Community-driven ideas close SDG data gaps

23 Sept 01:06 Key points summarised by AI

A new UN report highlights community-driven innovations successfully closing SDG data gaps in Asia and the Pacific, ensuring marginalized populations are included in policymaking.
These localized solutions, ranging from tribal household surveys to health-monitoring apps, amplify underrepresented voices, making sustainable development monitoring more inclusive and representative.
Despite progress in some SDGs, urgent action is still needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda, as persistent data gaps leave vulnerable populations invisible and hinder effective policymaking.
Challenges in critical areas like quality education, decent work, and environmental degradation continue to threaten regional efforts, with ESCAP advocating for innovative and inclusive data collection to address these disparities.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Today 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.