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UNDP calls for new directions to address rising inequality, climate change, and economic headwinds
Launch of 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report
The narrative of human development in Asia and the Pacific has been one marked by advancement, inequality, and unforeseen challenges. Against this backdrop, the launch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report in November, represents a crucial step in revitalising human development amidst a complex landscape of growth.
Nationally, the UNDP 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report, titled ‘Making Our Future: New Directions for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific’ was launched on Tuesday (12) under the umbrella of the flagship Colombo Development Dialogues. This report serves as a robust foundation, offering in-depth insights to comprehend the hurdles faced by marginalised communities and supporting policymakers in crafting precise and impactful strategies.
Utilising the most current data, evidence, and analytical perspectives, the Regional Human Development Report (Regional HDR) offers an extensive and finely detailed evaluation of human development in Asia and the Pacific. Emphasizing a proactive outlook, it urges the region to not only learn from prior achievements and established frameworks but also to surpass traditional methodologies in order to steer human development in this dynamic era. This necessitates reevaluating approaches, a more seamless integration of human development and growth, and a heightened dedication to translating strategies into actionable results.
Commenting on the report, Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister in his message noted that, “As we prioritize rebuilding as a country, we also need to lay out the safety nets in the form of social protection for the most vulnerable and people who have been severely impacted by the crisis. UNDP has provided us through the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index and now the Regional Human Development Report evidence that can contribute to an equation that will assist us in getting the formula right to plan accordingly to ensure no one is left behind as we rebuild from the ruins of the economic crisis.”
The Report marks the commencement of a dialogue aimed at delving into the hurdles and prospects encountered as Sri Lanka drives towards economic rejuvenation. This event convened key stakeholders, spanning government officials, experts, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and international partners, fostering an inclusive platform to assess present obstacles, exchange successful methodologies, and cultivate a collective discourse. The gathering aimed to pave the way for a holistic and cooperative strategy, addressing the evolving challenges and issues impacting both the country and the wider region.
Highlighting the importance of the report, Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka said, “The newly released 2024 Regional Human Development Report for Asia and the Pacific, which includes Sri Lanka, serves as a guide to rethink development strategies. UNDP Sri Lanka proposes a framework based on policy levers and initiatives that build on our collective strengths, drawing from past experiences to chart a course towards high-quality development aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
This report comes in light of the launch of the Policy Report titled ‘Understanding Multidimensional Vulnerabilities: Impact on People of Sri Lanka’ which put forward Sri Lanka’s first-ever Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). It demonstrates the overlapping challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s population, weaving together a novel set of indicators to capture vulnerabilities beyond traditional income-based measures.
Together, the MVI and Regional HDR, stand not only as representations of challenges and aspirations but as an urgent call to action to policymakers and influencers, for an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future. The insights from the Regional HDR must be transformed into impactful initiatives, laying the foundation for a resilient tomorrow for Sri Lanka and the broader region.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
