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Brazil’s return: Food security and social protection

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Institute of Development Studies (30.08.2023) To the international community, Brazil’s record on food security and social protection until relatively recently was exemplary, even enviable. The level of child stunting in Brazil fell from 25% in the mid-1980s to 15% in the mid-1990s and just 5% by the mid-2010s. This is a remarkable success story. Throughout the same 30-year period, the rate of child stunting in South Africa, a country that shares many characteristics with Brazil, remained constant at about 25%. 

Regions / Country
brazil
Global challenges
Document Type

The answer to the problem of loneliness and ageism among older adults may lie in community resilience

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Morningstar (30.08.2023)  'Imagine what our society could look like if we focused on building resilient communities.' Ageism and loneliness are two relevant public health issues, mainly affecting older adults' mental health. As the average life expectancy increases, these issues tend to coexist and may threaten the quality of life of older adults, particularly those with significant barriers.

Global challenges
Document Type

Bangladesh: PM Hasina opens universal pension scheme

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dhakatribune.com (17.08.2023) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday inaugurated the much-talked-about Universal Pension Scheme to bring all the people of the country aged above 18 under the scheme. She initially opened the pension scheme — Pragati, Surokkha, Samata and Prabashi — joining the inaugural program virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the morning. After launching the scheme, the premier said: "We opened the Universal Pension Scheme in the Month of Mourning.

Regions / Country
bangladesh
Global challenges
Topics
Pensions
Document Type

UK: Is the gig up for the gig economy? (Part one)

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hrmagazine.co.uk (17.08.2023) The gig economy continues to be a hot topic for discussion as the UK works on its position on fair work. Dan Cave uncovers the current climate and explores the alternatives.

Regions / Country
united kingdom
Digital plateform workers
Document Type

Care Economy and Gender-Transformative Social Protection in India and the G20 Countries

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orfonline.org (08.08.2023) By taking a gender-transformative and a rights-based entitlement approach, this Policy Brief stresses the importance of investing in the care economy within the context of COVID-19 recovery plans, the G20 agenda of striving for just and equitable growth, and India’s Vision 2047. Ensuring greater gender equality in the distribution of paid and unpaid work can be socially transformative and enhance gross domestic product.

Regions / Country
india
Topics
Health
Gender equality
Document Type

Canada: How portable benefits can support inclusivity among gig workers

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Benefits Canada.com (06.07.2023) Amid the growing gig economy, as well as workers’ calls for increased flexibility and a volatile labour market, there’s increasing demand for portable benefits.

Regions / Country
canada
Digital plateform workers
Document Type

ILO launches a series of country briefs on youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa

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ilo.org (29.06.2023) The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation , has launched a new series of policy briefs examining trends and issues in youth employment, including the impact of COVID-19 in seven sub-Saharan African countries.

Global challenges
Topics
Employment of young workers
Document Type

UK. Fifth of savers want oil excluded from their pensions

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pensionpolicyinternational.com (19.06.2023) A growing number of pension savers would like to see the oil sector completely excluded from their pension fund’s investments. Some 21 per cent of pension savers say they want oil to be axed from their pension, according to a survey from online pension provider PensionBee. This has jumped from 15 per cent of pension savers last year. Alongside oil, the main investments people want excluded from their pensions are companies contributing to deforestation, habitat destruction and predatory lending.

Regions / Country
united kingdom
Topics
Pensions
Document Type

Korea: Rapid population aging to accelerate income inequity: BOK

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The Korea Times (14.06.2023) Income inequality in Korea is likely to accelerate due to a rapidly aging population, according to a report released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on Wednesday. The report revealed that income inequality among households has worsened by 30 percent over the past 25 years, largely as a result of the aging population. "The aging population is expected to have a significant negative impact on the Korean economy, not only by lowering labor productivity and increasing the burden of care, but also by widening economical inequality," the report noted.

Regions / Country
korea, Republic of
Global challenges
Topics
Old-age pensions
Document Type