Even before COVID-19 hit, financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was falling $2.5 trillion (USD) short. The OECD’s Global Outlook 2021 report suggests that the annual SDG financing gap in developing countries could have increased by a further $1.7 trillion, or nearly 70%, in 2020. The finance needed to meet the SDGs represents only…
Strengthening the rule of law, establishing an independent judiciary, and combating corruption have been priorities for many Ukrainians since independence in 1991, and have increased in importance following the Euromaidan and Revolution of Dignity in 2014. Despite popular support and political will for sweeping reforms, the establishment of new judicial bodies, and the reform of…
Before the Syrian War, over 90% of all Syrian children were enrolled in school. Today, one in every three Syrian children is out of school. In early 2021, it was reported that the vast majority of Syrian children live in areas with “severe, extreme, or catastrophic” education conditions. In response to an ever-changing landscape…
Nine years after the Tunisian Revolution, Tunisia’s biggest challenges include growing the economy and providing economic opportunities for its people. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the economy’s fragile condition, leaving the government scrambling to rescue the nation’s finances. The tourism sector’s recovery is critical to reviving Tunisia’s economy, particularly after the pandemic ends. The USAID Visit…
The government’s presence in Colombia’s Amazon is limited because of the region’s geographical remoteness and because illegal groups have historically occupied the Amazon, driving and contributing to illicit economic activities. Land grabbing, intensive cattle ranching, illegal mining, and unsustainable agriculture have proliferated in the region. As a result, deforestation has increased, native vegetation and biodiversity…
Despite its rich legal and judicial traditions and highly experienced professionals in the justice sector, Sri Lanka faces delayed justice delivery, insufficient communication, lack of human resources, and limited training opportunities for professional development. These challenges have undermined public confidence in the justice system and fueled the government’s desire to improve it and align it…
Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Experts predict the country will experience extreme water poverty by 2025 unless the water sector prioritizes governance strengthening, improved financial performance, and sustainable management of water supplies. USAID/Jordan’s Water Governance Activity (WGA) works with Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation to promote sustainable water…
Abundant natural resources, dynamic energy and agricultural markets, and a free market economy with few limits on foreign investment make Uganda a potentially attractive market for investors. With no shortage of domestic and foreign capital resources, the country is also seeing the emergence of business development and transactions advisory services that match investors with investees…
Bangladesh’s natural ecosystems include forests, freshwater wetlands, and coastal and marine areas, all harboring important animal and plant biodiversity. Many species live under the threat of extinction due to overexploitation of natural resources, land-use change, widespread pollution, and unplanned urbanization. Although significant efforts have addressed these threats and aimed to safeguard Bangladesh’s remaining biodiversity through…
In the global context of the COVID-19 pandemic, new consumer trends and digitization are reshaping markets and firms. Several high-potential economic sectors in Moldova have an opportunity to pivot their recovery and emerge from the pandemic stronger and more successful than before. The Moldova Future Technologies Activity (FTA), funded by USAID and Sweden continues the…
Development programs worldwide are designed to protect vulnerable people, places, and livelihoods from climate change, but with smarter methods, these programs could be even more effective.
Earth-observing satellites and geospatial technologies collect valuable information that can shape how developing countries manage climate risks and land use. A joint initiative of USAID and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), SERVIR puts this information in the hands of communities who need it most. With the data and tools provided by SERVIR programs,…