For decades, the international community has acknowledged the extraordinary value of tropical forests while failing to invest adequately in their conservation. The Tropical Forest Forever Facility, launched at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, could help close this financing gap.
The next UN Secretary-General will take over the most prominent position in multilateral governance at a time when multilateralism is arguably at its nadir. Adapting to today’s multipolar reality will require instilling a renewed sense of purpose and demanding more of member states.
As Laos prepares to graduate from the United Nations’ least developed country category, the bigger challenge is no longer escaping poverty but building a future defined by clean space and green growth.