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Find the latest reports, documents, policy briefs, books and toolkits on poverty, health, education, gender, governance, environment and climate change in South Asia.

For a people-centric approach to climate change: UNFPA’s report The State of World Population 2009 focuses on the disproportionate impact of global warming on women, marginalised poor and the coastal populations. It argues that the international community needs to take into account their needs, rights and potential while formulating policies, programmes and treaties on climate change.
India needs a holistic environment policy: State of Environment Report India 2009 presents an overview of the environmental scenario of the country. It provides an insight on various priority issues related to the current status of environment and assesses the government’s current and proposed policy initiatives to check and monitor further degradation.
Towards a climate smart world: Developing countries can chart a low-carbon path and still promote development to reduce poverty. World Bank’s World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change points out that with technical and financial assistance from high-income countries, a climate smart world can be built.
Understanding women's health: World Health Organisation’s latest report Women and Health: Today's Evidence Tomorrow's Agenda, reveals that violence and gender inequalities leave women and girls, especially those of reproductive age, more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. It champions the need for policy action and greater women’s participation in healthcare.
Building child protection systems: Violence, exploitation and abuse of children can be brought to an end by creating a protective environment. UNICEF’s report Progress for Children: A Report Card on Child Protection document some improvements in bringing social change, and the challenges in building a safe world for children.
Addressing the digital divide: UNCTAD’s new report Information Economy Report 2009 highlights the limited access to broadband internet and its impact on economic opportunities in developing countries. It suggests the expansion of underwater fibre optics network and public-private partnership to narrow the broadband gap.
India's vision on climate change: Government of India’s report Climate Change Negotiations: India’s submissions to the UNFCCC encapsulates the country's position. It highlights the need for establishing mechanism for the development and transfer of technologies and sustainable forest management.
Global partnership for achieving MDGs: UN’s report Strengthening the Global Partnership for Development in a Time of Crisis highlights the need for cooperation among key stakeholders for accelerating progress on the Millennium Development Goals. It recommends public-private partnerships for advancing economic and environmentally sustainable growth.
Preventing maternal mortality in India: No Tally of the Anguish, a Human Rights Watch report documents the state of pregnant women in northern India and the failure of institutions to identify and address the gaps in healthcare. It recommends timely investigations, targeted interventions and healthcare accountability for achieving MDG on maternal health.
Promoting secondary education in India: Secondary Education in India: Universalizing Opportunity, World Bank’s latest report highlights the significance of secondary education in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and in determining the country’s economic growth. It recommends the use of innovative technologies and public-private partnership model for facilitating higher education in India.
Making hunger disappear: FAO's annual hunger report The State of Food Insecurity shows how the economic crisis has led to the rise in the number of hungry people in the world. The document highlights the urgent need for investment in agriculture and calls for more international commitment to end the food insecurity.
Tackling hunger: World Food Programme’s Annual Report 2009 highlights the difficulties faced by developing countries in battling hunger. It mentions some of the best practices and innovative programmes that have contributed towards ending the cycle of hunger in many regions of the world.
Developing technological capabilities: R4D’s document Learning, Technology Acquisition and Governance Challenges in Developing Countries looks at specific problems of technology acquisition and learning in developing countries. Detailed case studies in the report highlight the need for appropriate policies.
Making mobility integral to development strategies: UNDP’s latest publication Human Development Report 2009 highlights human mobility as a core component of the development agenda. It looks at the factors that drive migration from one developing economy into another and proposes the need for better policies, which can bring equitable growth and development.
Repression on monks in Burma: The Resistance of the Monks, a Human Rights Watch publication, provides a detailed account of the repression on monks and the violations of their rights in Burma [Myanmar]. It slams the military junta’s shoddy approach to justice and recommends that political prisoners be freed.
Developmental impacts of HIV/AIDS: World Bank’s HIV and AIDS in South Asia: An Economic Development Risk offers an original perspective on HIV and AIDS as a development issue in the region. The book analyses welfare costs and economic implications for those affected in terms of increased unemployment and reduced incomes.
Addressing climate change through MDGs: UN Millennium Campaign’s publication Seal a Just Deal argues that unless MDGs are at the core of a climate change agreement, there cannot be a solution for this global challenge. It recommends that adaptation actions and funds must be made more transparent and accountable.
Managing nature and alleviating poverty: OECD’s publication Natural Resources and Pro-Poor Growth: The Politics and Economics shows how effective policy making and investments aimed at natural resource management can support economic development and poverty reduction. It offers decision makers a wealth of examples to adopt and replicate.
Promoting environmentally safe sanitation: ADB’s publication India’s Sanitation for All: How to Make It Happen assesses the progress in achieving safe sanitation for all under the total sanitation campaign. The document provides insights into the current sanitation services and offers recommendations to key stakeholders in promoting environmentally safe sanitation in the country.
Climate science reportage: Alike its earlier two editions, Reporting on Climate Change: Understanding the Science is a guide written primarily for editors and journalists interested in the subject. Over the years this resource by Environment Law Institute has evolved into a lucid deconstruction of climate change for communicators and educators as well.
Girl’s education: A policy check: UNGEI’s Overcoming Barriers to Girls’ Education in South Asia critically analyses the steps taken by South Asian countries in overcoming obstacles to girls’ education. The report offers feasible policy options and tools for advocacy to governments and other stakeholders to improve women’s access to learning.
Diversifying livelihoods: Farm ponds for water, fish and livelihoods a publication of FAO highlights the need for integrated farming system to increase income. It stresses on the need for diversifying livelihood for smallholders to bring in multiple benefits and lead to farmer empowerment.
Synergising climate and development challenges: United Nations latest report World Economic and Social Survey 2009 highlights the impact of climate change on developing countries and the need for stronger efforts to cut down emissions. The document recommends a combination of large-scale investments and active government policy interventions for holistic development.
Governance and poverty in Nepal: ODIs new publication Governance and Citizenship from Below: Views of Poor and Excluded Groups and their Vision for a New Nepal provides a first-hand account of the realities of poor and excluded groups in post-conflict Nepal. It advocates effective policy and awareness programme at the grassroots level for eradicating poverty.
Training teachers on HIV education: Teachers can make a significant difference in fighting HIV/AIDS argues Leadership in the HIV and AIDS Response: A Toolkit for Teachers’ Unions to Promote Health and Improve Education. This publication trains teachers to help people make correct health-related choices to prevent the spread of infection.
Gender and violence in South Asia: SID-SAN combined series of case studies on Women and Political Conflict and Well-being in South Asia explores the political disruptions in the region and its impact on women. It highlights the need for engaging rights groups with women’s well-being and mobilising them to advance their own rights and concerns.
Enforcing MDGs through rights: UN Millennium Campaign's publication The MDGs through Socio-Economic Rights is an advocacy tool for parliamentarians, legislators and citizens groups, promoting the MDGs as human rights in constitution making and national reform processes.
Driving new changes in Asian irrigation: Without major reforms and innovations in the way water is used in agriculture, many developing countries will face severe food shortages in future, warns a new report Revitalizing Asia’s Irrigation: To Sustainably Meet Tomorrow’s Food Needs. It suggests the shift to a more economically viable approach.
Accountability for abuse: The Indian police system requires a major overhaul to check the rampant use of illegal procedures and unethical methods of investigation, says Human Rights Watch’s new report Broken System: Dysfunction, Abuse and Impunity in the Indian Police. It recommends proper training and enactment of strong laws against torture.
Mapping development across South Asia: SAARC Development Goals, a report by South Asian Network for Agricultural and Social Development assesses the progress of South Asian countries, taking MDG targets as the benchmark. Providing a comparative analysis, the document serves as a useful reference point to frame adequate policy responses.
Local solutions to meet energy needs: ADB’s publication Powering the Poor collates grassroots stories on resourceful ways to give rural populations access to clean and renewable energy. The report highlights case studies from across Asia and the Pacific on how simple and community-managed innovations have helped enlighten lives in remote areas of the region.
Sexuality education: Effective sexuality education is critical to reduce the risk of HIV, unintended pregnancy and coercive or abusive sexual activity, says UNESCO’s International Guidelines on Sexuality Education. The document outlines steps to ensure that children and youth have access to information needed in their personal, social and sexual lives.
Making a case for gender-sensitive cities: Women’s participation in urban governance is vital in creating equitable cities, says Addressing Gender Concern in India’s Urban Renewal Mission, a paper published by UNDP. It makes a case for integrating gender issues in all aspects of urban planning to reduce class and gender fragmentation.
Developing sustainable livelihoods: IUCN’s Systematic approaches to livelihoods enhancement and diversification: A review of global experiences advocates effective integration of resource-dependent livelihoods with environmental objectives. Calling for a multi-disciplinary approach, it says that cooperation among different agencies and active engagement of communities is critical in achieving sustainable development.
Empowering the youth with HIV/AIDS education: A latest manual from UNAIDS, A Strategic Approach: HIV & AIDS and Education, brings out the need for enriching young minds with the basics of HIV/AIDS virus. Aimed at policymakers and practitioners, it shows how quality learning can help to mitigate the impact of the disease.
Saving world's green cover: Economic meltdown and climate change have raised the profile of forest management on the global agenda, notes FAO’s State of the World's Forests 2009. Highlighting the opportunities stemming from the current crisis, the report calls for increased investment in green development.
MDGs mired in economic crisis: United Nation’s latest Millennium Development Goals Report 2009 highlights the emerging challenges emanating from the economic crisis that can reverse the progress towards the eight goals. The report emphasises on the adoption of right policies and actions, backed by adequate funding and political will to achieve an equitable and sustainable future.
A gender approach to climate change: UNDP's new document Gender and Climate Change makes the linkages between gender equality, poverty and climate vulnerability. The manual emphasises on the inclusion of women’s voices, needs and expertise in climate change policy and programming for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Action to reduce climate change impacts in India: Climate Change Impacts in Drought-and Flood-Affected Areas, a new World Bank report offers a combination of measures aimed at tackling the problem of climate change in selected climate hotspots. The focus of the study is to develop a new integrated modelling approach to assess future climate risks in India.
Ecosystem-based approaches to climate change: Convenient solutions to an Inconvenient truth, World Bank’s latest document stresses on the inclusion of ecosystem-based approaches to national and regional adaptation strategies. The report points out that access to funds will help communities to address climate change at all levels.
Strategy for child survival: Vikas Samvaad’s publication Moribund ICDS: A study on the ICDS and Child Survival Issues in Madhya Pradesh throws light on the dismal scenario of early childhood care and development in western India. The report suggests comprehensive measures to improve the health of children under six.
Achieving holistic growth in Asia: Asian Development Outlook 2009 presents a comprehensive analysis of 45 developing economies in Asia and the Pacific. In the context of global financial crisis, this document by Asian Development Bank underlines the risks of growth that is excessively dependent on external demand.
Climate change in mountain areas: Mountain Biodiversity and Climate Change highlights the need to address the impacts of climate change on the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. This publication by ICIMOD has been developed from contributions in a conference held last year that brought together some 75 renowned experts.
Learning the basics of HIV/AIDS: The Magic Bus, an illustrative flipbook by the International HIV/AIDS alliance, helps children to learn the basics of HIV/AIDS and its treatment. It beautifully weaves stories in simple language using cartoons that a facilitator can use to build awareness on the dreaded disease.
Healthcare for children in India: Save the Children’s latest report, Freedom from Hunger for Children under Six explores inter-linkages between health and development, especially with respect to maternal-child health and nutrition. It highlights the need for greater collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing the problem at the grassroots level.
Building a friendly education system: UNICEF has developed a manual on Child-Friendly Schools, that addresses total needs of a child as a learner and aims to create an environment that offers quality education to every youngster. It also includes an e-learning package for capacity building.
Investing in green energy: UNEP’s Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2009 documents significant surge in sustainable energy investments worldwide. Despite the worst ever financial crisis, the report notes increased use of renewables and advocates an eco-friendly approach to meet challenges like energy security and resource efficiency.
Involving children in HIV/AIDS initiatives: Seen and heard, a new document from Panos London looks at the experiences of young children with HIV/AIDS and examines issues around children's participation. It explores the need to involve children in decisions that affect their lives, and equip them with appropriate communication tools.
Invisible faces of war: Refugee Girls: The Invisible Faces of War is a comprehensive document by the Women’s Refugee Commission. It narrates untold stories of millions of girls displaced by conflicts and shows how with education these girls can emerge out of the crisis.
MDG advocacy in elections: To inspire citizens for realising development goals, UN Millennium Campaign’s toolkit Campaigning for the MDGs: Making Votes and Voices Count in Elections outlines practical strategies for advocacy during the electoral process. It is designed to guide political parties and activists in carrying out an effective campaign.
Ecosystem and human well-being: UNDP-UNEP’s new handbook Mainstreaming poverty-environment linkages into development planning serves as a guide for practitioners engaged in the task of mainstreaming poverty-environment linkages into national development planning. The document lays out a programmatic approach to a flexible model that can be adapted to national circumstances.
Mainstreaming climate change in development: OECD’s Policy Guidance on Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Co-operation advances the notion of applying a climate lens to policymaking to reduce vulnerability. The document focuses on strengthening countries’ and donors’ capacities to integrate adaptation responses at various levels of development planning.
A humanitarian response to education: Save the Children’s new report: Last in Line, Last in School 2009 finds that nearly 40 million children worldwide are out of school in conflict-affected fragile states. With global financial crisis threatening investment in basic services, the report urges governments to prioritise education aid for children in emergencies.
Advocating gender equality in media: Getting the balance right is an illustrated resource handbook by UNESCO, which deals in gender issues in media. The document assesses the key challenges faced by female journalists and the need for concrete policies for ensuring more equality in mainstream media.
Addressing health needs through human resource: Leveraging human capital to reduce maternal mortality in India, a research paper explores contrasting approaches employed by two Indian states to improve health outcomes in resource-constrained settings. Using case studies of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the paper examines the use of public private partnership to deal with staff shortage.
Urban Corruption Survey 2009: Youth Social Development‘s Urban Corruption Survey 2009 is a scientific attempt to facilitate the identification of unethical practices in public agencies in eastern India. By quantifying the costs of corruption, the study attempts to raise citizen’s awareness and hold government accountable on transparency.
Monitoring food security: UNESCAP report – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Asia and the Pacific – examines different kind of challenges to food security of the region, springing from the ongoing economic recession. The study suggests a regional framework of action and advocates strengthening of social protection programmes to tackle the crisis.
Securing human rights amidst crisis: Amnesty International’s report: The State of the World’s Human Rights reveals that global recession is fuelling suppression of human rights. As governments worldwide crack down on people protesting against economic hardships, the document highlights the need for a new global deal to avert further instability.
Achieving sustainable mobility: Mobility for development, a report from WBCSD examines the state of mobility in fast-growing cities. It argues that with integrated planning and innovative solutions, environmental costs of transportation can be reduced.
Gender and climate change: Oxfam GB’s latest publication, Engendering adaptation to climate variability in Gujarat, India, is a policy document that acknowledges the women’s concerns in adaptation interventions. It provides simple and practical tools for measuring vulnerability and advocating policies and programmes sensitive to gender issues.
Ushering good governance in India: Social Watch India’s report on Governance and Development 2008-09 explores the intrinsic relation between effectiveness and legitimacy in achieving a stable democracy. To maintain a balance between the two, the performance of the institutions of governance becomes significant.
Bridging the digital divide: Measuring the Information Society, a new index from International Telecommunication Union captures the level of advancement of ICTs in more than 150 countries. The objective is to measure the global digital divide and provide policymakers with a useful tool to assess the information society development.
Linking disaster management and human development: UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, Risk and poverty in a global climate provides a comprehensive account of the impact of natural hazards on humanity. It calls for a radical shift in development practices, and the need for pre-emptive risk reduction policies.
Nurturing early childhood: State of the World’s Mothers 2009, the tenth annual report of Save the Children focuses on the inextricable link between the well-being of mothers and their children. The report provides effective solutions to early education challenges and the need for strategic policies in carrying out proven programmes.
Monitoring human trafficking: UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons assesses the different forms of human trafficking and the global fight to end the practice. It explains the growth of modern slave markets and exposes ineffectiveness of governments in implementing legislations for curbing the crime across borders.
The price of modern slavery: Forced labour worldwide amounts to over $20 billion, in terms of lost earnings, says ILO’s new report: The Cost of Coercion. The report presents a new perspective on this insidious practice and suggests implementing integrated policies and programmes to empower those at risk.
Women care workers and their rights: Gender and care, a report by BRIDGE assesses the importance of different forms of care work. It gives an insight into the rights and opportunities of women involved in care-taking and highlights the need for more commitment in gender advocacy.
Involving locals in bio-conservation: Conservation in Protected Areas: Do Local People Benefit? is a policy brief published by National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South. It suggests practical ways to address biodiversity conservation priorities as well as the livelihood needs of local inhabitants.
Getting girls into high schools: World Bank’s latest report Educating Girls in the 21st Century highlights the gender disparities at the level of secondary education. Linking the issue with economic development, the report advocates interventions like scholarships and female teacher recruitment to increase enrollment of the girls.
Building an inclusive knowledge society: UNESCO supported publication, Mapping media education policies in the world, gives a comprehensive view on the subject. It stresses on the involvement of policymakers in the implementation of media education programmes in their respective countries.
Interactive media for effective communication: Come on In. The Water‘s Fine published by Brotherton Strategies explores the opportunities and challenges presented by new interactive media tools under Web 2.0 technology. The report seeks to help organisations in reaching out to a wider audience to drive their grantmaking.
Acting swift to cope with climate crisis: Oxfam’s new report: The Right to Survive projects a rise of more than half in the number of people affected by climate change by 2015. It warns that the crisis could be exacerbated by entrenched poverty, higher population density and a humanitarian system that is wanting.
Regaining Sri Lanka: Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity has published a paper titled: The making of Sri Lanka’s post-conflict economic package and the future of the 2001-2004 peace process. It points out the impact of market reforms in destabilising the peace-building process in the country.
Developing aptitude with interactive radio: EDC has released a new publication: Tuned In to Student Success: Assessing the Impact of Interactive Radio Instruction for the Hardest to reach. The document highlights the use of interactive radio in improving educational quality in conventional classrooms and promoting active learning among non-school goers.
Setting the Copenhagen agenda: International Food Policy Research Institute releases its first series Agriculture and Climate Change: An Agenda for Negotiation in Copenhagen. The document looks into funding opportunities that would help poor farmers in undertaking mitigation and adaptation activities.
Linking disability and HIV: UNAIDS’ new document Disability and HIV Policy Brief calls for HIV services to be inclusive of persons with disabilities. It recommends stakeholders to formulate policies responding to the diverse needs of the disabled and seeking their increased participation in HIV response.
Microfinance for women's health: United Nations Population Fund's latest publication Financing Healthier Lives: Empowering women through integration of microfinance and health education calls for empowering women through a combined advocacy on microfinance and health education. The document also champions microcredit as one of the pillars for meeting the MDGs.
Poor women and healthcare in South Asia: World Bank releases a report: Sparing Lives: Better reproductive health for poor women in South Asia. It highlights the enormous challenges faced in addressing inequalities in reproductive health and the need to break away from the cycle of poverty to achieve the MDGs.
Bringing justice to drug users: International Harm Reduction Development Programme has come out with a report: At What Cost? HIV and Human Rights Consequences of the Global “War on Drugs”. The document focuses on the condition of drug users and the prolonged violations of their rights in the name of drug control.
Making education inclusive: Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies has released a pocket guide titled: Education in Emergencies: Including Everyone. The booklet talks of making quality education participatory and accessible to all, especially the disadvantaged and previously excluded learners.
Enriching community media: Internews has released a new guide: The business of changing lives. It focuses on the growing popularity of citizen journalism and integration of technologies in community media. The publication also talks of its role in meeting the MDGs.
Making water integral to sustainable development: United Nations World Water Development Report: Water in a Changing World (WWDR-3) released recently focuses on linking water to the decisions on sustainable development. It presents a comprehensive review of the world’s freshwater resources and addresses various themes for a holistic living.
Modern cities and governance: State of the World’s Cities 2008/2009-Harmonious cities, a report by the United Nations Habitat emphasises the importance of harmonious urbanisation in the developing world. It points out the need for inclusive and equitable urban development and the support of global community in strengthening the governance in cities.
In pursuit of good governance: Speaking out: How the voices of poor people are shaping the future is a compilation of papers by Oxfam Great Britain, bringing together experiences on the theme of 'right to be heard'. It highlights the importance of people’s voices and their participation in shaping policies for good governance.
Funding for crisis management: Swimming against the Tide: How Developing Countries are Coping with the Global Crisis, a background paper by the World Bank reveals a huge financial shortfall for developing countries. It says that rich nations should spend some of their fiscal stimulus to help low income countries restore growth.
UNMC Annual Report 2008: United Nations Millennium Campaign’s Annual Report 2008 summarises the key achievements of the largest global campaign against poverty. The report highlights initiatives taken across the globe to make governments more accountable to MDGs and foster stronger partnerships for development.
Crisis fix for women: In its new publication: Global Employment Trends for Women, ILO warns the economic crisis could generate up to 22 million more unemployed women in 2009. Noting that the downturn has hit women harder, the report says that the trend can be arrested if governments adopt gender equity policies.
Mobile technology for global health: mHealth for Development, published by Vodafone and United Nations Foundations, surveys the benefits of mobile technology to improve healthcare. Highlighting various projects from across the world, the report says that mHealth is creating new pathways for sharing health-related information in the remotest and resource-poor environments.
Eliminating violence against women: Addressing Gender-based Violence outlines UNFPA’s strategy and action framework to raise awareness on the issue. The publication points out a number of approaches for securing women, including strengthening the role of male advocates at policy and community levels to foster a culture of non-violence.
Combating climate change with ICTs: Produced by OneWorld South Asia, Fixing the Climate with ICTs summarises the e-discussions of the Global Knowledge Partnership’s virtual forum held last year. This advocacy guide captures the role of ICT in creating knowledge partnerships and networks to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects.
Better governance for MDGs: A Reference Note: UNDP’s reference note E-discussion on rethinking democratic governance and leadership for achieving the MDGs articulates the thoughts and experiences from global contributors on how public purpose is advanced through multi-sectoral efforts. It also highlights the role of UN Millennium Campaign’s advocacy work in enhancing governance and accountability.
Tackling abuse against children: The Expect Respect Educational Toolkit by Women’s Aid has been designed to help schools address the issue of domestic abuse. This online resource contains useful information for teachers to create a stable and supportive learning environment for children coping with violence.
Mainstreaming Dalits in Nepal: Reinforcing Dalit's Leadership and Mainstreaming in Nepal: Learning from across the Border is the outcome of a India visit by Nepalese delegation. This publication by Panos South Asia aims to reinforce the role of dalits in Nepal's democratisation efforts, and offers policy recommendations for their effective inclusion.
Crisis recovery in Asia: ILO's new report The fallout in Asia: Assessing labour market impacts and national policy responses to the global financial crisis assesses the impact of the crisis in the Asia-Pacific. It highlights fiscal measures that will maximise employment and have a strong multiplier effect on development.
Meeting the MDGs: Going for Goals, a joint publication of Marie Stopes International and seven other UK based international health charities highlights that without greater commitment, the MDGs are unlikely to be met. The booklet also urges readers to send a postcard to their local MP for swift action on these goals.
Regulating monetary policies: What Impact Does Inflation Targeting Have on Unemployment? a One Pager published by International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth argues that inflation targeting does not exacerbate unemployment, but also has no impact on economic growth.
Plight of India's urban poor: UNDP’s India: Urban Poverty Report 2009 says that sloppy city planning and urban land management have left the slum dwellers deprived of basic amenities and livelihood opportunities. Exploring the dynamics of growing urbanisation and poverty, the report aims to sensitise policymakers on protecting the interests of unprivileged population.
What women want: UNIFEM's global report Progress of the World's Women 2008/2009 calls for stronger accountability systems to meet international commitments on women's rights. It says gender equality must become a standard against which public performance is assessed and women must be included in this decision-making process.
A life saver for children: A joint publication of UNICEF and other UN organisations, Facts for Life aims to provide parents and other caregivers with life-saving information on children. One of the most popular books, this republished edition also provides facts on protection of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Climate economics: Frank Ackerman’s new book Can We Afford the Future? The Economics of a Warming World debates the proposition that overly ambitious climate initiatives could hurt the economy. The author argues the need for economic measures that endorse active and large-scale climate protection.
Crisis triggering joblessness: The global recession could cost 50 million people worldwide their jobs, says ILO’s Global Employment Trends Report 2009. Taking forward its decent work agenda, the report calls upon governments to help people through productive investment, income support and active labour market policies.
Stepping up aid for emergencies: UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action Report 2009 notes that overlooked emergencies like disasters and conflicts around the world are worsening hunger, disease and poverty for women and children. The report outlines the need for approximately $1 billion to assist people affected by ongoing food crisis, socio-political unrests and climate change.
Renewing strategy for India-US relations: As the Obama administration comes into power, Asia Society’s latest report: Delivering on the Promise: Advancing US Relations with India calls for a new strategic partnership between the two countries. It argues that deeper collaboration is required on global challenges like security, economic growth, climate change and HIV/AIDS.
Envisioning a new approach to human dignity: Documenting major human rights violations across the globe during the past year, World Report 2009 by Human Rights Watch slams governments for putting the issue on backburner. It calls upon nations to self-examine and change course to make respect for human dignity a truly universal endeavour.
Investing in maternal care: UNICEF’s flagship publication: The State of the World's Children 2009 explores critical issues in maternal and newborn health and thrusts upon creating a supportive environment for women. Examining current practices and policies, the report identifies the interventions and actions that must be scaled up to save lives.
Protecting the needs of disabled in conflict: Women's Refugee Commission publication: Disabilities among Refugees and Conflict-affected Populations: Resource Kit for Fieldworkers provides practical ideas on protecting displaced people with disabilities. It emphasises on making services in refugee camps more accessible to the disabled, particularly women, children and youth, and ensuring their participation in community affairs.
Protecting climate refugees: There exists enough scientific evidence to show that the world’s carrying capacity will be compromised by climate change. Migration and Climate Change published by International Organization for Migration examines development implications of large-scale population movement and responses to these challenges.
Accelerating progress on education: Whilst basic education rights are universally recognised, ways of achieving them are highly contextualised. UNICEF’s Developing Rights-Based Education SWAps in South Asia: From Evidence to Action supports creative thinking and suggests how sector-wide approaches can be an instrument to build an inclusive and equitable education system.
Surviving climate: State of the World 2009: Into a Warming World published by Worldwatch Institute examines the unique scale and vast time horizon of the climate problem. The 26th edition of the flagship series also explores the technological and institutional developments likely to help humanity weather the storm of global warming.
Protecting biodiversity: Conservation of biodiversity is crucial to human sustenance. TERI's latest publication A comprehensive handbook on biodiversity is a useful guide to explore the concept, its value, and linkages with ethnic communities.
Understanding women with disabilities: Hesperian Foundation’s publication titled: A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities captures real life situations of women with disabilities and their issues, experiences and desires. The manual serves as a useful tool to improve their self-reliance and overcome barriers to a healthy life.
Young voices on climate change: Child Voices: Children of Nepal Speak Out on Climate Change Adaptation offers an opportunity to hear young perspectives on climate change adaptation needs. This report finds children have clear knowledge on how to cope with adverse weather patterns and provides recommendations that uphold their rights in adaptation plans.
Thinking feminism afresh: Zealous Reformers, Deadly Laws: Battling Stereotypesby Madhu Kishwar explores the reasons for dismal performance of laws enacted for enforcing women's rights in India. The compilation provides some practical solutions in the form of alternative strategies that may produce better result in combating anti-women practice.
A guide to mobile banking: Banking on Mobiles: Why, How, for Whom?, a paper published by Consultative Group to Assist the Poor discusses the strategic value of mobile banking to expand financial access for the poor. The authors define key factors driving a successful mobile banking operation including types of implementation choices and technologies used.
Breaking the shackles of bondage: UNESCO’s Unfinished Business: A Comparative Survey of Historical and Contemporary Slavery discusses present forms of human bondage in the context of past legacies. Identifying political and institutional weaknesses to address the problem, the report puts emphasis on education, legal reform and effective rehabilitation to realise the anti-slavery agenda.
Challenging new poverty lines: The World Bank recently released its ‘updated’ global poverty estimates. Sanjay G. Reddy in his paper titled: The New Global Poverty Estimates – Digging Deeper into a Hole published by the International Poverty Centre, identifies important gaps in the methodologies for gathering data and its availability across countries.
AIDS: Challenges ahead: UNAIDS latest report AIDS Outlook 2009 presents some of the most pressing issues confronting policymakers today as they respond to AIDS. A combined HIV prevention strategy involving the right mix of behavioural, biomedical and structural actions is needed to help those most at risk.
Securing the world against hunger: FAO’s The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2008 reviews the impact of high food prices on global undernourishment. The report raises awareness about hunger issues, discusses the underlying causes and monitors progress towards hunger reduction targets.
Rights in times of crisis: Unregulated economic policies have curtailed international commitments to end poverty and achieve gender equality says Social Watch's new report Rights is the Answer. It argues for revamping the global financial architecture through a rights-based approach to overcome the current crisis.
Sanitation's silent crisis: WaterAid’s report titled: Tackling the silent killer - the case for sanitation argues that poor sanitation is a major contributing factor in child mortality and yet remains the most neglected MDG target. The report calls on governments to increase investment and prioritise sanitation with development strategies.
Protecting children against AIDS: UNICEF's Children and AIDS: Third Stocktaking Report, 2008 examines emerging evidence and current practices on child protection. The report advocates increased access to early HIV testing for mothers and newborns and making prevention programmes more relevant to the needs of young and adolescents.
Tackling inequities in education: Despite the efforts to improve access to education, inequalities are still entrenched around the globe, notes UNESCO’s latest Education For All Global Monitoring Report 2009. Amidst declining aid flows and weak domestic policies, the report calls for linking education planning with poverty reduction strategies.
Ensuring decent wages: Owing to economic slowdown, people at the bottom of the wage ladder will be squeezed hardest by decreasing rates of pay, says ILO’s Global Wage Report 2008/09. It calls for complementing minimum wages with collective bargaining policies to protect the purchasing power of the most vulnerable.
Reaching out to the excluded: Save the Children’s new publication: Making schools inclusive – How change can happen is about the role of nongovernmental organisations in improving the education system for socially and economically marginalised children in society. This can serve as an important tool in realising the MDG target of universal primary education by 2015.
Adapting children against climate change: International Institute of Environment and Development’s paper titled: Climate Change and Urban Children examines the impact of climate change on poor children in urban areas. It argues that with adequate healthcare, household support and protection, they can be resilient in the face of stress and shocks.
A social safety net for agriculture: A briefing paper titled: Extreme poverty in Bangladesh: Protecting and promoting rural livelihoods by Overseas Development Institute notes that agriculture growth is critical for rural poverty reduction. It argues that social protection programmes can be effective in increasing productivity and addressing people’s vulnerabilities.
Approach to gender-just development: Human Development and Gender, a research paper by Dr Vibhuti Patel advocates that gender sensitive human development ensures an inclusive growth. Challenging conventional indicators to assess progress, the author calls for increased investment in women for effective execution of micro and macro policies.
Youth as agents of cultural change: UNFPA’s latest publication: State of the World Population Report 2008 argues that culturally sensitive approaches are critical for the realisation of human rights and gender equality. The report’s Youth Supplement showcases the role of young people in thus meeting new challenges.
Parliamentarians’ handbook on MDGs: Centre for Legislative Research and Advocacy’s latest publication Handbook for Parliamentarians on the MDGs details existing policy on MDGs in India and provides suggestions for future direction and strategy. The book aims to sensitise public leadership on these goals to ensure their time bound delivery.
Biofuels: Presenting risks and opportunities: Food and Agricultural Organization’s new publication: The State of Food and Agriculture 2008 says the recent growth in biofuel production is seriously impacting the food security of the world. It argues that biofuels are necessary but appropriate policies and investments need to be put in place.
Recovering from conflict: UNDP’s latest report Post-Conflict Economic Recovery: Enabling Local Ingenuity emphasises that recovery programming in war-torn countries must be based on sound understanding of local dynamics. It calls upon international partners to rebuild state’s capacity by generating employment and restoring livelihoods.
A guide to a greener life: Kick the Habit: A UN Guide to Climate Neutrality by the UNEP presents solutions for individuals, NGOs, businesses, cities and countries to reduce climate footprint. For an effective emissions reduction programme, the e-book emphasises the need for a well-organised performing structure in place.
A gender lens for agriculture strategies: World Bank’s Gender in Agriculture, A Sourcebook argues that gender disparities must be addressed to improve agricultural productivity and reduce poverty. It calls for integrating gender-responsive actions in design and implementation of agricultural projects and programmes for better development outcomes.
Going back to primary health care: Primary Health Care – Now More Than Ever, the latest report by WHO documents that health systems worldwide suffer from striking inequities in access to care and cost of service delivery. The report recommends a return to primary healthcare model which is people-centred, affordable and efficient.
Rising income inequalities: ILO’s latest study World of Work Report 2008 finds the income gap between rich and poor households has widened significantly over the years. To boost employment and improve income distribution, the report emphasises a linkage between economic, labour and social policies.
Measuring global hunger: International Food Policy Research Institute’s Global Hunger Index 2008 puts India in an alarming category. According to the report the world has made slow progress in reducing food insecurity since 1990, with dramatic difference among regions and countries.
India's urban poverty in Agra slums: Situated along the banks of river Yamuna, the northern Indian city of Agra takes pride in being the land of the Taj Mahal. But behind this veneer, lie the poverty and squalor of numerous slums. A USAID survey reveals the inhuman living conditions of the urban poor with low progress on MDGs.
Where the mind is without fear: Plan's new report, Learn without fear is an extension of the global campaign to end violence in schools where millions of children are subjected to sexual violence, corporal punishment and bullying by teachers. The report envisions a world where children can dream of learning without the fear of being abused.
Recognising the elderly in emergencies: WHO’s recent publication, Older persons in emergencies: An active ageing perspective focuses on the elderly in conflict related and naturally caused disasters. It also calls upon policy makers for a greater recognition of their roles during such crises by bringing together real-life stories of positive contributions from different parts of the world.
Making Asia-Pacific disaster ready: World Vision’s latest report Planet Prepare says that billions of dollars need to be spent on protecting lives in Asia-Pacific against climate change-induced disasters. The research document examines harmful impact of rising sea levels and frequent storms on the coastal communities of the region.
Governance through a gender lens: Smita Mishra Panda’s edited volume Engendering Governance Institutions: State, Market and Civil Society focuses on ensuring gender equality in governance. The book brings together viewpoints of several scholars in order to understand the role of women in a rapidly transforming social, economic and political landscape of developing countries.
Providing better care for the aged: With average life expectancy of humans increasing, the World Health Organization’s new publication Age-friendly Primary Health Care Centres Toolkit looks at addressing the needs of the elderly. It aims to sensitise primary healthcare workers to deal with age-related ailments like immobility and memory loss.
Donor supported law making in India: Social Watch India has released the first perspective paper titled: Law Under Globalization. Providing an insight into recent trends in both law making processes and judicial behaviour, the paper stresses on how the logic and instruments of globalisation are directly affecting the rule of law in the country.
A tribe lost in transition: Paharias: The Struggle of a Tribe for Recognition, a joint study by India’s Ministry of Rural Development and UNDP, analyses reasons for the tribe's marginalisation in eastern India and suggests measures to improve their livelihoods.
Jobs in a green economy: ILO’s latest publication Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World analyses the changing patterns of employment in an effort to tackle climate change. The study makes a series of recommendations towards increasing global investment to boost energy efficiency in buildings and industry worldwide.
Assessing Asia’s progress on MDGs: The Compilation of MDG Case Studies: Reflecting Progress and Challenges in Asia by the UN Millennium Campaign is a timely publication in run-up to the UN High-Level Event on MDGs. These case studies aim to review governments’ existing policy measures and outline recommendations to accelerate progress in the region.
A rights based approach to MDGs: Poverty is a lack of social goods and not just the lack of ownership of material goods and opportunities, says a new booklet by the Millennium Campaign and OHCHR. The Millennium Development Goals and Human Rights calls for urgent proritisation of a human rights approach in the MDG processes.
Youth for climate change: Two degrees of separation: between hope and despair is a young people’s summary of the Human Development Report 2007-08 jointly developed by the UNDP and Peace Child International. The booklet is a creative document that seeks to inspire youth to take action against climate change.
Women against HIV: The latest brief from International Women’s Health Coalition, Empower Women and Girls to Stay HIV-Negative says that gender inequalities heighten women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It calls for placing the power of prevention in women’s hands by giving them access to reproductive health services and protecting their human rights.
MDG Report 2008: The UN’s Millennium Development Goals Report 2008 outlines the challenges confronting the world in achieving anti-poverty goals by 2015. A most comprehensive global assessment of progress till date, the report warns that rise in global food prices will push another 100 million people into poverty.
An AIDS narrative: AIDS Sutra: Untold stories from India is a unique anthology where sixteen of India’s best known writers go on the road to uncover the country’s AIDS epidemic. The book presents a gripping picture of victims’ experiences shrouded in stigma and denial.
Making science-policy interface work: An e-survey Political Science? Strengthening science-policy dialogue in developing countries commissioned by SciDev.Net reveals that development policy making needs to be integrated with scientific research findings. The survey also calls for enhanced public engagement on science.
Making aid effective for MDGs: OECD’s new publication Reaching Our Development Goals: Why Does Aid Effectiveness Matter? provides a practical roadmap for effective utilisation of aid for development. The booklet urges both donors and developing countries to realign their goals and be accountable to the people by improving the quality and quantity of aid.
Dalits in India are ignored in budgets: Network for Social Accountability has prepared a policy brief on recent budgetary provisions in India for the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The paper: Of Dalits and their Money analyses several anomalies from reduced allocation to improper utilisation of funds meant for one of the most impoverished communities of the country.
Preparing against floods: WaterAid India has developed information, education and communication material for its disaster preparation programme in the flood affected districts of Bihar. These resources comprising posters and audio files in the local language are aimed at educating people about precautions to be taken during such calamities.
Campaign toolkit for MDGs: CIVICUS and Millennium Campaign have developed a MDGs Campaigning Toolkit for civil society organisations engaged in the advocacy for Millennium Development Goals. The manual provides tips on building an effective campaign and strategies to strengthen it at various levels.
Caught between Naxalism and state repression: Being Neutral is Our Biggest Crime, a report by Human Rights Watch documents the atrocities committed on innocent people by Naxalites and state-supported vigilante groups in central India. Based on interviews with the victims of violence, the report recommends tough measures to end all kinds of human rights abuses.
Taking care of the old in emergencies: Older people and Cyclone Nargis, a study by Helpage International reveals that around 700,000 people affected by the deadly cyclone in Myanmar are elderly. It recommends that to realise a successful recovery programme, it is critical to ensure that the particular challenges and needs of older people are addressed.
Prioritising HIV in disasters: Disasters whether natural or man-made disrupt basic services and increase vulnerability of people living with HIV. World Disasters Report 2008 published by The International Federation of Red Cross calls for giving HIV/AIDS a much higher priority in disaster management programmes, whether in preparedness and risk reduction.
Reaffirming sexuality: Good Times for Everyone: Sexuality Questions, Feminist Answers, an anthology by Radhika Chandiramani is a compilation of most commonly experienced concerns related to sexuality. The book serves as an effective guide for women in making choices on issues that are both intimate and challenging.
How to get a CR licence: A useful aid for organisations who intend to apply for a CR licence, or have already submitted their application to the I&B, Applying for SACFA clearance and allotment of frequency for a Community Radio Station: A step by step guide is a new publication that offers clarity to the complex application process in India.
ICT literacy in the Asia-Pacific: Every country today is aspiring to be a knowledge society. Strategy Framework for Promoting ICT Literacy in the Asia Pacific Region is UNESCO’s new publication that analyses the usage of information and communication technologies and suggests measures to promote it further in the region.
Ethnic Burmese women falling prey to trafficking: Worsening economic and political conditions in Myanmar are forcing Kachin women to migrate to China, thus making them vulnerable to trafficking. Eastward Bound, a report published by Burma Digest highlights this grave violation of human rights and urges authorities to address the problem with corrective measures.
Manual on participatory photography: The PhotoVoice Manual is a new ground-breaking guide for the design and delivery of participatory photography projects with marginalised and vulnerable groups. It offers tips and suggestions for all aspects of project development including planning, implementation and promotion of work produced.
HIV prevention at worksite: A new guidebook by Asian Development Bank More Safety: A Resource Manual for Health and Safety in Infrastructure tells how to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among workers at construction sites. The manual cites essential skills for project managers to translate HIV prevention messages more effectively into action.
Tracing the disappeared: In its latest report Denying the Undeniable, Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan, Amnesty International confronts Pakistani authorities on the issue of arbitrary detention of hundreds of people on charges of terrorism and not revealing their whereabouts. The report urges the newly elected government to ensure a speedy investigation of such cases.
Measuring progress on sanitation: Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation, a new report jointly prepared by UNICEF and WHO says that the world is not on track to meet the MDG sanitation target by 2015. The report, however, indicates a positive trend with more people now having access to improved drinking water sources.
Towards an inclusive business model: UNDP’s new report Creating Value for All: Strategies for Doing Business with the Poor demonstrates the effectiveness of more inclusive business models, both for human progress and wealth creation. The report offers strategies and tools for companies to bring in the world’s poor as partners in growth.
Linking gender and environment: Gender and Natural Resource Management published by International Development Research Centre offers a critical feminist perspective on gender relations and natural resource management in the context of Asia’s policy concerns. The book explores ways in which gender discourses shape exclusions and possibilities within development processes.
Reforming Afghanistan's juvenile justice: Justice for Children by AIHRC and UNICEF reveals that despite adopting the Juvenile Code in 2005, Afghanistan is still following a punitive approach towards its children. The report urges the government to invest more to prevent children coming in conflict with the law and focus on rehabilitation.
India’s national strategy to fight global warming: India has recently released its much-awaited document titled National Action Plan on Climate Change. The plan identifies eight priority areas including solar energy, water conservation, agriculture, sustainable habitats, among others, to tackle the threats arising of a changing climate.
Climate change through a gender lens: Women’s Environment and Development Organization’s latest publication titled: Gender, Climate Change & Human Security emphasises the effects of climate change on women, the most disadvantaged and neglected societal group. Recommendations provided enhance the integration of a gender perspective in climate change and human security policies and programmes.
Global citizenry to fight poverty: Oxfam’s latest book From Poverty to Power argues that the world needs both active citizens and effective states for rooting out poverty and inequity. Viewing disparity as both a moral and practical challenge, the book proposes realistic solutions based on collaborative social action.

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