Just over a year ago, as COVID-19 was causing personal, social and economic devastation across the world, government leaders were quick to announce their plans to “build back better” as part of a green recovery.

At the time, we all listened. But were we too quick to take these statements at face value? 12 months on, have governments really been matching these commitments with action on the ground?

In Episode 6, we sit down for an open debate with Steven Stone (United Nations Environment Programme), Brian O’Callaghan (Oxford University), Jean-Paul Adam (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa) and Katja Funke (International Monetary Fund), to ask: are we building back better?

Are We Building Back Better?

Peru stands at a crossroads. Three-quarters of its workers are informal or self-employed. The country’s diverse natural resources–which serve as the backbone of its economy and labour market–are also under threat.

So what is it doing to change the script? How is it addressing labour challenges and ensuring decent employment for all while also promoting green jobs as part of a just transition?

In Episode 7, we sit down for an open discussion with Katia Samanamud (Ministry of Labour for Peru) and Ana Belén Sánchez (International Labour Organization) to ask: what are the symptoms of change for green jobs in Peru?

Symptoms of Change for Green Jobs in Peru

This month: reflections from PAGE@ HLPF 2021. How can governments grasp the opportunity to turn economic recovery into long-term, sustainable economic transformation - while also advancing on the SDGs? (The answer: a mix of finance, private sector incentives, citizen engagement, and partnerships).

In Episode 8, we compile the best parts from PAGE's flagship event at the UN High-Level Political Forum. Featuring Guy Ryder (International Labour Organization), Inger Andersen (United Nations Environment Programme), Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Germany), H. E. Elizabeth Thompson (Government of Barbados), Dr. Febrio Nathan Kacaribu (Ministry of Finance, Indonesia), and Melati Wijsen (Youth Climate Activist).

Green Recoveries for a Jobs-Rich Future

It's been said that pandemics act as a "great leveller" – but has that been the case with COVID-19?

While it’s created millions of new millionaires – and even so-called “COVID billionaires” – it's also pushed 100 million others into extreme poverty.

So should we be surprised? Or has COVID-19 simply exposed and amplified a series of inequalities that existed long before the virus arrived?

In Episode 9, we sit down for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Ashok Khosla (Development Alternatives) to ask: with COVID-19 opening a window into our unequal lives, how do create a fairer, just, and more inclusive post-pandemic world?

Building a Fairer Post-Pandemic World

Our food systems are failing us. Over 800 million people are suffering from hunger, while 13% of the world’s population are obese. So what is to blame?

Agricultural production follows the money. And 87% of the $540 billion given to agricultural producers each year is either price distorting or harmful to nature and human health. So what we can do to fix it?

In Episode 10, we find our answers at the high-level launch of UNDP, UNEP and FAO's new report: "A Multi-Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Repurposing Agricultural Support to Transform Food Systems." Featuring Marco Sanchez (Food Agriculture Organization), Francesca Branca (World Health Organization), Nicoletta Batini (International Monetary Fund), Johan Swinnen (International Food Policy Research Institute), Vijay Kumar (Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Government of Andhra Pradesh), Ann Tutwiler (Just Rural Transition) and Gerardine Mukeshimana (Government of Rwanda).

The UNDP, UNEP and FAO report discussed during the episode can be found at the following link: https://www.fao.org/3/cb6562en/cb6562en.pdf

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