Blog

In a new report on the underground global scourge that conservative estimates say generates up to $18 billion in illicit profits annually, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted that all regions of the world have been drawn in, although little data is available outside Europe.&nbsp;Globally, legal waste management was worth $1.2 trillion in 2024, up from $410 billion in 2011.“This is not an abstract challenge, but one with severe consequences for public health, as it drives toxic pollution of drinking water, the ocean, soil and more,” said Candice Welsch, Director of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at UNODC, which noted that corporate involvement in waste crime and trafficking is common.“Some companies do not comply with regulations, others knowingly acquire illegal services and still others have parallel illegal operations,” the agency said, adding that the least valuable or most difficult waste to dispose of, flows from wealthy regions to poorer regions.And while electronic or e-waste is considered one of the fastest growing sources of trash worldwide, other mass-produced items such as solar panels have already been identified as “susceptible to exploitation by organized crime groups”, the UN agency noted.<h3>Barrier to development</h3>Only around one-fifth of e-waste is managed in an environmentally sound way, according to 2022 data.&nbsp;This means that out of a possible $91 billion that could have been reclaimed from the raw materials used (iron, copper and gold, among others), illegal traffickers swiped $28 billion, making it a major obstacle to economic sustainability and sustainable development.&nbsp;In addition, the illegal waste trade causes ecosystem damage, health risks and inequality in destination countries lacking environmentally-sound waste management, while undermining governance, fuelling corruption and supporting organized crime.<h3>Shopping around</h3>“Most [organized crime groups] seem highly knowledgeable about legislation and regulations, with waste trafficking requiring a high level of expertise”, the UN report’s authors said, meaning that they “jurisdiction shop” for those places with the weakest regulations and lightest penalties.The UN study also highlighted “sophisticated logistics” put in place to coordinate the various steps of the criminal activity, “including waste collection, export, import and delivery and disposal”, often by different operators in different countries.&nbsp;Waste traffickers are active at a local level and in large-scale intercontinental trafficking, whose operations involve “legitimate companies with decentralised networks and chains of individual actors”, UNODC said, citing INTERPOL investigations.&nbsp;Once set up with legal front companies, criminal gangs carry out their illegal activities, “such as pouring liquid waste into streams or lakes”, burning waste to generate energy and mislabelling hazardous waste as safe.&nbsp;Dumping is another favoured tactic of traffickers who can undercut legal competitors when tendering for waste disposal contracts.“In some cases, waste traffickers control the entire processing cycle, from the country of export to the country of import and possess substantial human and financial resources,” the report’s authors noted, citing EUROPOL.<h3>Price war</h3>In addition to gaps in waste disposal legislation which benefit organized criminal groups, UNODC stressed that limited enforcement capacities, lack of traceability and low penalties also facilitate the work of traffickers across the world.The impact is being detected in the European Union, where there’s growing demand for illegal waste disposal sparked by stricter regulations and increasing costs of legal disposal. UNODC also points out that the illegal extraction of raw materials from waste has become a lucrative business in Europe, where “the fines imposed have been lower than the profits that can be earned from a single illegal e-waste shipment”.Patchy enforcement of existing regulations impacts developing countries that process shipments of illegal waste too, the UN agency stressed, highlighting the numerous informal waste pickers “working on landfills, who can suffer various negative health impacts”.Sources: <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1167033" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1167033">https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1167033</a>

Organized crime and poor regulation to blame for toxic pollution threat

Women entrepreneurs must be recognized as the architects of economic change and not the beneficiaries.That was the central message of the Manama Declaration, issued at the close of the World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) held this week in Bahrain.The declaration places women at the heart of economic transformation, underscoring that empowering them within business and innovation ecosystems is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.It also calls for strengthening women’s presence across emerging sectors, including the green, blue and orange economies which respectively promote environmental responsibility, sustainable use of ocean resources and creativity.Organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the forum convened leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world to shape a more resilient global economy and unlock new opportunities for women-led enterprises.<h3>“An amazing opportunity”</h3>For many participants, the forum delivered tangible results.Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, attended in search of meaningful collaboration and found it.Through business-to-business (B2B) meetings facilitated during the event, she established partnerships with companies in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.“This forum has been effective for me,” she told UN News. “I’ve had B2B collaboration with regional companies through Bahrain and through UNIDO.”Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and a Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, described the forum as a “powerful networking platform.”“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people from literally every continent,” she said. “It has been an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders.”<h3>Shared challenges, shared solutions</h3>The forum’s impact extended beyond the Arab region.Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and representative of the South Asian Women Development Forum, attended alongside delegates from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.She said participants exchanged valuable lessons, particularly around access to finance, a challenge faced by women entrepreneurs across regions.“It was a good opportunity for networking, to come together, share views, learn and exchange experiences,” she said, expressing appreciation to UNIDO for creating a space where global connections could flourish.<h3>Special focus on artists with disabilities</h3>Beyond panel discussions and networking sessions, the forum also spotlighted inclusive entrepreneurship through three exhibitions including on “Determined Creative Entrepreneur.”Among the exhibitors was Nisreen Samour of Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which specializes in training and developing artistic talent, with a special focus on artists with disabilities.“Today, we have about nine students participating, each specializing in an artistic field that aligns with their interests and abilities,” she said.“I personally train them, and we are currently working on developing their skills and empowering them to produce professional artwork that will help them effectively enter the art market and the job market, thus contributing to increased productivity and the center's overall performance” she told UN News.The centre also works with orphans, helping them develop artistic skills and showcase their work publicly — fostering independence and self-reliance through creativity.<h3>The role of academia</h3>One recurring theme was the role of higher education in preparing young women to enter the world of entrepreneurship.In an interview with UN News, Dr. Nihal Al-Najjar, professor at the Royal University for Women in Bahrain, highlighted the need to embed entrepreneurship deeply within academic systems.“Our academic role is to integrate entrepreneurship not just as a subject, but as a methodology,” she said, explaining that experiential learning and practical application are key. “We encourage students to think, innovate and identify gaps in society, and then work to find solutions.”She added that universities must go beyond classroom teaching by connecting students to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem, guiding them towards mentorship, funding opportunities and professional networks when they are ready to launch their own ventures.<h3>A driving force for sustainable development</h3>The World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) was preceded by the annual conference of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC)—a New York-based NGO that helps women-owned businesses to grow.Speaking at the conference, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller described women’s entrepreneurship as a driving force for sustainable development, global innovation and economic inclusion.“We must ensure that women everywhere have a level playing field and are given the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” he stated, highlighting persistent barriers to finance, technology, and higher-skilled roles for women globally.Reaffirming UNIDO’s commitment, he added that “empowering women is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” &nbsp;The 17 SDGs, adopted by governments in 2015, provide a blueprint for a more just and equitable future for all people and the planet.Mr. Müller praised Bahrain’s leadership in supporting entrepreneurship and women’s economic participation and outlined UNIDO’s ongoing work in crisis-affected countries, noting, “UNIDO has just started working to set up recovery programmes in Syria, Sudan, and Palestine… mostly the women there are affected, and they need our support.”<h3>Women as engines of business</h3>In her opening remarks, IWEC Chair Ibukun Awosika highlighted women’s transformative role as engines of business, leadership, and national progress.She emphasized that women constitute half of the world’s productive assets and, when empowered, become game changers in corporate and political leadership. Drawing on her own journey, Ms. Awosika recalled building a manufacturing group over 36 years before becoming the first and only woman chair of sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria.“What women represent to the world is 50 per cent of its assets — productive, constructive assets that are game changers when fully deployed,” she said.“Every nation that has enough wisdom to invest and to actualize the talent that is in 50 per cent of its population is a country that is set to win.”<h3>Success Stories from Bahrain and Nigeria</h3>According to its website, the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) has recognized 575 distinguished awardees globally, honoured annually at its conferences and nominated by partner organizations, representing women-owned businesses from across the world.In Bahrain, IWEC recognized a new cohort of awardees from the Middle East and Africa.Among them was Sonia Mohamed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolaterie, who highlighted UNIDO’s role in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.With UNIDO’s support, Janahi expanded her Bahraini chocolate brand into Africa, establishing a cocoa processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire, creating jobs, promoting ethical supply chains, and ensuring global recognition for African-produced chocolate.“UNIDO has played a very vital role in my progression. They have taken my project and opened opportunities for me,” she told UN News, underscoring UNIDO’s commitment to recognizing women entrepreneurs across Bahrain, the Middle East, and Africa.“This event represents women globally and investments over $6 billion that bring women globally together. It awards women who have not just started a business but have sustained a business and scaled up a business and have had an impact on the economy and on the society.”Also honoured was Nigerian entrepreneur Oluwakelemi, who discussed her gifting and lifestyle retail business, which employs women and supports household incomes across Nigeria while preparing to expand internationally.“I am passionate about building scalable African businesses with global reach,” she told UN News. “Not less than 5,000 people have been able to benefit from our business, from our work.”Sources: <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166964" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166964">https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166964</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum puts women at the heart of economic transformation

For the first time ever, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing recommendations for healthy and nutritious food in schools around the world.The UN agency’s new global guidance on evidence-based policies and interventions shows that healthy food in schools can help children develop healthy dietary habits for life.&nbsp;“The food children eat at school, and the environments that shape what they eat, can have a profound impact on their learning, and lifelong consequences for their health and well-being,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.&nbsp;<h3>Food habits start early&nbsp;</h3>Overweight childhood obesity and obesity are rising globally, while undernutrition remains a persistent challenge.&nbsp;Child obesity levels surpassed underweight cases around the world for the first time in 2025.&nbsp; Around one in 10 school-aged children and adolescents were living with obesity last year, and one in five – or 391 million – were overweight.Additionally, a recent WHO report revealed that diabetes now affects over 800 million people globally and one in 6 pregnancies.&nbsp;As of October 2025, 104 Member States had policies relating to healthy school food, but only 48 countries had policies that restrict the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, according to WHO.&nbsp;For the millions of children that spend a large chunk of their day at school, the food environment they are exposed to can shape their future dietary habits.&nbsp;“Getting nutrition right at school is critical for preventing disease later in life and creating healthier adults,” said Tedros.&nbsp;<h3>More pulses, less sugar</h3>WHO recommends increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages while reducing unhealthy foods. That means limiting free sugars, saturated fats and sodium, while offering more whole grains, fruits, nuts and pulses.&nbsp;Other recommendations include implementing ‘nudging interventions’ – changes &nbsp;in the packaging, placement or portion size of foods designed to encourage children to select healthier foods.The organisation will support countries with technical assistance, knowledge-sharing and other collaborative measures, to realise the new guidance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sources: <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166843" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166843">https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166843</a>

From lunch tray to lifelong health: WHO sets global standards for school meals

Global unemployment remains stable, but progress toward decent work has stalled, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which warns that young people continue to struggle in a job market which risks being further undermined by AI and trade policy uncertainty.According to the data compiled for the latest Employment and Social Trends 2026 report, the global unemployment rate is projected to stay stable at around 4.9 per cent this year, equivalent to some 186 million people out of work.The biggest area of growth is in poorer countries – a reflection of the ageing population in richer economies, where fewer people of working age are available to enter or remain in work.Job growth is projected to be 0.5 per cent in upper middle-income countries as opposed to 3.1 per cent in low-income nations.However, being employed is not necessarily the same as having a quality job or a decent wage: nearly 300 million workers are living in extreme poverty, earning less than $3 a day.It is expected that around 2.1 billion people will be working in the informal sector this year, with limited access to social protection, rights at work, and job security.<h3>Youth employment at risk</h3>The global job situation for young people in low-income countries is described in the report as “daunting”: more than a quarter (27.9 per cent) are neither in education, employment or training.&nbsp;Educated youth in high-income countries are not immune from uncertainty: the study warns that AI and automation could make it harder for them to find work and calls for “close monitoring” of the technology.<h3>Gender gap remains</h3>There’s little good news in the report for those fighting for women’s equality in the workplace; the data shows that social norms and stereotypes remain entrenched.Previous gains have stalled, slowing progress towards gender equality at work, and women are today around 24 per cent less likely than men to participate in the labour force.&nbsp;<h3>Trade uncertainty</h3>In 2025, the global economy was marked by the upheaval in international trade rules and tariff rates, led by the United States.Trade supports around 465 million workers worldwide, more than half of them in Asia and the Pacific, and the uncertainty is cutting into workers’ wages, especially in Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and Europe.<h3>‘Coherent and coordinated’ response needed</h3>Responding to the findings in the report, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo called for coordinated action and stronger institutions to advance decent work and social justice, particularly in poorer economies that risk being left behind.“Unless governments, employers, and workers act together to harness technology responsibly and expand quality job opportunities for women and youth – through coherent and coordinated institutional responses – decent work deficits will persist and social cohesion will be at risk,” said Mr. Houngbo.Sources: <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166751" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166751">https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166751</a>

Global employment stable but decent jobs in short supply

The global forest products sector saw recovery in 2024 following a steep decline the previous year, according to a new report released on Wednesday by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). &nbsp;FAO’s statistics cover 77 product categories, 27 product groups and over 245 countries and territories. The report presents recent trends in data for trade and for each of the main forest product groups.<h3>What are the main trends?</h3>Global international trade in wood and paper products regained momentum, with modest growth recorded across most major product groups, according to FAO. &nbsp;<ul><li>The upswing comes after a 14 per cent drop overall in trade of wood and paper products in 2023.</li><li>Industrial roundwood removals, referring to the total volume of wood harvested for uses other than energy, rose by two per cent in 2024, although its global trade declined by one per cent. &nbsp;</li><li>Global production of sawnwood such as planks, beams and other manufactured timber products, remained nearly unchanged but varied regionally. Trade in sawnwood recorded no overall change compared to 2023.</li><li>Wood-based panels grew for a second consecutive year. Global production expanded by 5 per cent.</li><li>Wood pulp production climbed three per cent to reach 189 million tonnes, while international trade expanded two per cent to an all-time high of 73 million tonnes.</li><li>Wood pellets have seen extraordinary growth in recent decades, mainly driven by bioenergy targets in Europe, the Republic of Korea and Japan. After a slight dip in 2023, global production returned to 48 million tonnes in 2024, equal to the 2022 level.</li></ul><h3>Why it matters&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Different types of trees can be used for housing, shelter, heat, food, medicine and even textiles or buildings.“Forests support millions of livelihoods worldwide, and the number is set to rise as forests offer more economic opportunities in a growing range of industries, including sustainable wood production,” said FAO Director-General Dongyu Qu. &nbsp;Promoting the sustainable use of forests is also part of Sustainable Development Goal 15, a vision countries have agreed to. &nbsp;When sustainably used, forests sustain life. Another recently published report by FAO assessing forest resources showed that the net loss of forest area has been reduced by more than half since the 1990s and that over 90 per cent of forests are regenerating naturally.Sources：<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166666" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166666">https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166666</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Paper and wood: Forest products show signs of recovery, UN agency says

“The Global Environment Outlook lays out a simple choice for humanity: continue down the road to a future devastated by climate change, dwindling nature, degraded land and polluted air, or change direction to secure a healthy planet, healthy people and healthy economies,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.The report has input from 287 multi-disciplinary scientists from 82 countries and stretches to well over 1,000 pages.The report makes a case for interconnected ‘whole-of-society’ and ‘whole-of-government’ approaches to transform economy and finance, materials and waste, energy, food and the environment.Taking this path starts with moving beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as a measure of economic wellbeing and instead using inclusive indicators that also track the health of human and natural capital.It continues with a transition to circular economy models; a rapid decarbonisation of the energy system; a shift towards sustainable diets, reduced waste and improved agricultural practices; and expanding protected areas and restoring degraded ecosystems – all backed by behavioural, social and cultural shifts that include Indigenous and local knowledge.The report lays out a social and a technological pathway to transformation.1. Behaviour-focused transformation pathway: lifestyle, behavioural and value changes. Social awareness of the environmental crises drives a shift in worldview. 2. Technology-focused transformation pathway: innovation and technological solutions. An urbanized world with significant global trade and technological spill-over. According to UNEP:<ul><li>The state of the environment will dramatically worsen if the world continues to power economies under a business-as-usual pathway.</li><li>Without action, global mean temperature rise is likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the early 2030s, exceed 2.0°C by the 2040s and keep climbing.</li><li>Climate change would cut 4 per cent off annual global GDP by 2050 and 20 per cent by the end of the century.</li><li>If made, the changes have the potential to avoid nine million pollution-related premature deaths, lift 200 million people out of undernourishment, and move 150 million people out of extreme poverty by 2050.</li></ul>The agency called on countries to follow the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches laid out in the report to achieve a sustainable future.“This sounds like, and indeed is, a massive undertaking. But there is no technical reason why it cannot be done,” Ms. Andersen said.Sources：﻿<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166553" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166553">https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166553</a>

Justice echoes

News

Organized crime and poor regulation to blame for toxic po...

World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum puts women at th...

From lunch tray to lifelong health: WHO sets global stand...

Global employment stable but decent jobs in short supply

Paper and wood: Forest products show signs of recovery, U...

A sustainable future requires new thinking: UN environmen...