National Dec 15, 2020
Norway retained the top spot it secured in the previous year, while Ireland and Switzerland ranked second.
World / Science & Health Dec 9, 2020
Many countries to miss Paris climate plan deadline due to COVID-19 delays, U.N. says
The U.N. Development Programme supports 115 of the 197 countries that signed the 2015 Paris deal through its "Climate Promise" program which includes many of the world's poorest nations.
National / Politics Aug 28, 2019
United Nations Development Program chief urges faster implementation of global development goals
Many countries will struggle to meet the majority of Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations Development Program at its current rate of implementation, its administrator, Achim Steiner, said Tuesday. Speaking in an interview with Kyodo News, Steiner said that in order to meet ...
National Mar 5, 2019
'Human security' in focus at U.N. symposium cosponsored by Japan
by Seana K. Magee
A recent high-level symposium at the United Nations hosted by Japan and other member states emphasized "human security," tracing the framework's evolution through decades of U.N. efforts to cope with humanitarian and environmental crises around the world. The event, which took place on Feb. 28 ...
National Nov 28, 2018
Japan gets mixed assessment from U.N. over efforts to curb greenhouse gases
by Eric Johnston
The United Nations warned Tuesday that current national commitments to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to meet a 2030 reduction goal, and that unprecedented and urgent action is required by all nations — especially from members of the Group of 20 — ...
National / Politics Aug 23, 2018
Asako Okai, who most recently served as Japan's consul general in Vancouver, British Columbia, officially began her new role as the United Nations Development Program's assistant administrator and director of the Crisis Bureau, it was announced Wednesday. "I am honored and excited for this opportunity ...
Asia Pacific Aug 16, 2017
Bali schoolchildren hold tsunami drill with help from U.N., Japan
Students scrambled to safety as sirens blared during a tsunami drill on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on Tuesday, part of a campaign to prepare for disasters in the quake-prone country. Students at the Tanjung Benoa 2 elementary school took cover under their desks ...
World Nov 2, 2016
Amid global warming, Nepal drains dangerous, fast-growing glacial lake near Everest
The Nepalese Army said Tuesday it has drained a dangerous glacial lake in the Mount Everest region, successfully completing a pilot project aimed at averting glacial lake outburst floods in the country. Lt. Col. Bharat Lal Shrestha said it took a team of 40 soldiers ...
National Mar 16, 2015
UNDP chief calls for pre-emptive spending to reduce disaster risks
by Kayo Mimizuka
The international community needs to invest more in pre-emptive measures to reduce risks from natural disasters, rather than spending a lot after they happen, according to the head of the U.N. Development Program. "You could say it's a no-brainer that needs more priority," said Administrator ...
National Jul 24, 2014
Efforts to raise Japan's dismal female presence in the workforce should generate significant economic gains, the head of the U.N. Development Program says.
Environment | OUR PLANET EARTH Mar 24, 2013
Be inspired: One person can help foster sustainable lives for millions
by Stephen Hesse
Last month, this column introduced Bangkok-based Midori Paxton, who is currently a regional technical adviser for biodiversity and ecosystems with the United Nations Development Programme — and who, I'm delighted to say, was a model student of mine here in Japan more than 20 ...