United Nations & Global Politics

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Are we on target to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals?

In 2015, 17 targets were esablished globally to help create a more sustainable future for everybody. With the goals set to be acheived by 2030, how is your country performing? Find information on implementation, the success stories, and countries and industries who still have much work to do.

Are we on target to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals?
Montage of the members of The Elders organisation. On a black background in the top left corner Nelson Mandela looks down on many images of the current members
Montage | CC BY-SA 3.0

The Elders Organisation – NGO for Peace and Human Rights

Brought together by Nelson Mandela in 2007, this organisation of global leaders work together to advocate for social justice, human rights, and peace. Their mission is to build a world where people live in peace, are conscious of our common humanity and our shared responsibilities for each other, the planet, and future generations. In their new strategy for 2023 – 2027 the focus will be on addressing humanity’s existential threats which put all of humanity at risk. These include global cooperation on the climate crisis, preparedness for future pandemics, nuclear weapon disarmament, and conflict resolution.

The Elders Organisation – NGO for Peace and Human Rights
Map of the EU showing the countries which are neutral.
Chipmunkdavis | CC BY-SA 4.0

Neutrality & Nonalignment in International Relations

Neutrality in international relations is a strategic stance that allows a state to abstain from participating in military conflicts or alliances. This position can be advantageous, offering a nation the ability to focus on internal development and maintain diplomatic flexibility. Historically, countries like Switzerland have epitomised neutrality, prioritising diplomacy and peace over militarisation. The power of neutrality is an underused tool in a world of conflict and military-first approaches.

Neutrality & Nonalignment in International Relations
Image by Jeyaratnam Caniceus from Pixabay

Who are the WHO, and why have the U.S. cut their ties?

The World Helath Organization is tasked with promoting health, and preventing, and ending global disease. No easy feat in 2020, when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. They have (rightly or wrongly,) been criticized for bias towards certain countries, and ignoring important reports about the virus's spread. Find out more here, and learn what it will mean when the U.S. halts its funding.

Who are the WHO, and why have the U.S. cut their ties?
The World Summit for Social Development, 1995. United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali addresses the Summit meeting.
Flickr | United Nations Photo

Second World Summit for Social Development - November 2025, Qatar

The primary goal of the WSSD2 is to advance global social development and bolster renewed momentum for the 2030 Agenda set out in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Set to take place 4 - 6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar, the WSSD2 provides an opportunity to reassess social challenges and recommit to inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. The first summit in 1995 resulted in the adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, which outlined several targets and initiatives. With mounting global tensions and spiralling humanitarian crises worldwide, this conference must go beyond other United Nations summits.

Second World Summit for Social Development - November 2025, Qatar
Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

The war on drugs explained

Originally started in the U.S, the now global campaign is fighting the production, distribution, and consumption of illegal drugs. Societies and families are torn apart, and gang culture terrorizes neighbourhoods. Find here organizations working on drug policy, the pro's and con's of decriminalisation and legalisation, as well as treatment and harm reduction programmes.

The war on drugs explained