United Nations Development Programme Research Articles

Health economic evaluations for Indonesia: a systematic review assessing evidence quality and adherence to the Indonesian Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Guideline.

The Government of Indonesia implemented health technology assessment (HTA) to ensure quality and cost control in the National Health Insurance Program (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional/JKN). The current aim of the study was to improve the usefulness of future economic evaluation for resource allocation by appraising current methodology, reporting, and source of evidence quality of studies. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to search for relevant studies using a systematic review. The methodology and reporting adherence were appraised according to Indonesia's HTA Guideline issued in 2017. The differences in adherence before and after the guideline dissemination were compared using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for methodology adherence wherever appropriate, and the Mann-Whitney test for reporting adherence. The source of evidence quality was assessed using evidence hierarchy. Two scenarios of the study start date and the guideline dissemination period were tested using sensitivity analyses. Eighty-four studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and two local journals. Only two articles cited the guideline. No statistically significant difference (P>0.05) was found between the pre-dissemination and post-dissemination period with respect to methodology adherence, except for outcome choice. Studies during the post-dissemination period showed a higher score for reporting which was statistically significant (P=0.01). However, the sensitivity analyses revealed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in methodology (except for modelling type, P=0.03) and reporting adherence between the two periods. The guideline did not impact the methodology and reporting standard used in the included studies. Recommendations were provided to improve the usefulness of economic evaluations for Indonesia. The Access and Delivery Partnership (ADP) hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI).

Regeneration and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies in the City of Bhawanipatna

Abstract: Water is one of the essential resources for human survival.it is also a precious national resource linked to every aspect of development. With less than 3% of the Earth's water being fresh, the need to conserve and manage it is crucial. Global warming, climate change causes inadequate rainfall which are the reason for the water stress condition of india.it effect the level of water in ponds and lakes and eventually dries them up. Water bodies like lakes and ponds are integral for drinking water, agriculture, and urban purposes. Assessing freshwater resources and implementing conservation measures are essential for sustainable development. Watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling are essential for sustainable water supply in the coming future. Regeneration and rejuvenation of water bodies are important for sustainable development of cities and town as they help in water conservation, ground water recharge, improve climatic conditions, supports bio-diversity, etc. In which community plays important role in the regeneration and rejuvenation process. Bhawanipatna is the city and the districts headquarter of the Kalahandi district in the Indian state of Odisha. These water bodies both big and small have an inseparable impact on the aestheticity and operational functionality of the city. They are a vital part of the temperature regulatory mechanism and help the city in various other ways. Bhawanipatna, having highest population growth in the Kalahandi District, faces an imminent and acute water scarcity due to the lack of development as compared to other cities. Asha Sagar Pond which is located at the epicenter of Bhawanipatna has a significant amount of land cover that impacts the lifestyle and influences the microclimate of the study area. Implementation of water management scheme with local community participation is essential for sustainable urban development of cities and towns. Restoration methods such as preventive and ameliorative method can help in overcoming water scarcity at a micro to city level. There is a growing concern in many quarters that the world is running out of water. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report 2006, for over a billion people around the world, water access is unreliable, unsafe or beyond their purchasing power (UNDP, 2006). Urban areas in India are facing a water crisis due to loss of watershed, increasing levels of pollution, deteriorating water balance, lowering of water table and a dire lack of groundwater recharge (Singh, 2012). Regeneration and rejuvenation of water bodies are important for sustainable development of cities and town as they help in water conservation, ground water recharge, improve climatic conditions, supports bio-diversity

Informados y confiados: el efecto del consumo de medios de comunicación tradicional y digital sobre la confianza de los chilenos en 2015

La confianza de las personas, interpersonal o institucional, ayuda a explicar interacciones entre individuos y otros fenómenos sociales, resulta clave tratar de entender por qué la gente confía. El consumo de medios de comunicación ha sido considerado como un factor importante para entender en el comportamiento de los individuos. Pero el efecto entre el consumo de medios tradicionales sobre la confianza de las personas es considerada positiva por algunos y negativa por otros. Además, existe menos evidencia sobre el efecto del consumo de medios de comunicación digitales sobre la confianza de las personas. Utilizando la encuesta del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo – Índice de Desarrollo Humano 2015 (PNUD-IDH 2015), evalúo el efecto del consumo de medios tradicionales y digitales sobre la confianza interpersonal e institucional de los chilenos en 2015. Reporto que consumir distintos tipos de medios de comunicación motiva diferentes tipos de confianza. Así, mientras el consumo de medios tradicionales aumenta la confianza en las instituciones, el consumo de medios digitales fomenta la confianza interpersonal de los chilenos en 2015

How Peace Tourism Involves Youth in Peacebuilding: Examples from Maluku-Indonesia?

Abstract This study aims to describe peace tourism involving youth to fill the peacebuilding gap after the Ambon-Maluku conflict. Peace tourism in many places focuses on the role of the private sector, government, and the international community without involving youth. Polarization in society strengthened due to the presidential elections of the Republic of Indonesia in 2014 and 2019, and the Jakarta governor election in 2017, thus exacerbating the peacebuilding gap. This research uses qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and literature study. The results of the study show that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) together with national and local institutions carried out peace tourism on January 25–30, 2018. They chose 120 youth, and 82.5% came from outside Maluku Province. Peace tourism involves visiting locations where conflicts occur and attending the 35th world peace gong. For example, the Red-White Bridge, Batu Merah, and Passo villages were discussed with Islamic and Christian leaders, journalists, youth communities that care about peace, and others. During peace tourism, youth are enthusiastic about learning about the history of conflict and influencing communities to restore social relations. After the peace tour, they return to their area to become peacekeepers. Unfortunately, this program is not sustainable.

Role of Financial Performance of Global Islamic and Conventional Microfinance Institutions in Sustainable Development Goals Achievement

The achievement of sustainable development goals is a challenge for United Nations Development Programme member countries. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore and compare the role that the financial performance of global Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions playing achieving sustainable development goals by using non-traditional indexes. Further, the study also checked the moderating role of institution size in this relationship. Results indicate that the financial performance of both Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions is important to achieving sustainable development goals. Institution size as a moderator has a negative impact on the financial performance of conventional microfinance institutions in achieving sustainable development due to the possibility of commercialization. In terms of policy recommendations, the results of this study present several policy directions for both Islamic and conventional institution managers for both developed and developing countries. Both Islamic and conventional MFIs managers should focus on financial performance to achieve sustainable development goals. The managers should realize that in the case of increasing the institution's size, financial performance can be improved, but it also creates commercialization, making the main objective of serving the poorest customers difficult. This study also gives directions to the government, central bodies, and other regulatory authorities to develop policies for improving the financial performance of both Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions to achieve sustainable development goals. This study has taken two indicators of financial performance that are extensively discussed in the literature. For future studies, other financial performance indicators can be included in the study.

A vicious cycle of superficial conceptualization: Deconstructing nature in social innovation (policy) discourse

Critical studies of social innovation (SI) reveal sustainability concepts are widely used by scholars, policy makers and practitioners on a superficial level (Eichler & Schwarz, 2019). Even if SI is mainly linked to social and economic dimensions, the relationship between SI and environment is still vague and needs further research. One possible reason for this disconnectedness would be the dominating anthropocentric assumptions instead of ecocentric assumptions? To fill this gap, this paper aims to explore the conceptualization of nature in SI documents. We do this through an analysis of United Nations (UN) publications, particularly, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs. In addition, we consider how SI is understood, executed, promoted and how perceptions of nature affect SI. Eco-critical discourse analysis (ECDA) is adopted as an analytical approach for this study. This study utilizes texts as empirical material on SI published by the UN. The focus on the UN is appropriate, as they are a highly influential institution on national economies in shaping their SI policies and practices. Therefore, this study is undertaken on the basis that the discourse of these documents affects the SI discourse and practices of countries and the field. The contribution of this study lies in its effort to reveal embedded propositions in SI texts through language-driven analysis, then to discuss how a deeper understanding would regain the agenda for long-lasting socio-economic problems through an ecocentric critical discourse.

Reproductive Challenges of Chinese Females---From Economic and Health Perspectives

Gender inequality has always been prevalent in China in the areas of economics, education, health, and politics. Ranked the 39th out of 189 countries on the Gender Inequality Index of the United Nations Development Program, China has persisting gender wage gap--- females earnings are roughly 71.5% of males. During the reproduction process where both genders undertake different physiological and social roles, inequality concerning wage, employment, social welfare, and healthcare exists. The study explores socioeconomic and health inequalities faced by Chinese females during the reproduction process compared to their male counterparts, including wage disparities, unemployment, downward job transfers, postpartum mental disorders, and physical health issues. The paper shows that the gender pay gap has been persistent in China in recent decades and demonstrates an ascending trend regarding the childbearing and child-caring periods. There is also a persistent employment gap between both genders, which worsens particularly after reproduction. The career positions of Chinese females are negatively influenced by motherhood. Besides socioeconomic status, research demonstrates a high level of postpartum depression and physical disorders in new moms. Last but not least, the study aims to carry out feasible approaches to cure inequalities during the reproduction process, guaranteeing females sufficient access to broad social welfare.

Knowledge Transfer in Support of the Development of Oxygen Concentrators in Emergency Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously disrupted supply chains and generated an urgent demand in medical infrastructure. Among personal protective equipment and ventilators, there was also an urgent demand for chemical oxygen. As devices to purify oxygen could not be manufactured and shipped rapidly enough, a simple and accessible oxygen concentrator based on pressure swing adsorption was developed at ETH Zurich in spring 2020. Instead of building devices locally and shipping them, it was decided to educate others in need of oxygen. The implementation encompassed education on process chemistry, material choice, and assembly and optimization of the concentrator and was realized using synchronous teaching tools, such as video call, and asynchronous ones, such as a website and video streaming. The project gained traction and interaction with engineering teams from universities and non-Governmental Organizations (Red Cross and the UN Development Program) in developing countries and emerging market economies, including Ecuador, Mexico, Somalia, and Peru. At the end of the project, the teams were surveyed regarding their experience in the educative knowledge transfer. It was reported that the learning experience prepared these groups well to build the device and to teach others as well. Major challenges were accessing some parts of the device and optimizing its performance. While synchronous communication is expected to be a very effective teaching method, the survey results showed that explanations via a website and video streaming have contributed the most to the implementation of the oxygen concentrator and thereby provide autonomous and sustainable education tools.

PROBLEMATYKA MIGRANTÓW KLIMATYCZNYCH

The paper concerns the issue of climate migrants, the causes of this phenomenon, and postulates in this respect. It should be indicated that currently there are no binding legislative acts that would regulate the legal status of a climate migrant. The definition of the term ‘refugee’ in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951 covers only those who are forced to change their place of residence for fear of persecution. However, the term ‘environmental refugee’, or ‘climate refugee’, has been used in the literature and in international legal documents, e.g. in the report for the United Nations Development Programme of 1985. Due to climate change and other environmental factors, the problem of environmental migrants has become a reality. Small island states, such as Tuvalu, the Maldives, and Kiribati, are among the most vulnerable to climate change, including rising sea levels and risk of flooding. Therefore, appropriate legal measures should be taken to fill the legislative gap and to provide appropriate legal protection to persons who seek asylum in other states due to climate threats.

ANALYSIS OF THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO IMPROVING THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF UKRAINE

The article summarizes scientific and methodological principles of strategic planning of socio-economic development at the regional level in Ukraine. The main goal of strategic planning of regional development is determined and the main stages of developing a system of regional economic development forecasts are considered. The process of developing a strategic plan for socio-economic development of the region is analyzed, and the factors influencing the process of developing this strategy are also considered. The purpose of the article is the formation of theoretical and methodological foundations of strategic planning of regional development based on the analysis and theoretical generalization of methodological tools on the problem of research, development practice and the content of regional development strategies in Ukraine.
 Methodological foundations and legal basis of strategic planning are revealed both in the research of scientists and in the works and documents of Ukrainian and international experts. In the theory of strategic planning, general characteristics and tools for the implementation of this process are determined at various levels: the national level, individual territorial administrative units, and enterprises. Among the latest publications on the issues of this research, monographs by V. Vartsaba, N. Smentin, and scientific articles by O. Shevchenko, S. Ivanov, A. Chernykhivska, and others should be noted.
 International experience and practical foundations of strategic planning of regional development are outlined in the latest publications of the UN Development Program, as well as confirmed by experts of international projects and programs to promote local development in Ukraine.
 Practical implications: The author has justified the need to include budgeting in the system of methods of strategic economic analysis and developed an algorithm for methodical economic analysis of the activity of a commercial organization.
 Originality: As a result of using the methodological foundations of strategic economic analysis, a scheme of correspondence of methods to the stages of its organization has been developed.
 Conclusions: The author has highlighted traditional (statistical), economic-mathematical and special techniques in the system of methods of strategic economic analysis, emphasized the relevance of the toolkit of strategic economic analysis for a commercial organization operating in modern economic conditions, and also emphasized the prospects for development in the field of improvement and expansion of the methodological base of this direction.
 The quality of strategic planning of the socio-economic development of the region largely depends on the scientific and methodological support of this process. To ensure the expediency of strategic planning and to achieve a cumulative positive effect from the implementation of the developed strategy, it is necessary to combine the efforts of the management and administrative- financial, production and scientific-technical spheres, to involve the fullness and optimization of the natural, human, scientific-technological and innovative potential of the region. The main tasks and priorities of regional development at the current stage are overcoming crisis phenomena in socio-economic fields and increasing the pace of economic recovery.

Comparing regime types – ‘most similar’ cases in East Asia

The People's Republic of China (PRC), the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Singapore represent different types of political regimes and provide a fascinating contrast concerning their performance with regard to the global conflict between liberal democracies and autocracies. This paper examines briefly their common historical backgrounds and provides a detailed analysis of common ‘Asian’ cultural features and popular support for democracy on the micro-level. It then systematically assesses their performance concerning liberal democracy and quality, governance scores, and socio-economic development. Finally, the reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic are documented showing again specific regime characteristics. We use most recent V-Dem, World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, World Values Surveys and similar data. The conclusions point to possible international consequences and the crucial position of Taiwan.

Global incidence and mortality of renal cell carcinoma in 2020

Objective: To analyze the global epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 2020. Methods: The incidence and mortality data of RCC in the cooperative database GLOBOCAN 2020 of International Agency for Research on Cancer of WHO and the human development index (HDI) published by the United Nations Development Programme in 2020 were collated. The crude incidence rate (CIR), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and mortality/incidence ratio (M/I) of RCC were calculated. Kruskale-Wallis test was used to analyze the differences in ASIR or ASMR among HDI countries. Results: In 2020, the global ASIR of RCC was 4.6/100 000, of which 6.1/100 000 for males and 3.2/100 000 for females and ASIR was higher in very high and high HDI countries than that in medium and low HDI countries. With the rapid increase of age after the age of 20, the growth rate of ASIR in males was faster than that in females, and slowed down at the age of 70 to 75. The truncation incidence rate of 35-64 years old was 7.5/100 000 and the cumulative incidence risk of 0-74 years old was 0.52%. The global ASMR of RCC was 1.8/100 000, 2.5/100 000 for males and 1.2/100 000 for females. The ASMR of males in very high and high HDI countries (2.4/100 000-3.7/100 000) was about twice that of males (1.1/100 000-1.4/100 000) in medium and low HDI countries, while the ASMR of female (0.6/100 000-1.5/100 000) did not show significant difference. ASMR continued to increase rapidly with age after the age of 40, and the growth rate of males was faster than that of females. The truncation mortality rate of 35-64 years old was 2.1/100 000, and the cumulative mortality risk of 0-74 years old was 0.20%. M/I decreases with the increase of HDI, with M/I as 0.58 in China, which was higher than the global average of 0.39 and the United States' 0.17. Conclusion: The ASIR and ASMR of RCC presented significant regional and gender disparities globally, and the heaviest burden was in very high HDI countries.

Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates Associated with Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Use and the Human Development Index in 172 Countries Worldwide: An Ecological Study 2019-2020.

Tobacco use is associated with diseases worldwide, including cancer. This is one of the major public health problems globally, causing more than 19 million new cases in 2020. Lip and oral cavity cancer (LOCC) is neoplastic growth in the tongue, gums, and lips. The objective of this ecological study was to quantify the strength of the association between incidence and mortality of LOCC, with tobacco use and with the Human Development Index (HDI). Incidence and mortality data on LOCC were obtained for 172 countries in 2020, from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). The prevalence of tobacco smoking and chewing was obtained from reports conducted in 2019. The inequality in human development was estimated using the HDI from the United Nations Development Program, Human Development Report (2019). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the incidence of LOCC and tobacco smoking and chewing prevalence, except for negative correlations between the prevalence of tobacco smoking LOCC mortality in women, just as in the case of the HDI. No statistically significant differences were found between the prevalence of tobacco chewing only and the incidence of LOCC overall and by sex. A higher LOCC incidence overall and by sex was associated with higher HDI. In conclusion, the present study found positive correlations for various HDI socioeconomic indicators and tobacco use with the incidence and mortality of LOCC, but also a few inverse correlations.

Multidimensional poverty vis-à-vis climate change vulnerability: Empirical evidence from flood-prone rural communities of Charsadda and Nowshera districts in Pakistan

Pakistan is among the top five countries that have been severely impacted by extreme weather events. Its population, a majority of which is poor, is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This study aims to examine the correlation between multidimensional poverty and climate change vulnerability in the rural areas of the Nowshera and Charsadda districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Data were collected from 452 households through a pre-tested questionnaire that assessed poverty and climate change vulnerability. The multidimensional poverty index, based on the United Nations Development Programme and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, was used to determine poverty levels, while the livelihood and climate change vulnerability indices were developed to quantify the level of climate change vulnerability. The results of the study revealed that half of the population in the study area falls below the multidimensional poverty threshold. Nowshera had a higher number of multidimensionally poor people, and the intensity of poverty was greater than in Charsadda. Nowshera was found to be more deprived in all three dimensions of poverty, i.e., education, health, and standard of living. However, in terms of climate change vulnerability, Charsadda lagged behind in the dimensions of livelihood strategies, social networks, socio-demographic profiles, and food. On the other hand, Nowshera was found to be more vulnerable in the dimensions of natural assets, financial assets, and health. Overall, the results showed that Nowshera was more vulnerable to floods compared to Charsadda. The study found a strong positive correlation between the multidimensional poverty index and the climate change vulnerability indices, implying a close relationship between the two concepts.

Effect of natural resources rents on income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa: exploring the direct and indirect transmission mechanisms

PurposeThe reduction of income inequality and the ways to fight against it are source of debate among scientific communities and policymakers. Rents from natural resources that African countries are endowed with remain one way to cope with income inequality, but its influence on income inequality is mixed. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the direct and indirect transmission mechanisms through which natural resources rents can affect income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis study obtained data on income inequality from the Standardised World Income Inequality Data database, natural resources rents from World Bank’s Development Indicators and education from United Nations Development Programme for the period 1990–2018. It was analysed using system generalised method of moments.FindingsThe results of this study showed that natural resources rents solely increased income inequality, but its interaction with education significantly reduced income inequality.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings suggest that the reduction of income inequality by natural resources rents passes through a good education system in sub-Saharan African countries.Originality/valueIn previous studies, authors analysed the role of education in the relationship between natural resources rents and income inequality by inserting the two variables separately in the model. But in this paper, the author analysed the role of education in the relationship between natural resources rents and income inequality by using the interaction of natural resources rents and education.

GENDER INEQUALITY INDEX: CALCULATING ANALYSIS

Abstract:
 Gender inequality remains a persistent issue worldwide. In order to measure and track progress towards gender equality, the Gender Inequality Index (GII) was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2010. The GII is a composite index that measures gender-based inequalities in three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation. This paper provides an overview of the methodology used to calculate the GII, including the selection of indicators and the weighting system. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of the GII as a measure of gender inequality, and highlight areas for future research.

Association between gender social norms and cardiovascular disease mortality and life expectancy: an ecological study

ObjectiveExamine the association between country-level gender social norms and (1) cardiovascular disease mortality rates; (2) female to male cardiovascular disease mortality ratios; and (3) life expectancy.DesignEcological study with the country...

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

The Impact of Air Pollution on the Happiness Index of ASEAN Communities

Happiness is the primary human goal, so a more inclusive, fair, and balanced approach is required to promote a sustainable economy, poverty alleviation, and the happiness and well-being of all people (SDGs Pyramid to Happiness, United Nations 2012). The Human Development Index (HDI) is one indicator that can be used as a benchmark for sustainable development that supports the implementation of the SDGs. In addition to HDI, Per capita income is also pivotal because it involves the community’s ability to meet basic human needs (clothing, board food). Air pollution is a complex problem in today’s society, which secretly seeks public health. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of the HDI, Per Capita Income, and Air Pollution on community happiness. The study population consisted of nine countries in the ASEAN region for the 2015-2019 period. This quantitative research uses secondary data from the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program, and the State of Global Air. The dependent variable used was the Happiness Index (HI), while the independent variables used were the Human Development Index (HDI), Per Capita Income (PCI), and Air Pollution (AP). In this study, to conduct panel data regression analysis, Random Effect Model is assisted with the statistical software Eviews 10. The results of this study indicate that PI (sig. 0,02; coefficient value 0,40) has a positive and significant effect, while HDI (sig. 0,30; coefficient value 1,37) has a positive and not significant effect on HI, and AP (sig. 0,47; coefficient value -0.02) has a negative and insignificant impact on HI. Therefore, the government and society must strive to improve the quality of human resources and the environment to increase people’s happiness.

(Transnational) Organized crime and corruption in conflict settings: Interview with Ms Ghada Waly

Ghada Waly is the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. She holds the rank of Undersecretary-General of the United Nations. She previously served as Minister of Social Solidarity of Egypt and chaired the Executive Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs. She has also served as Assistant Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Program. Ms Waly holds an MA and a BA in humanities from Colorado State University.