Reducing poverty and inequality continues to be an important national priority in Namibia.

The first edition of this quarterly series showcases a selection of four papers, which address the impacts of droughts and floods, disaster resilience, and the role of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in disaster management.

India has among the lowest female labor force participation rates (LFPRs) in the world. In particular, low female LFPR is a drag on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and an obstacle towards reaching a higher growth path. Women are also an untapped source of managerial and entrepreneurial skills.

This report is divided into five chapters for ease of accessibility. Each chapter deals with a defined theme but the content of the chapters flow into one another. The report begins by critiquing the neo liberal reforms adopted by the governments of South Asia with its attendant structural adjustment.

The present report, provided in response to Economic and Social Council decision 2017/208 and General Assembly resolutions 61/16 and 68/1, discusses such challenges in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the integrated and indivisible Sustainable Development Goals.

The ability of Sub-Saharan Africa’s economies to generate enough jobs for its young and growing population rests on the successful implementation of urgent reforms to boost productivity. This is the key finding of the Africa Competitiveness Report 2017.