level Urban Governance for Total Sanitation (2011-2013) under the Education for Sustainable Development in Africa (ESDA) Project. It highlights the importance of multi-actor approaches for promoting: (1) an institutional framework to coordinate civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and the state agencies across levels; (2) policy recognition of water and sanitation as socially embedded infrastructure with gendered dimensions; and (3) the relevance of scientific research and university education to ongoing policy interventions.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Development, Health, and Infrastructure
- Political Geography:
- Africa
28. Democratic Trajectories in Africa: Unravelling the Impact of Foreign Aid
- Author:
- Danielle Resnick
- Publication Date:
- 10-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- When, why and how has foreign aid facilitated, or hindered, democracy in recipient countries? Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, this policy brief examines the impact of foreign aid on supporting transitions from one-party to multi-party regimes, preventing democratic breakdown and the erosion of civil liberties, enhancing vertical and horizontal accountability, and enabling competitive political party systems. Particular attention is given to the trade-offs and complementarities between different types of foreign aid, namely democracy assistance and economic development aid. Select policy recommendations are offered to improve aid effectiveness at bolstering democratic trajectories within the region.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Democratization, Development, Economics, Human Rights, Political Economy, and Foreign Aid
- Political Geography:
- Africa
29. Towards Zero Waste in Industrial Networks: Policy Recommendations from the ZeroWIN Project
- Author:
- Claudia Luepschen, Ruediger Kuehr, and Federico Magalini
- Publication Date:
- 10-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- ZeroWIN (Towards Zero Waste in Industrial Networks) is a five-year project (2009-2014) under the European Commission's Seventh Research Framework Programme. The ZeroWIN project has developed effective strategies for waste prevention through industrial networks. Ten industrial case studies in the automotive, construction, electronics and photovoltaic industries form the core of the project and exchange energy, water and materials in such a way that waste from one industry becomes raw material for another. This brief suggests what can be done to advance the implementation of industrial networks in practice, based on first outcomes of the ZeroWIN project. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme FP7 2007-2013 under grant agreement n° 226752
- Topic:
- Energy Policy, Health, Industrial Policy, and Infrastructure
- Political Geography:
- Europe
30. Changing climates, moving people: Framing migration, displacement and planned relocation
- Author:
- Koko Warner, Tamer Afifi, Walter Kälin, Scott Leckie, Beth Ferris, Susan F. Martin, and David Wrathall
- Publication Date:
- 06-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The needs of affected people vary across types of human mobility: migration, displacement and planned relocation. Climate policy should draw on state-of-the-art knowledge and experience to distinguish between migration, displacement and planned relocation to improve the resilience of affected countries and communities.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, and Migration
31. Indicators of Resilience in Socio-ecological Production Landscapes (SEPLs)
- Author:
- Nadia Bergamini, Robert Blasiak, Pablo Eyzaguirre, Kaoru Ichikawa, Dunja Mijatovic, Fumiko Nakao, and Suneetha M. Subramanian
- Publication Date:
- 04-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The following policy report constitutes an important supplement to a set of 20 indicators for resilience in socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPLs) that was developed over the course of joint collaboration between Bioversity International and the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS). The indicators were disseminated widely in pamphlet form for the first time in March 2012. Subsequently, a need was identified for sharing a more in-depth overview of the considerations that went into creating this list of indicators as well as the outcomes of initial field-testing.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Development, Environment, and Sociology
32. Business and the Barrel of a Gun: Understanding Entrepreneurship and Violent Conflict in Developing Countries
- Author:
- Philip Verwimp, Wim Naudé, and Tilman Brück
- Publication Date:
- 04-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Although the impacts of violent conflict on investment, production, incomes and inequality have been widely studied on an aggregate level, comparatively less is known about the more diverse impacts of such conflict at the micro (particularly firm) level. Understanding such impacts can improve policies to mitigate the human and financial costs of violent conflict in developing countries. This policy brief discusses lessons from recent studies to address this gap.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Political Violence, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and War
33. Water Security the Global Water Agenda
- Author:
- Sefano Burchi, Pasquale Steduto, Eelco van Beek, Patrick MacQuarrie, Anton Earle, Anders Jägerskog, and David Coates et al
- Publication Date:
- 03-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- This Brief offers a working definition of water security developed from contributions made by the broad range of organizations, agencies, programmes and institutions that form UN-Water. Through this Brief, UN-Water aims to capture the constantly evolving dimensions of water-related issues, offering a holistic outlook on challenges under the umbrella of water security. It highlights the main challenges to be addressed, the role water security plays in policy agendas, and possible options for addressing water security challenges.
- Topic:
- Security, Health, Natural Resources, and Water
- Political Geography:
- United Nations
34. What is the (New) Deal with Fragile States?
- Author:
- Wim Naudé
- Publication Date:
- 01-2012
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Some states lack the capability and/or the willingness to progressively promote the shared development of their citizens and are particularly vulnerable to external shocks and internal conflicts. They have been described as "fragile states". The poor governance and lack of state capabilities in around 45 fragile states pose a threat to global security and development. Effective international partnerships are necessary to pull them out of low-development–high-conflict traps. The "New Deal on Fragile States" announced on 30 November 2011 at the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan by the g7+ (see "The International Dialogue on Peace-building and State-building and the g7+" Box) is the most recent initiative to foster such partnerships.
- Topic:
- Security, Development, Political Economy, Terrorism, Foreign Aid, and Fragile/Failed State
35. Research Capacity Development for Environmental Management in Cambodia: Outlining a Multi-Sector Approach
- Author:
- Kei Otsuki and Shimako Takahashi
- Publication Date:
- 02-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Research capacity development at the higher education level in order to improve environmental planning and management has been considered invaluable in ensuring the sustainable development of developing countries. In least developed countries (LDCs), such as Cambodia, people are especially vulnerable to environmental changes and advanced knowledge is urgently needed to enhance their socio-ecological resilience; however, governments lack both the financial and human resources needed to ensure adequate academic infrastructure for knowledge generation and dissemination. Furthermore, the international aid community has rarely placed emphasis on investing in higher education in developing countries; instead, producing basically skilled labourers through primary and secondary education was considered more effective in bringing return on investment and enhancing economic development. Neither national nor international development agendas have so far resulted in a substantial commitment to research capacity development of academic institutions in LDCs.
- Topic:
- Development, Education, and Environment
- Political Geography:
- Cambodia and Southeast Asia
36. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries
- Author:
- Wim Naudé, Adam Szirmai, and Micheline Goedhuys
- Publication Date:
- 01-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Nobody can be left in any doubt as to the importance of innovation for prosperity upon reading that “people living in the first decade of the twentieth century did not know modern dental and medical equipment, penicillin, bypass operations, safe births, control of genetically transmitted diseases, personal computers, compact discs, television sets, automobiles, opportunities for fast and cheap worldwide travel, affordable universities, central heating, air conditioning . . . technological change has transformed the quality of our lives.”
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Globalization, and Markets
37. The Global Financial Crisis and Africa's "Immiserizing Wealth"
- Author:
- Luc Soete and Alexis Habiyaremye
- Publication Date:
- 01-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Before the current global recession, many resource-rich African countries were recording unprecedented levels of growth due to a raw material price boom. However, the collapse in raw material prices and the ensuing severe economic difficulties have again exposed the vulnerability of these countries' natural resource export-focussed economic structures. In this research brief, we describe how Africa's abundance of natural resources attracted disruptive and predatory foreign forces that have hindered innovation-based growth and economic diversification by delaying the accumulation of sufficient stocks of human capital. We suggest that for their long-term prosperity, resource-rich African countries shift their strategic emphasis from natural to human resources and technological capabilities needed to transform those natural resources into valuable goods and services to compete in the global market.
- Topic:
- Economics, Emerging Markets, Industrial Policy, Global Recession, Natural Resources, and Financial Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Africa, China, and India
38. Towards a Human Security Approach to Peacebuilding
- Author:
- Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh, Edward Newman, and Madoka Futamura
- Publication Date:
- 02-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- In recent decades, international peacebuilding and reconstruction after civil wars have managed to promote stability and contain conflict in many regions around the world, ending violence and enabling communities to rebuild their lives and societies. However, the peacebuilding record indicates that there are problems related to the effectiveness and legitimacy of peacebuilding, especially related to the promotion of liberal democracy, market reform and state institutions. This brief considers these limitations and argues that a new human security-based approach may offer insights for a more sustainable form of peacebuilding.
- Topic:
- Conflict Prevention, Security, Human Welfare, and Peacekeeping
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan
39. The Responsibility to Protect Minorities and the Problem of the Kin-State
- Author:
- Nicholas Turner and Nanako Otsuki
- Publication Date:
- 02-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Genocide and ethnic cleansing have all- too-clearly demonstrated the dangers of failing to protect minority groups. A “kin-state” with strong ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic links to a minority population abroad, may be well-placed to assist in its protection. But unilateral interference by kin-states can raise tensions with host-states, endangering international peace and security.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Ethnic Conflict, Human Rights, Nationalism, Treaties and Agreements, United Nations, and Minorities
40. Promoting Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: Policy Challenges
- Author:
- Wim Naudé
- Publication Date:
- 04-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- This policy brief provides some fresh perspectives on the relationship between entrepreneurship and development, and considers policy design issues. It reports on the UNU-WIDER two-year research project “Promoting Entrepreneurial Capacity”, which aimed to understand whether and how entrepreneurship matters for development, how it could derail development, how entrepreneurs function in high growth as well as in conflict environments, and how female entrepreneurship differs across countries at various stages of development.
- Topic:
- Development, Economics, Emerging Markets, and Third World
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, Iraq, and Burundi
41. Sexed Pistols: The Gendered Impacts of Prolific Small Arms
- Author:
- Albrecht Schnabel, Vanessa Farr, and Henri Myrttinen
- Publication Date:
- 01-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Every day, small arms and light weapons (salw) kill, maim, wound and threaten millions of adults and children. The victims are combatants and civilians in war zones or communities in degraded “peacetime” environments characterized by large-scale criminal or political violence, and can also be found in “societies at peace” where SALW may be used in cases of domestic violence or shooting sprees. Due to their widespread availability, mobility and ease of use, prolific SALW play a significant role in maintaining social dislocation, destabilization, insecurity and crime in the build-up to war, in wartime and in the aftermath of violent conflict. Small arms are misused within domestic settings as well as in public spaces, and they affect everyone in the community regardless of sex or age.
- Topic:
- Political Violence, Arms Control and Proliferation, and Gender Issues
- Political Geography:
- United Nations
42. The Internationalization of Chinese and Indian Firms: Trends, Motivations and Policy Implications
- Author:
- Sandeep Kapur and Suma Athreye
- Publication Date:
- 01-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The last two decades have seen a significant rise in the internationalization of firms from developing economies. In addition to their growing participation in international trade, a number of leading emerging economies are contributing to growing outflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. According to the 2008 World Investment Report, outward flows of FDI from developing countries rose from about US$6 billion between 1989 and 1991 to US$225 billion in 2007. As a percentage of total global outflows, the share of developing countries grew from 2.7% to nearly 13.0% during this period.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Economics, Globalization, International Political Economy, Markets, Foreign Direct Investment, and Financial Crisis
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, and India
43. The Global Economic Crisis after One Year: Is a New Paradigm for Recovery in Developing Countries Emerging?
- Author:
- Wim Naudé
- Publication Date:
- 08-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- T HE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AND RECESSION, WHICH spread across the globe following the US sub-prime mortgage crisis in September 2008, has become the dominant news topic of the past year. One year into the crisis it has become clear that the paradigm for international development has changed irrevocably. With leadership, moral authority and the capacity of the West diminishing, developing countries' recovery and future growth will critically depend on their own initiatives and solutions.
- Topic:
- Economics, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Financial Crisis
- Political Geography:
- United States
44. Policy Responses to the Global Economic Crisis in Africa
- Author:
- Wim Naudé and Augustin Kwasi Fosu
- Publication Date:
- 08-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS OF 2008 HAS INDUCED two negative external shocks in African countries. The first is a financial shock with the availability of credit declining and the cost of international credit increasing (a financial crisis); and the second is a shock relating to the demand for and price of exports, as most of Africa's important markets went into recession and commodity prices tumbled (an economic crisis).
- Topic:
- Globalization, Poverty, and Financial Crisis
- Political Geography:
- Africa
45. Partnerships for Women's Health: Striving for Best Practice within the UN Global Compact
- Author:
- Monika Kruesmann and Martina Timmermann
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Women represent the great majority of the world's poor. With this poverty comes a range of well-documented problems: low educational attainment; low income and earning potential; inferior social power, status and influence compared with men; and importantly, poor health outcomes for both women and their children. High rates of maternal mortality and morbidity remain apparently intractable problems in many countries, particularly developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that every minute, at least one woman dies from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth; and 20 more suffer injury, infection or disease.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Health, Treaties and Agreements, and United Nations
- Political Geography:
- United States
46. Toward a Global Science and Technology Policy Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Author:
- Paul A. David, Can Huang, Luc Soete, and Adriaan van Zon
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The current economic crisis has tended to sap the policy momentum that had developed during 2006 and 2007 behind public R programmes and institutional initiatives to expand the portfolio of affordable technological means of controlling global warming. This is unfortunate, since the international negotiations about concerted actions among the leading industrial countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have so far proceeded very slowly – too slowly, considering both the global nature of the problem and the size of the stakes involved. The initial “bargaining” stance taken by some important players, notably Japan and the United States, was in some respects disappointing in that it appears to fall far short of the EU member countries' endorsement in December 2008 of the package of EC directives designed to activate its “20-20-20” renewable energy strategy – a 20 per cent reduction of GHG emissions, and 20 per cent of energy consumption from renewable sources, by the year 2020. While there have been more promising developments recently, in the convergence towards that target in some of the legislation introduced in the US Congress, and the Obama administration's issuance of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory directives requiring the use of the latest emissions control technologies on new and retrofitted electricity power plants, the outcome of the Copenhagen conference in December 2009 remains uncomfortably uncertain.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, International Cooperation, and Science and Technology
- Political Geography:
- United States
47. Comparing the Effectiveness of Accountability Mechanisms in Eastern Europe and Latin America
- Author:
- Vesselin Popovski, Johanna Stratton, and Kalle Huebner
- Publication Date:
- 10-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- A society emerging from war or authoritarianism seeks to reckon with past human rights atrocities that, if not addressed, can threaten the state's legitimacy and democratic foundations. It is in the interests of sustainable peacebuilding and democratic consolidation to promote reconciliation and healing, and foster human rights and the rule of law. In order to achieve such a transformation over the long term, the organizational strategies, political styles and mechanisms used to consolidate democracy are of critical importance and deserve closer comparative analysis with the aim to provide valuable lessons for newly democratizing societies.
- Topic:
- Human Rights and Law
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe and Latin America
48. Fragile States
- Author:
- Mark McGillivray, Wim Naudé, and Amelia U. Santos-Paulino
- Publication Date:
- 03-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Many of the world's poorest countries can be described as “fragile states” wherein governments cannot or will not provide an environment for households to reduce, mitigate or cope with poverty and other risks to well-being. Many of these states are in conflict or just emerging from conflict. The UNU-WIDER project “Fragility and Development” explored state fragility and its relationship to household vulnerability, noting that there is a lack of research on the economic dimensions of conflict, aid and development in fragile states. This research brief provides a summary of the various contributions made by this project, including case studies on Iraq, Kosovo, Palestine and Somalia. It also addresses a number of pertinent questions. When are states fragile? What are the costs that fragile states impose on their people and the international community? Should the sovereignty of fragile states be reconsidered? And how can aid flows to fragile states be made more effective?
- Topic:
- Government, Politics, Post Colonialism, and Political Theory
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Palestine, Kosovo, and Somalia
49. Vulnerability in Developing Countries
- Author:
- Mark McGillivray, Wim Naudé, and Amelia U. Santos-Paulino
- Publication Date:
- 02-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- The first Millennium Development Goal aims to halve the number of people in the world living in extreme poverty. In this research brief, emanating from the UNU-WIDER project on “Fragility and Development”, the premise is that we should also be concerned about households which are vulnerable to poverty. This includes those who have little likelihood of escaping from poverty and those who are at risk of falling into poverty in the future. Household vulnerability to poverty is affected by, and affects, vulnerability in other dimensions and levels, such as the vulnerability of a country or region to natural hazards and macro-economic shocks. To address household vulnerability in developing countries requires an understanding of the concept and nature of vulnerability, its measurement and its application. Therefore, this research brief asks what is vulnerability? How can vulnerability be measured? How should households, governments and development agencies respond to vulnerability?
- Topic:
- Development, Political Economy, Post Colonialism, Poverty, and Third World
50. Post-Conflict Countries and Foreign Investment
- Author:
- Vesselin Popovski, Nicholas Turner, and Obijiofor Aginam
- Publication Date:
- 08-2008
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Economic development is essential for every country but it is especially crucial for those countries in the aftermath of protracted armed confl ict, needing peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction. Development aid alone cannot transform damaged economies, and it is here that foreign direct investment (FDI) can be a valuable tool to revitalize industries, rebuild infrastructures and eventually even eliminate the need for aid.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Development, International Cooperation, International Trade and Finance, Markets, Political Economy, and Third World