Affordable and Clean Energy

Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the aspirations, goals, and targets of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 has been uneven, with significant differences among sub regions, countries, and rural and urban areas. The latest Africa Sustainable Development report calls for accelerated efforts to ensure that Africa achieves the global goals by the 2030 deadline. The 2023 report, titled “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063 at all levels”, was released on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. It was produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The report assessed Africa’s progress in implementing the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, amidst unfolding crises. It focused on five key SDGs, highlighting progress, the challenges and the numerous opportunities for improving Africa’s development prospects. The findings suggest steady progress on the key SDG targets, particularly on 4G mobile network coverage, access to safe drinking water, and electrification rates.

The Handbook on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) prepared by the Secretariat of the Committee for Development Policy. It responds to the need to make the methods and approaches used in the identification of LDCs, and the international support measures available to them, known to a wide range of stakeholders. The 4th edition builds upon the 2018 edition, and has been updated to reflect recent developments in the LDC category, including the progress of several countries towards graduation from the category amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition contains additional information on international support measures, in particular on “smooth transition” provisions for countries graduating from the LDC category.

The fifth edition of the Handbook on the Least Developed Country Category provides comprehensive information on the least developed country (LDC) category, including a description of procedures and methodologies used in the identification of these countries and the international support measures available to them. It builds upon and updates the previous edition, published in 2021. The Handbook aims at providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on the LDC category. The publication is intended for use by government officials, policymakers, researchers and others interested in the LDC category.

En los últimos tres decenios, los países menos adelantados (PMA) han seguido una estrategia de desarrollo encaminada a aprovechar las posibilidades creativas de las fuerzas del mercado mediante la reducción del papel del Estado en el proceso de desarrollo. En los primeros dos decenios, hubo pocos indicios de que esa estrategia estuviera funcionando. Sin embargo, con el cambio de milenio y el surgimiento de nuevos impulsores del crecimiento en Asia y de favorables tendencias evolutivas del comercio, empezó a acelerarse el crecimiento económico. Algunos observadores lo atribuyeron a las reformas de política orientadas al mercado emprendidas por cierto número de PMA, aunque otros tenían dudas acerca de esa modalidad de crecimiento. El aumento de los precios de los productos básicos, en ocasiones impulsado por la inversión especulativa, la condonación de la deuda, el incremento de las corrientes de ayuda, las remesas y la inversión extranjera directa (IED), parecían vulnerables a un cambio desfavorable de la coyuntura económica mundial. Además, preocupaba el hecho de que el crecimiento no se plasmase en una mejora considerable del bienestar humano. Cuando los precios de los productos básicos cayeron repentinamente a finales de 2008, lo que anunciaba una caída del ciclo económico mundial, muchos PMA experimentaron una brusca desaceleración de la actividad económica, con graves consecuencias sociales. De ello se infería claramente que los mercados no eran únicamente creativos, sino que también podían ser destructivos.

En el presente Informe se examinan políticas nacionales e internacionales para promover el aprendizaje tecnológico y la innovación en los países menos adelantados (PMA). Se amplía y profundiza el análisis del año 2006 centrándose en las políticas para promover el avance tecnológico con miras al crecimiento económico sostenido y acelerado y la reducción considerable de la pobreza. La idea central es que a menos que los PMA adopten políticas de convergencia tecnológica, seguirán tecnologicamente rezagados respecto de otros países y se verán abocados a una marginación cada vez más acusada en la economía mundial.

Le manuel sur la catégorie des pays les moins avancés (PMA) est préparé par le secrétariat du Comité des politiques de développement. Il répond au besoin de faire connaitre les méthodes et les approches utilisées dans l’identification des PMA, ainsi que les mesures de soutien international dont ils disposent, à un vaste ensemble de différentes parties intéressées. Cette 4ème édition s’appuie sur l’édition de 2018 et a été mise à jour afin de refléter de récents développements concernant les PMA, notamment les progrès de sortie de la catégorie effectués par plusieurs pays lors de la pandémie de COVID-19. Cette édition contient des informations supplémentaires concernant des mesures internationales de soutien, en particulier sur les dispositions de la « transition en douceur » pour les pays sortants de la catégorie PMA.

Malgré la stagnation de l’économie mondiale ces dernières années, les pays les moins avancés (PMA) ont, dans l’ensemble, enregistré une légère croissance. Le revenu par habitant a progressé régulièrement dans ces pays considérés en tant que groupe, laissant espérer que certains d’entre eux pourraient être reclassés dans le courant de la décennie. Des signes inquiétants donnent toutefois à penser que cette croissance n’a pas été équitable et qu’elle n’a guère contribué à la réduction de la pauvreté. Cela tient principalement au fait que la croissance n’a pas créé suffisamment d’emplois de qualité − c’est-à-dire d’emplois offrant de meilleures rémunérations et de meilleures conditions de travail − en particulier pour les jeunes. Or, il est essentiel de créer des emplois, en raison de la contribution fondamentale du travail au développement économique et à la vie des individus. Non seulement le travail influe sur le revenu, la demande globale et les décisions d’investissement, mais il est aussi le moyen le plus sûr et le plus digne de sortir de la pauvreté.

Dans le Rapport 2014 sur les pays les moins avancés, la CNUCED étudie les liens entre transformation structurelle, croissance économique et développement humain. Elle soutient que les PMA ne peuvent − ni ne devraient − se concentrer exclusivement sur la croissance globale; ils doivent aussi prêter attention au modèle de croissance à appliquer et à ses principaux moteurs. Elle examine également les moyens que ces pays pourraient mettre en œuvre pour transformer leur économie afin de promouvoir la croissance économique et réaliser les OMD et les objectifs de développement durable (ODD) qui doivent leur succéder, ainsi que les mesures que la communauté internationale pourrait prendre pour aider les PMA dans leur transformation structurelle et la réalisation des ODD.

Une reprise économique mondiale hésitante et l’aggravation de la crise de la zone euro continuent de peser sur les facteurs qui ont permis aux pays les moins avancés (PMA) en tant que groupe d’enregistrer des taux de croissance élevés entre 2002 et 2008. En dépit d’une légère amélioration de la croissance du PIB réel en 2010, les PMA dans leur ensemble ont enregistré des chiffres moins favorables en 2011, signe de problèmes futurs. De fait, tous les regards étant tournés vers l’Europe, le risque existe que la communauté internationale oublie que, ces dernières années, les PMA ont été très durement touchés par des crises financières provoquées par d’autres pays. En raison d’une économie peu diversifiée, ils n’ont ni les réserves, ni les ressources nécessaires pour amortir les chocs et s’y adapter facilement. En outre, si un nouveau ralentissement de l’économie mondiale doit venir assombrir les perspectives de croissance des pays émergents, les PMA, en tant que principaux exportateurs de produits de base, en subiront directement les conséquences. Ces pays ont besoin d’une assistance extérieure accrue pour mieux protéger leur économie contre les chocs extérieurs et gérer l’instabilité.

This report documents the importance of the rural sector and agriculture in least developed countries (LDCs), through their contribution to employment generation and economic activity, as well as the fact that the bulk of LDC poverty is concentrated in rural areas. The discussion is placed in the perspective of the post-2015 development agenda, in which rural economic transformation will be a sine qua non for sustainable rural poverty eradication. It presents evidence on agricultural productivity dynamics in LDCs, discussing the importance of agricultural productivity for human development in rural areas, and analysing the key elements driving agricultural productivity growth in these countries. It examines the synergies and complementarities between agricultural productivity growth and rural economic diversification. It concludes by discussing the policies which need to be put in place to accelerate agricultural productivity and diversify rural economies, thereby providing the essential contribution to reaching LDCs’ development goals.

The Economic Development in Africa Report 2024 examines optimal strategies for countries in Africa and the private sector to mitigate trade risks associated with the uncertainties created by this global polycrisis. The report focuses on the optimization of regional market benefits to strengthen market resilience to specific shocks and vulnerabilities and explores the diverse trade risks in Africa stemming from a host of economic, political, environmental, energy, technological and logistical challenges. The report underscores the importance of robust risk management, regional cooperation and strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. It also highlights best practices across the continent, showing how countries and businesses have effectively addressed these challenges to unlock new opportunities. By providing a detailed analysis of the trade environment, potential risks and de-risking strategies, this report aims to equip stakeholders with the insights needed for informed decision-making. Ultimately, it seeks to foster sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity in Africa by leveraging the continent’s unique strengths to maximize regional market benefits.

The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update is issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It provides a synthesis of the global annual to decadal predictions produced by the WMO-designated Global Producing Centres and other contributing centres for 2024-2028. According to the latest report, there is an 80 percent likelihood that the annual average global temperature will temporarily exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one of the next five years. The global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2024 and 2028 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.9°C higher than the 1850-1900 baseline. It says that it is likely (86%) that at least one of these years will set a new temperature record, beating 2023 which is currently the warmest year.

The "Country Profiles on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management" is an important tool to analyse a country's policies and strategies on urban development, housing and land management, as well as its institutional and legal frameworks and progress made internationally. The Country Profile of Albania focuses on several key areas such as housing policy, the housing sector in general, land administration and governance, urban and regional development and planning, and financing affordable housing. The Country Profile provides recommendations in these areas for the government's consideration.

L’année 2023 marque un tournant décisif, à savoir la mise en œuvre à mi-parcours du Programme de développement durable à l’horizon 2030 et la conclusion du premier plan décennal de mise en œuvre (2014-2023) de l’Agenda 2063. La réalisation de ces deux programmes primordiaux est entravée par des crises et des conflits mondiaux. Au vu des défis considérables auxquels le continent est confronté, le présent rapport souligne la nécessité d’adopter et de mettre en œuvre rapidement des programmes de relance des objectifs de développement durable, d’inciter les États africains à évaluer leurs stratégies nationales d’atteinte des objectifs et à y apporter les modifications nécessaires, de renouveler leur engagement à soutenir les plus vulnérables et de créer des économies et des sociétés qui profitent à tous. Le rapport de cette année présente également une série de recommandations pratiques et opportunes visant à accélérer les progrès des pays vers la réalisation des objectifs clés et des aspirations, buts et objectifs connexes de l’Agenda 2063.

Sustainable Trasport is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through enhancing accessibility to essential services and facilities and reducing inequalities, supporting industry, innovation and connectivity, including associated supply chain networks and cross-border freight transport, which will also lead to higher levels of efficiency in the system, especially with the deployment of information and communication technology and real-time data sharing across a supply chain in the long term. By reducing greenhouse gas emission and air pollution through low carbon technologies, mode shifts, alternative fuels, and route optimization, sustainable passenger and freight transport can mitigate climate change impact, while improving public health at the same time. additionally, improved public transport systems serve as a core function of sustainable cities, while minimizing resource use and remains uneven across countries. the "Review of Developments in Transport in Asia and the Pacific 2024: Transition Towards Sustainable Transport Solutions" examine progress made in seven transport areas, regional land transport connectivity; maritime connectivity; transport digitalization; low carbon mobility; urban transport; road safety and inclusive transport. it highlights sustainable transport solutions and provides policy insights to support SDG achievement in Asia and the Pacific, helping policymakers, transport planners and researchers understand current sustainability levels, gaps, trends, and required actions for sustainable transport development in the region.

The 2022 Energy Balances contains energy balances for over 220 countries and territories, showing production, trade, transformation and consumption (by sector) in energy units for all energy products.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 will present a regional and global economic outlook for 2025 and underscore the importance of global cooperation and prudent policies to lift global growth and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. This year’s thematic chapter takes a deep dive into the role of critical minerals in ramping up energy transition and delivering sustainable development. These minerals are key to build renewable technologies to achieve net zero by 2050, while bringing tremendous opportunities for many developing countries to create jobs, generate revenues and spur industrialization.

The review of NDCs conducted in this study shows surprising results. It reveals that major aquatic food exporters, i.e., India, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Norway show no commitments on ocean or fisheries-related matters. In contrast, Canada, Chile and the Russian Federation have committed to protecting ocean space and include climate mitigation and adaptation measures within marine protected areas. And, despite being a part of the most polluting region in the world, China and Viet Nam stand out for committing to implement measures for energy saving, energy efficiency and emission reduction in fisheries as a means of mitigating GHG emissions. The review of regulations and agreements found little evidence of such measures being used in the fisheries sector.

In the ten years since the Paris Agreement was adopted, renewable energy technologies have undergone a remarkable transformation. With spectacular cost declines and manufacturing capacity growth, the global deployment of solar, wind, and electric vehicles (EVs) has exceeded even the most optimistic projections and continues to advance exponentially. The world is poised for a breakthrough in the rapid and widespread transition from energy systems dominated by fossil fuels to those dominated by homegrown, low-cost renewables. However, seizing this moment of opportunity is not a given as significant political and economic barriers and obstacles remain. This special report provides a high-level synthesis of the state of play of — and the economic imperative and opportunity for — accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy, with a particular focus on the roles of renewables, electrification, and energy efficiency.

The 2025 Regional Trends Report on Energy for Sustainable Development: Transforming Energy Systems for a Low Carbon Future in Asia and the Pacific offers an extensive analysis of the region’s progress and challenges in moving towards a low carbon energy future. It examines, in detail, the region’s progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) and in advancing the just energy transition. Despite significant progress in electricity access across nearly all countries in the region and with many national examples of accelerated renewable energy deployment, challenges exist, particularly in achieving universal access to clean cooking and improving energy efficiency. A just, equitable and inclusive transition necessitates accelerated action by governments, substantial investments and enhanced regional collaboration. To support the realization of a low-carbon future, the recommendations of this report are aligned with the outcomes of COP28, where countries committed to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region plays a critical role in achieving these global targets, as it is home to over 4.3 billion people and consumes more than half of the world’s energy.

La publication propose une méthode de classification de l’hydrogène nécessaire pour relancer la production et le commerce international de l’hydrogène. Il présente également plusieurs idées de projets dans certains États membres de la CEE qui permettraient d'accélérer le déploiement de l'hydrogène.