All publications and documents

In our rapidly urbanizing world, mayors often see migrants as a burden to their city’s labor market and a threat to its development. Drawing on national household surveys and four secondary city case studies in Africa, this study finds that migrants, being younger, better educated and/or complementary to the resident labor force, usually strengthen the urban labor force. In secondary cities,…

The Soil Atlas presents data and facts about the importance and condition of land, soils and arable land. In numerous graphics and text contributions, it provides an up-to-date insight into the condition and endangerment of the soils on which we live. Without healthy soils, it is not possible to produce healthy food. But soils do not just produce food: they do many other…

The world is facing a sustainable development crisis. The 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing for Development at a Crossroads finds that financing challenges are at the heart of the crisis and imperil the SDGs and climate action. The window to rescue the SDGs and prevent a climate catastrophe is still open but closing rapidly. Financing gaps for sustainable…

In anticipation of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) in 2026, this report serves as a catalyst for global awareness and action. It analyses numerous case studies and good practices from around the world, drawing on the experience and lessons learned, and advocates for a new paradigm to inspire governments, donors, and other stakeholders to prioritise rangeland health in…

Education is a key asset for climate action. Education reshapes behaviors, develops skills, and spurs innovation—everything we need to combat the greatest crisis facing humanity. Staggering 400 million students globally experienced school closures from extreme weather since 2022, according to a new World Bank report released today. The report examines the detrimental impacts of…

The guideline is a high-level primer to raise awareness and promote the more effective management of sand and dust storms (SDS), their sources and impacts. It can be used by regional, national and sub-national authorities and actors responsible for formulating and implementing SDS initiatives in key policy areas of agriculture, human health, built infrastructure, early warning and finance.