Author: ZENG Lu, SUN Weiqing

 

 

1. SDG Mid-Term Evaluation Paints Bleak Picture

(UN/Graphic: Assessment of progress towards 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 2023 or latest data (percent))

Since the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in 2015, countries around the world have made significant progress. As of 2021, 133 countries have achieved the goal of reducing the under-five mortality rate to at least 25 deaths per 1,000 live births, and it is projected that 13 more countries will achieve this goal by 2030. However, COVID-19, climate change, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and consequential global economic downturn have resulted in slow progress of the sustainable development agenda.

Nearly half of the SDG goals have deviated from their intended path.This year marks the mid-term evaluation of the SDGs. According to United Nations data, as of 2023, almost half of the 169 sub-goals of the SDGs are moderately or severely off track, with 37% of the goals showing no progress or even falling below the 2015 baseline. The 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report: Special Edition highlights that the impact of COVID-19 has stalled global progress in reducing extreme poverty over the past three decades. If the current trend continues, it is estimated that by 2030, there will still be as many as 575 million people living in extreme poverty worldwide. The global temperature has already risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and it may reach or exceed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2035.

Urgent action is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations believes that with only seven years left until 2030, countries should recommit to accelerating transformative actions, promoting specific, comprehensive, and targeted policies, strengthening accountability at all levels and the capacity of public institutions, to eradicate poverty, empower the most vulnerable groups, and accelerate the achievement of SDGs. The international community should also reaffirm its commitment to the implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, mobilizing the necessary resources and investments for developing countries to achieve SDGs.

 

 

2.COP28 Ends with Call to ‘Transition away’ from Fossil Fuels.

(UN Climate Change/Photo)

On December 13, the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change concluded in Dubai.The conference achieved a historic agreement, acknowledging for the first time that fossil fuels are the cause of climate change and calling on countries to "transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while adhering to scientific principles."

COP28 is an important milestone in the history of the Climate Conference.The "UAE Consensus" included commitments to reduce fossil fuels, making it the clearest signal to date that the world is moving beyond the fossil fuel era. With a foundation based on substantial emissions reductions and increased financing, it lays the groundwork for a rapid, fair, and equitable transition.

However, some climate scientists and activists believe that the COP28 agreement failed to provide specific emission reduction targets or timelines. They argue that it exaggerated the practical impact of carbon capture, supported natural gas as a "transition fuel," and only called for a transition away from fossil fuels in the energy system rather than the entire economy. They consider the agreement to betoo conservative and insufficient to keep global warming below1.5 degrees Celsius.

The conference alsoreached an agreement on the operation and funding arrangements for the Loss and Damage Fund.(Loss and Damage Fund)of.and funding arrangements are agreed upon.This fund is intended to provide financial support for rescuing and recovering poverty-stricken and vulnerable countries affected by climate disasters, and to assist developing countries in transitioning to a low-carbon economy and adapting to the impacts of the climate crisis. The total commitment to this fund by all parties exceeds $700 million.

The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November 2024.

 

 

3. Gaza on the Brink of a Humanitarian Catastrophe

(CSS Point/Picture)

On October 7th, Hamas militants in Palestine launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis, with more than 3,300 injured and over 200 taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated a comprehensive siege and launched large-scale bombings on Gaza, sparing no hospitals, schools, refugee camps, or religious sites. Gaza is facing shortages of essential supplies such as food and fuel, communication disruptions, and a paralyzed healthcare system, placing its people at serious security risks.

Gaza on the Brink of a Humanitarian Catastrophe.According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, as of December 13th, 18,608 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip, with 70% being women and children. It has been reported that over 50,000 people have been injured. Data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shows that nearly 1.9 million people in the Gaza Strip (over 85% of total population) have been forcibly displaced. Around 1.4 million Palestinians have sought refuge in 155 UNRWA facilities in the Gaza Strip. Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) shows that 271 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 69 children, have been killed by Israeli security forces. Additionally, 10 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers or security forces. Over 100 UN personnel and 56 journalists have lost their lives in Gaza.

The international community has provided emergency assistance but faces significant challenges.The Rafah Crossing in Egypt has become the sole passage for international aid to enter Gaza. Border inspections and attacks have resulted in insufficient humanitarian aid supplies and hindered distribution.

The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire.On December 12th, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution with 153 votes in favor, 10 votes against, and 23 abstentions, urging Gaza to achieve an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

 

 

4. Global Negotiations Underway for a Pandemic Treaty

(Pixabay/Image)

Countries are currently negotiating global rules for dealing with pandemics.This international agreement, known as the "Pandemic Treaty," was initially proposed by the European Union. The COVID-19 pandemic, which started at the end of 2019, has caused nearly 7 million deaths worldwide, severely impacted economies, and highlighted significant inequalities among countries in accessing vaccines and healthcare services.

This purpose of thie agreement is tostrengthenglobal challenges.defenses and response capabilitiessickpandemics.and cope withability.African countries advocate for using the negotiations to ensure better access to vaccines for developing countries. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that countries need to reach a binding overall agreement that helps "ensure the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emergencies and pandemics and enables people to have equitable access to products related to pandemics, such as treatments and vaccines."

The main controversy surrounding negotiations is that some people are worrked that signature of the document will lead to countries handing over sovereignty to the WHO during the pandemic,, giving the organization excessive control. Both the WHO and the United States Department of Health and Human Services have refuted this claim as misinformation. Additionally, there are disagreements between high-income countries and middle- to low-income countries regarding how the treaty can achieve fairness.

In May 2023, the intergovernmental negotiating body for the treaty submitted a progress report to the World Health Assembly. In October 2023, the WHO released the draft negotiating text for the "Pandemic Treaty."Amendments to the text of the treaty are expected to be submitted for review at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.

 

 

5. Revamping Multilateral Development Banks: A Challenging yet Vital Endeavor

(AFP/Image)

Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have become crucial lines of defense in supporting developing countries in crisis resilience and reconstruction,thanks to their strong financial resources, expertise, and global influence.In recent years, crises such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts have severely hindered the long-term poverty reduction and development progress of countries. MDBs have also faced challenges such as insufficient support for some developing countries, governance structures that fail to reflect significant changes in global economic landscape, cumbersome decision-making and operational procedures, and excessive risk aversion. They urgently need to play a greater role in addressing global challenges.

Major shareholders and borrowing countries are actively pushing for MDB reform.They believe that the nation-driven model of MDBs does not align with global challenges, that there is excessive conservatism in balance sheet management and efforts should be made to safely release more capital, and that attention should be given to mobilizing private funds for development and strengthening cooperation among MDBs. The G20 Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF) report for MDBs recommends reform measures to unlock more capital, the G20 Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) calls for triple reforms, and the "Bridgetown Agenda" proposed during COP27 calls for reform to support middle- and low-income countries better respond to climate change.

MDBs have taken proactive reform measures, but progress has been limited.The World Bank (WBG) has reduced the loan-to-capital ratio, plans to eliminate the statutory lending limit, agreed to suspend debt for fragile countries affacted by disasters, and intends to introduce blended finance. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has proposed using Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) reallocation to fund blended finance. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the Asia-Pacific Innovative Financing Facility and announced an expansion of its balance sheet to unlock new funds. However, despite these efforts, reform progress has been limited, and the reform of MDBs still faces a long and challenging road ahead.

 

 

6. Developing Countries Continue to Face Debt Stress

(Pixabay/Image)

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the Russia-Ukraine war, and inflation have significantly exacerbated the debt burden on developing countries. Some developing countries are spending more on debt repayment than on providing healthcare or education to their citizens.

More than half of the world's poorest countries are either trapped in or on the verge of a debt crisis.According to United Nations data, as of November 2022, out of 69 of the poorest countries, 37 are at high risk or already in a debt crisis. Additionally, one out of every four middle-income countries faces a high risk of a financial crisis. The countries with the heaviest debt burden account for 42% of the global population and 90% of the extremely poor.

The landscape of creditor nations has become more diverse.Apart from China, the role of bilateral creditors has diminished, leading to decreased relevance of the Paris Club, which represents Western creditor countries. Non-Paris Club bilateral creditors like China and Saudi Arabia are playing a larger role. The involvement of all parties in sovereign debt restructuring is made more challenging because they must reach a consensus on comparable treatment.

The United Nations has proposed actions to alleviate debt pressure.Firstly, addressing the issue of high debt costs and increasing debt distress risks by converting short-term high-interest borrowing into long-term low-interest debt with maturities of thirty years or more. Secondly, scaling up affordable long-term development financing, particularly through multilateral development banks. Additionally, adjusting the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to ensure consistency with sustainable development goals. Lastly, increasing the provision of emergency funding to all countries in need.

 

 

7. Global Food Crisis Intensifies

(FSIN and Global Network Against Food Crises/Image)

The Global Report on Food Crises 2023 highlights that in 2022, 258 million people in 58 countries and regions were in a state of severe crisis or worse food insecurity, further worsening the global food crisis compared to 2021. Over 40% of these cases were concentrated in five countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Yemen. In 2022, seven countries experienced famine or disaster-level severe hunger, with nearly 57% of the population suffering from hunger and poverty residing in Somalia.

Economicshocks, conflicts and extreme climatecontribute to the food crisis..The COVID-19 pandemic has severely weakened the economic resilience of impoverished countries. As the global economy enters a phase of recovery after the pandemic, many low- and middle-income countries face macroeconomic challenges such as increased debt burden, rising inflation, higher commodity prices, slower growth, and tighter financing conditions. Geopolitical conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war have further driven up global food prices, exacerbating the challenges faced by developing countries. In March 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index reached a record high of 159.7 points since its establishment in 1990. Additionally, extreme weather events and climate conditions are among the factors contributing to severe food insecurity. Prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa, flooding in Pakistan, and tropical storms, cyclones, and droughts in southern Africa have left 56.8 million people in 12 countries in a state of crisis-level severe food insecurity.

Addressing the food crisis requires a shift in approach.The World Food Programme (WFP) suggests that tackling the food crisis requires addressing the root causes that lead to crises rather than responding only when crises occur. International organizations, governments, the private sector, regional organizations, civil society, and communities need to adopt innovative approaches and enhance coordination and cooperation. Only through collective action and transformative commitments can everyone's basic human needs, including food and nutrition, be ensured.

 

 

8. China Enhances the Quality of Foreign Aid

(Global Times/Photo)

Since President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative in 2021, the project and funding portfolios of the initiative have been put into operation, and over 200 "small but beautiful" projects have been completed, leading to a continuous improvement in China's foreign aid.

Further implementation of the Global Development Initiative.In July 2023, the inaugural high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative was held, releasing the "Beijing Declaration," which called for placing the development agenda at the center of international cooperation. In December, the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) issued the "Guidelines for the Global Development Project Portfolio (Trial)" and the "Guidelines for the Global Development Fund Portfolio (Trial)," promoting the participation of all parties in project portfolio construction, pooling international development cooperation funds, and facilitating multi-party cooperation.

Upgrade and breakthrough in international development cooperation.China's foreign aid is gradually transitioning from traditional government resource-based assistance to a bilateral and multilateral approaches, involving multiple stakeholders and resource inputs in international development cooperation. The foreign aid budget has been increasing year by year, and within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, China has mobilized a special fund of $12 billion from domestic and international financial institutions for the first time, achieving a significant breakthrough in the financing of international development cooperation.

Strengthening the evaluation system for foreign aid.In October, CIDCA released "China's Practice in International Development Cooperation: Evaluation System for Foreign Aid Projects," which introduces the concepts, principles, indicators, methods, and management framework of China's foreign aid evaluation. Drawing on international evaluation experience, a "core framework with two wings and three levels" of evaluation indicators has been developed. CIDCA stated that in the future, China will continue to optimize the evaluation framework system, enrich evaluation methods, strengthen the utilization of evaluation results, enhance the training of evaluation personnel, promote exchanges and mutual learning, and jointly promote the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

 

 

References

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