Knowledge articles in: Development

3D Printing: Adding a Sustainable Dimension to Modern Life

Modern 3D printing is already well on the way to revolutionising traditional manufacturing processes, but it also has huge potential for sustainable development and humanitarian aid. Read on

Changing the World in 17 Strides: the Sustainable Development Goals and Who Is Working to Reach Them

An ambitious initiative drawn up by the United Nations in September 2015 sets the bar high for participant states in raising quality of life for people and planet. Read on

Drones: Propelling Sustainable Development

The word 'drone' often conjures up imagery and associations with warfare due to the heavy use of drones by the military. However, drones, which are often referred to as UAVs – unmanned aerial vehicles, are being used more and more in other ways in society. Read on

Mobile Technology and Sustainable Development

With mobile devices becoming cheaper and network coverage growing stronger, the uptake of mobile technology is still on an upward swing. Given the ubiquity of mobile phones and their use among a broad cross-section of the global population, many creative thinkers are harnessing the potential of mobile technology to bridge knowledge gaps, alleviate poverty and help our environment. Read on

Environmental Refugees (Climate Change and How it Affects People's Lives)

Global warming affects the livelihoods of more and more people sometimes to such an extent that they have to leave their homes either temporarily or permanently, becoming environmental refugees. Read on

Education for Sustainable Development

As defined by the Brundtland Commission, "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The Brundtland Commission, formerly also known as the World Commission on Environment and Development was formed in 1983. Read on

Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically modified crops (GM crops) are crops which have had their DNA altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Individual genes which promote durability or nutritional value are transferred from one organism to another to create biologically robust plants. Read on

Sustainable Cities

In today’s fast paced world, a city is not merely a place to live, it’s a catalyst in the process of economic and social growth and innovation. Read on

Grow It Where You Live - Seeds in a Globalised World

Seeds, worldwide, are the basic material for food production. This basis is threatened by international seed companies which pressure the sector with the aim of privatising and monopolising it. More and more severe regulations affect the exchange of seeds or results in them being given away for free. Read on

Is the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol contributing to Sustainable Development?

The purpose of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is defined in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Read on

Microcredit Schemes – Miracle, Disaster or Somewhere in Between?

The term "microfinance" or "microcredit" - the provision of financial services and small loans to people who don't qualify for traditional banking services - is a concept that many of us are familiar with. But when it comes to tackling poverty, how helpful is it really? Read on

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted by 189 nations and signed by 147 heads of state and governments during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. Read on

Let’s make India a competitive country

Competitiveness is a key part of achieving development in all countries and India is not an exception. The struggle and efforts in this area will contribute to positive results in the political, economic, cultural, scientific, technological and innovation, social spheres among others. Read on

Sustainable Development Goals should be India's Focus

The ideal world-and the most prevalent idea of the future that one can think of-must consist, essentially, of social inclusion for all, constant economic growth and a clean and secure environment. For this, we must move beyond economic wealth as the indicator and vehicle of the progress of humanity. Most importantly, sustainable development goals should: Read on