Economic and Social Development

A snapshot of the global trends driving increased humanitarian needs in 2025 analysis from 2024 and an overview of where the system is delivering better to help those affected by crises. The Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) is the world’s most comprehensive authoritative and evidence-based assessment of humanitarian need. Through plans that prioritize those most in need it aims to fight hunger killer diseases gender-based violence and displacement. The GHO 2025 presents an analysis of global crises and needs and the humanitarian plans to address them. In 2025 humanitarian partners are appealing for over US$47 billion to assist nearly 190 million people facing life-threatening and urgent needs across 72 countries. The report looks at response trends to strengthen such as localization cash accountability and the changes needed to deliver aid effectively: security and funding. The GHO presents a collective picture of humanitarians' achievements and conversely what happens when humanitarians are unable to deliver aid. Explore the full report and interactive content through humanitarianaction.info.

The multi-stakeholder High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence initially proposed in 2020 as part of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation (A/74/821) was formed in October 2023 to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world. This suite of technologies offers tremendous potential for good from opening new areas of scientific inquiry and optimizing energy grids to improving public health and agriculture and promoting broader progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Left ungoverned however AI’s opportunities may not manifest or be distributed equitably. Widening digital divides could limit the benefits of AI to a handful of States companies and individuals. Missed uses – failing to take advantage of and share AI-related benefits because of lack of trust or missing enablers such as capacity gaps and ineffective governance – could limit the opportunity envelope. Accountability requires implementation so that commitments to global AI governance translate to tangible outcomes in practice including on capacity development and support to small and medium enterprises so that opportunities are shared. Much of this will take place at the national and regional levels but more is also needed globally to address risks and harness benefits.