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GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
ISSUE #65
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Global Development Update is a monthly bulletin that informs readers about the events, ideas, and people that are shaping an emerging world community. It is produced by The Global Citizens' Initiative- a non-profit working to help develop a sustainable world community for all. Click below to sign up for a free Global Development Update subscription. | |
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Dear Global Global Development Update Subscriber,
Attached is the latest issue of Global Development Update (GDU)--a monthly bulletin intended to keep you up to date with the policies, events, and people that affect our planet as a whole. The publication of GDU for the last 5 years has depended entirely on small and medium-size contributions from readers like you. We take no government or corporate funding. We need your support. We would greatly appreciate your clicking the DONATE button and making a small contribution that can help sustain the work we do.
Best Regards -- The Global Development Update Team.
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AI-Guided Weapons Must Be Subject to Global Rules — and Soon
The use of AI in weapons systems, including fighter jets and autonomous munitions, has raised concerns about the need for global regulations to maintain human control over these AI-guided weapons. With major military powers like the United States and China heavily investing in military AI, immediate action is required to regulate and restrict AI-assisted weapons before the opportunity to do so disappears. Read on.
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The Hidden Existential Threat to Human Rights Behind AI Hype
An exhibition in Geneva highlights the growing risks posed by digital technologies to human rights, with concerns raised by experts about the impact of AI on society. The show emphasizes the need for regulations and safeguards to protect individuals' rights in the face of technological advancements. Read on.
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Technology Advancements Pose Challenges for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Technology is increasingly being used as a tool for domestic abuse, with smart homes, connected cars, and smartphones enabling surveillance and harassment of survivors. Read on.
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Earth on the Brink: Study Warns of Dire Ecological Crisis and Imminent Danger
A new study warns that Earth has surpassed seven out of eight safety limits, pushing the planet into "the danger zone" in almost all ecological aspects. Urgent action is required to address the critical condition of the planet, including changes in energy use, land management, and resource consumption. Read on.
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Global Climate Change Ravages Regions Worldwide
The destructive forces of climate change are impacting various parts of the world. The Arctic is facing the possibility of record-low summer sea ice levels, with near-total melting projected within a decade. The impact of climate change is evident in Europe as well, with Russia's war in Ukraine contributing to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The interconnectedness of these environmental challenges highlights the urgent need for global action. Read on.
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POVERTY REDUCTION & INCOME INEQUALITY | | |
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The Prosperity Gap: A Proposed New Indicator to Monitor Shared Prosperity
The proposed "prosperity gap" is a new indicator to measure shared prosperity, addressing the limitations of the current method. It rewards growth among the poorest globally, providing a simple and intuitive measure for tracking progress in reducing income disparities and promoting inclusive development. Read on.
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World Bank Presents Gloomy Forecast for Global Economy Amidst Rising Interest Rates
The World Bank expects a significant global economic slowdown in 2023 due to high-interest rates, the Ukraine conflict, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an upgrade from previous forecasts, the bank predicts only modest growth of 2.1% this year, with a third of developing countries failing to reach pre-pandemic income levels by the end of 2023. Read on.
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GLOBAL GOVERNANCE & CONNECTIVITY | | |
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Challenges to Multilateralism: Strained United Nations and International Agencies Face Funding Shortages
The United Nations and its various agencies have been significantly limited in fulfilling their mission due to constraints imposed by member states. Funding shortages are now threatening the work of many UN agencies, and multilateralism in general, including organizations like the International Criminal Court, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization, is facing strain. Read on.
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The Significance of Ethical Leadership in Combating Corruption
Ethical leadership is identified as a crucial factor in curbing corruption at both national and organizational levels. The Anticorruption for Development Global Forum emphasizes the need to invest in ethical leaders, strengthen systems, and build a culture of integrity to combat corruption's detrimental effects on trust, sustainable development, and societal well-being. Read on.
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State-Sponsored Killings Rise to Record Highs
The number of state-sponsored killings has reached record highs globally, with 2022 witnessing the highest number of judicial executions since 2017. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, were particularly noted for carrying out "killing sprees." Read on.
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Swiss Court Upholds War Crimes Conviction of Liberian Rebel, Adoption of 'Historic' Crimes Treaty
Switzerland's highest criminal court has upheld the war crimes conviction of Alieu Kosiah, a former Liberian rebel commander, marking the country's first-ever conviction for crimes against humanity. The ruling is seen as a historic development in international justice, providing hope for forgotten victims and reinforcing the principle of universal jurisdiction. Read on.
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We are pleased to transmit the new issue of the Global Development Update, a monthly digital news service on the policies, programs events, and people shaping our world. If you find this issue to be of interest, we invite you to make a Donation to help support our work. | |
The Global Citizens' Initiative | | | | |
