Commentary / Japan Feb 18, 2022
Investments in health systems will protect human security now, and into the future
COVID-19 has exposed the deep inequities and weaknesses in the global health system.
Achim Steiner
For Achim Steiner's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Commentary / World Apr 14, 2021
Myanmar’s young demand their future
In 1950, Myanmar’s per capita income was higher than that of Malaysia or Thailand. Military rule turned it from one of the most promising economies in Asia into one of its worst performers.
Commentary / World Dec 4, 2020
COVID-19: Nobody is safe until everyone is safe
A recent study projected that unequal global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines could cost the world economy up to $1.2 trillion.
Commentary / Japan Sep 4, 2019
How to stop deadly outbreaks of diseases like Ebola — before they occur
In today's interconnected world, disease outbreaks do not respect national borders.
Business / Economy | TICAD 7 Special Aug 27, 2019
Stimulating sustainable development in Africa
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain ...
Commentary / World Mar 5, 2018
Making the business case to achieve comprehensive gender equality
Gender parity is both an economic and a moral imperative.
Commentary / World Mar 29, 2016
Now is the time to fast-track climate action
With governments preparing to sign the Paris agreement on April 22, there has never been a better opportunity to press ahead toward a brighter, cleaner, more prosperous future.
Commentary / World Aug 8, 2008
Green efforts before Games deserve praise
BEIJING — Images of the Beijing skyline seemingly bathed in a soup of smog and haze have been a common sight on the world's TV screens in recent days and weeks. Foreign journalists with hand-held air pollution detectors have been popping up on street ...
Commentary / World May 29, 2008
Use nature's bounty to ensure our survival
BONN — Farmers across Africa are engaged in an unequal struggle against a pestilent fruit fly whose natural home is in Asia. The fly, first detected in 2004 in Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, has since swept across the continent, decimating mangoes and other ...