Inequality has risen to historical levels, according to the 2020 World Social Report. High inequality can impact economic prosperity and social development for millions of people if effective policies are not put in place. The report, “Inequality in a rapidly changing world,” to be launched at noon EST on 21 January, states that major global trends, including technological change, the climate crisis, urbanization and international migration, can be harnessed to reduce inequality, or can be left to further divide us. The briefing will be webcast live.

The world economy has barely had the time to recover from a string of shocks that began with the 2007 financial crisis, and we can already see another global slowdown looming large.

Human Solidarity is one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those, who either suffer or benefit least, deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening international solidarity is indispensable. Therefore, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day to promote this concept as a crucial element in the fight against poverty. 

In Belarus, Aliaksandr (Sasha) Audzevich serves as a UN Volunteer Inclusion and Disabilities Officer with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He is part of the UNDP-UNV Talent Programme for Young Persons with Disabilities, which enables youth with disabilities to acquire experience and contribute to the United Nations as UN Volunteers. Sasha shares his story on the occasion of International Volunteer Day 2019.

The Human Development Report 2019 will be launched in Bogota, Colombia on 9 December. Titled ‘Beyond Income, Beyond Averages, Beyond Today: Inequalities in Human Development in the 21st Century,’ the report shows that a new generation of severe inequalities in human development is emerging, even as the gap is narrowing on many of the unresolved inequalities of the 20th century. These emerging dynamics — under the shadow of the climate crisis and technological change — demand new approaches in policies at national and global levels.

New analysis puts the global volunteer workforce at 109 million full-time equivalent workers. Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International Volunteer Day, celebrated on 5 December every year, is a unique chance for volunteers to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work. This year the international day highlights volunteers contributing to inclusion, and SDG 10, reducing inequality within and among countries.

Between 2017 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 46% (from 962 million to 1.4 billion) globally outnumbering youth, as well as children under the age of 10. Population ageing is poised to become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century. Aiming to enshrine the rights of older persons and to mobilize advocates to protect those rights, the UN designated 1 October as "International Day of Older Persons." Aligned with SDG 10, this year's theme: "The Journey to Age Equality," focuses on pathways of coping with existing (and preventing future) old age inequalities.

Despite their immense value, languages continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Join us in in celebrating 2019 as year of the Indigenous Languages.

The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, aiming to "leave no one behind." Charity provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive, more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. The International Day of Charity was established with the goal of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.