The stakes are clear: digital transformation can either widen divides or bridge them. Through its work with UN agencies and the Resident Coordinators, the Joint SDG Fund has been investing in digital transformation across the world, shaping interlinked policies and channeling investments to country-led initiatives.
In Guatemala, a UN-backed programme has trained public officials and civil society leaders in conflict resolution and empowered Indigenous women to take on leadership roles, strengthening the foundations for peace and inclusive development.
The reality is that change is happening, and it affects our everyday lives. From grassroots initiatives to national policy, we are seeing progress that is real, measurable, collective and worth scaling up.
With the Amazon at the crossroads of climate action, biodiversity, and inclusive development, UN Resident Coordinator in Brazil Silvia Rucks reflects on how community-driven solutions, backed by the Brazil–UN Fund with support from Canada, are fostering resilience, equity, and hope across the region.
When Atitoafaiga Tau-Ioapo, 30, discovered that one of her rugby league teammates was missing, she felt frightened. “Her mom reached out to me and said we haven’t seen her since last night. It’s now 8 p.m. the next day, and we haven’t seen her.”
For women and children in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province in eastern Indonesia, the wait for drinking water has transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity, thanks to a joint UN programme.
A joint programme, "Localize to Realize" (L2R), spearheaded by the United Nations Philippines is empowering Sama Bajau and informal settler families in Surigao City to drive progress for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pave the way for a better future.
From starting dialogue in divided communities to engaging in decision-making to counter hate and disinformation, young people are taking the lead; not just as advocates, but as architects of peace.
