Wetlands represent a vital ecosystem and are known as the kidneys of the Earth. These ecosystems, among other things, naturally clean water, protect against floods, recharge underground aquifers, and aid in maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.  Iran’s geography is distinct, teeming with diverse landscapes. The country has various wetlands, 26 of which were listed in the International Ramsar Convention. Launched in 2005, the Conservation of the Iranian Wetlands Project (CIWP) has been instrumental in safeguarding Iran’s target wetlands through an ecosystem-based management approach. Initially funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) from 2005 to 2014, the project has since evolved, with UNDP and the Department of Environment (DoE) placing greater emphasis on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation by fostering community participation in wetland management. This long-standing collaboration has been made possible through the continued generosity of the People and Government of Japan over the past decade (2014-2024). Building on this support, in December 2024, UNDP welcomed a new contribution from Japan to further enhance wetland management and climate resilience in Iran. Lake Urmia, a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species, served as the initial pilot site for CIWP gradually expanding to Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands, and later to Anzali wetland. The project aimed to alleviate pressure on the scarce water resources through climate-smart agriculture and water efficient practices on one hand and promoting diversification of incomes and sustainable livelihoods to enhance community resilience to climate change impacts on the other. Over the past decade, through CIWP, UNDP has supported 14,732 farmers across 269 villages. This support has led to an average 30% reduction in irrigation water usage in pilot locations of the Lake Urmia Basin, and a 27.7% reduction in the Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands. Across these regions, the project has also increased crop production by 22.5% while cutting chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, by 25% or more. These efforts have significantly improved agricultural yields and crop quality in the Lake Urmia Basin, as well as in Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands.Furthermore, to enhance the access of the local producers to the digital markets, 11 digital mini- hubs were established in East and West Azerbaijan provinces as connecting points where local producers can package, market, and onboard their products in digital platforms, offering a practical guide to how fit-for-purpose digital solutions can enhance social welfare and prosperity through a whole-of-society approach. Experience shows that offering alternative means to livelihoods dependent on wetlands can eventually reduce the pressure and preserve these precious ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.  UNDP will pay efforts to sustain the development gains in the management of target wetlands in Iran to preserve these globally significant ecosystems and their biodiversity. UNDP, as the lead agency on sustainable human development, remains committed to transferring the accumulated knowledge and best practices to take the results in pilot areas to scale.  , filtered_html

The Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) concluded its Ninth Session on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 in Tehran, with participants joining both in person and virtually. Hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the session brought together member countries, observers, and regional organizations to review the Centre’s progress and set strategic priorities for the coming year.The session opened with remarks by Jamshed Kamolzoda, Head of the Main Department for the Protection of the Population and Territories of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan, who presided over the session. Mr. Mohammad Ghasemi, Deputy Head of the Plan and Budget Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), also delivered opening remarks.Delegates representing APDIM’s Governing Council member countries- Bangladesh; Cambodia; India; Islamic Republic of Iran; Macao, China; Mongolia; Tajikistan; and Türkiye—were present in the session. Other ESCAP member states joined as observers, including Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. Representatives from regional organizations such as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), were also in attendance.The Council reviewed APDIM’s activities and achievements since its last session. Discussions focused on advancement in disaster information management, capacity building and regional cooperation. An independent evaluation of the Centre’s performance was also presented, providing valuable insights into future planning.During the session, the Islamic Republic of Iran was elected as the new Chair of the Governing Council, succeeding Tajikistan. India was elected Vice-Chair for the upcoming term.Key outcomes of the session included the adoption of APDIM’s programme of work for 2025, taking note of the report on the activities of the Centre, the briefing on the process and key findings of the evaluation of the Centre, as well as APDIM’s report on its administrative and financial status. The Ninth Session of the Governing Council reaffirmed APDIM’s readiness to further contribute to strengthening disaster information management across the Asia-Pacific region, and supporting resilience-building efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals., filtered_html

Iran has significant potential for renewable energy, with 60,000 MW of solar capacity and 30,000 MW of wind potential. National targets aim to install 30,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 and reduce power consumption by 10,000 MW. However, challenges such as energy intensity remain. UNDP Iran is actively supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy and improved energy efficiency. To support long-term sustainability, UNDP developed an energy efficiency certificate framework, approved by the Economic Council, and equipped laboratories and vocational training centers to improve skills in clean energy sectors. Additional contributions include creating an MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) framework for the Department of Environment, revising Energy Compliance Building Code 19, and setting up an Energy Monitoring Information System for the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.In addition, energy efficiency solutions were piloted in building sector – one of areas that accounts for the largest share of energy consumption in Iran. Solar panels have also been installed at various locations, including eight disaster centers under Tehran Municipality. These initiatives have reduced energy consumption and also created over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy.UNDP is committed to continue supporting efforts in Iran to strengthen economic resilience, reduce emissions, and achieve a sustainable energy future.Globally, UNDP’s energy portfolio includes 384 initiatives across 128 countries. Aligned with the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, these projects aim to provide direct benefits to 81.5 million people by granting access to clean energy or its productive use, while also benefiting an estimated 100 million individuals indirectly. In Iran, collaboration with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) continues to focus on addressing barriers, improving policies, and fostering investment in renewable energy development., filtered_html

Global economic growth is projected to remain at 2.8 per cent in 2025, unchanged from 2024, according to the United Nations flagship report, World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2025, released today. While the global economy has demonstrated resilience, withstanding a series of mutually reinforcing shocks, growth remains below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2 per cent, constrained by weak investment, sluggish productivity growth, and high debt levels.
The report notes that lower inflation and ongoing monetary easing in many economies could provide a modest boost to global economic activity in 2025. However, uncertainty still looms large, with risks stemming from geopolitical conflicts, rising trade tensions and elevated borrowing costs in many parts of the world. These challenges are particularly acute for low-income and vulnerable countries, where sub-par and fragile growth threatens to further undermine progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Countries cannot ignore these perils. In our interconnected economy, shocks on one side of the world push up prices on the other. Every country is affected and must be part of the solution—building on progress made,” said António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, in the foreword to the report. “We’ve set a path. Now it’s time to deliver. Together, let’s make 2025 the year we put the world on track for a prosperous, sustainable future for all.”
Regional economic outlook: Diverging growth prospects
Growth in the United States is projected to moderate from 2.8 per cent in 2024 to 1.9 per cent in 2025, as the labour market softens, and consumer spending slows. Europe is expected to recover modestly, with GDP growth increasing from 0.9 per cent in 2024 to 1.3 per cent in 2025, supported by easing inflation and resilient labour markets, though fiscal tightening and long-term challenges such as weak productivity growth and an ageing population, continue to weigh on the economic outlook.
East Asia is forecast to grow by 4.7 per cent in 2025—driven by China’s projected stable growth of 4.8 per cent—supported by robust private consumption across the region. South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region, with GDP growth projected at 5.7 per cent in 2025, led by India’s robust 6.6 per cent expansion. Growth in Africa is forecast to rise modestly from 3.4 per cent in 2024 to 3.7 per cent in 2025, thanks to recoveries in major economies including Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, conflicts, rising debt-servicing costs, lack of employment opportunities and increasing severity of climate-change impacts weigh on Africa’s outlook.
Trade rebound and monetary easing Global trade is expected to grow by 3.2 per cent in 2025, following a rebound of 3.4 per cent in 2024 driven by improved exports of manufactured goods from Asia and strong services trade. However, trade tensions, protectionist policies, and geopolitical uncertainties are significant risks to the outlook. Global inflation is projected to decline from 4 per cent in 2024 to 3.4 per cent in 2025, providing some relief to households and businesses. Major central banks expected to further cut interest rates in 2025 as inflationary pressures continue to ease. While continuing to moderate, inflation in many developing countries is expected to remain above recent historical averages, with one in five projected to face double-digit levels in 2025.
Threats from high debt-servicing burdens and elevated food inflation
For developing economies, easing global financial conditions could help reduce borrowing costs, but access to capital remains uneven. Many low-income countries continue to grapple with high debt-servicing burdens and limited access to international financing. The report emphasizes that Governments should seize any fiscal space created by monetary easing to prioritize investments in sustainable development, especially in critical social sectors.
Despite easing global inflation, food inflation remains elevated, with nearly half of developing countries experiencing rates above 5 per cent in 2024. This has deepened food insecurity in low-income countries already facing extreme weather events, conflicts, and economic instability. The report warns that persistent food inflation, coupled with slow economic growth, could push millions further into poverty.
Critical minerals: A vital opportunity for accelerating sustainable development
The report highlights the potential of critical minerals for the energy transition—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—and also for accelerating progress towards the SDGs in many countries.
For resource-rich developing countries, rising global demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity to boost growth, create jobs, and increase public revenues for investment in sustainable development. However, the report warns that these opportunities come with significant risks. Poor governance, unsafe labour practices, environmental degradation, and over-reliance on volatile commodity markets could exacerbate inequalities and harm ecosystems, undermining long-term development gains.
“Critical minerals have immense potential to accelerate sustainable development, but only if managed responsibly,” said Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “Governments must adopt forward-looking policies and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to drive sustainable extraction, equitable benefit-sharing, and investments in building productive capacities to maximize the development gains from these resources.”
Call for bold multilateral action.The report calls for bold multilateral action to address the interconnected crises of debt, inequality, and climate change. Monetary easing alone will not be sufficient to reinvigorate global growth or bridge widening disparities. Governments must avoid overly restrictive fiscal policies and instead focus on mobilizing investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and critical social sectors such as health and education.
Stronger international cooperation is also essential to manage the environmental, social, and economic risks associated with critical minerals. Harmonized sustainability standards, fair trade practices, and technology transfers are needed to ensure that developing countries can harness these resources responsibly and equitably.
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The report will be available on 9 January, 12:30 pm EST on https://www.bit.ly/UN_WESP2025 and desapublications.un.org once the embargo has been lifted.
Hashtag: #WorldEconomyReport
Media Contacts:
Alex del Castello, UN Department of Global Communications, alexandra.delcastello@un.org
Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org, filtered_html