This Palgrave Pivot looks through social, economic, institutional, and environmental lenses to examine sustainable development in India and Bangladesh. The effects of climate change make this comparative study particularly pertinent, as rising sea levels and severe weather events will lead to displacement and migration, exacerbating existing issues. India and Bangladesh share similar cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and, as a result, face similar challenges: rapid population growth, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and gender inequality. Developing a sustainable future will require policymakers to consider all of these elements in their efforts to create human security.
This book is the first-ever comprehensive analysis of international law from Global South perspectives with specific reference to Bangladesh. The book not only sheds new light on classical international law concepts, such as statehood, citizenship, and self-determination, but also covers more current issues including Rohingya refugees, climate change, sustainable development, readymade garment workers and crimes against humanity. Written by area specialists, the book explores how international law shaped Bangladesh state practice over the last five decades; how Bangladesh in turn contributed to the development of international law; and the manner in which international law is also used as a hegemonic tool for marginalising less powerful countries like Bangladesh. By analysing stories of an ambivalent relationship between international law and post-colonial states, the book exposes the duality of international law as both a problem-solving tool and as a language of hegemony. Despite its focus on Bangladesh, the book deals with the more general problem of post-colonial states’ problematic relationship with international law and so will be of interest to students and scholars of international law in general, as well as those interested in the Global South and South Asia in particular.
This book presents new scientific knowledge on using developmental science to improving lives of children and youth across the globe. It highlights emerging pathways to sustainability as well as the interconnectedness and interdependence of developmental science and sustainable children and youth development globally. Presenting cross-cultural views and current perspectives on the role of developmental science in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals for children and youth development, contributors from different disciplines from low-and-middle-income countries or scholars working in these countries capture ground realities of the situation of children and youth in these regions. This book addresses developmental issues related to inequity, gender, health, education, social protection, and needs of vulnerable populations of children and youth. Other areas of focus are improving mechanisms and monitoring frameworks of development and well-being indicators.
The cooperative movement has played a vital role in economic development around the world. Cooperatives also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They generate revenue for economic growth, support the development of communities and local culture and help protect the environment. Cooperatives in Asia have been leaders in their approaches with comprehensive and supportive policies. Across Asia, there are unique models of cooperatives — some of which can be replicated internationally. They utilise collectivisation as an economic model with the cooperation of their populations. Cooperatives from Bangladesh, India, Israel, Japan, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates are also well-known for their proactive approach to sustainability.This book seeks to document the governance, leadership and sustainable best practices of cooperatives, to pave the way for the development of cooperatives internationally, utilising the sustainable cooperatives of Asia as examples. Addressing the current gap in research about cooperatives, the chapters showcase lessons for the cooperative world in its movement towards sustainability through the examination of original case studies, as well as quantitative studies. The volume offers new insights to researchers and policymakers to understand the ecosystem surrounding cooperatives and actions to take to work towards their strengthening and welfare.
Education in South Asia has a renewed agenda which can enable societies to leapfrog development that is sustainable such that the individual is prepared for his/her involvement, responsibility and commitment to local and global discussions of our common future. This book on South Asia will focus on initiatives under the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) umbrella and discuss the challenges, opportunities, issues and strategies in the countries of the region. It presents these initiatives of Environmental Education/ESD vis-à-vis the administrative, economic, social, cultural and ecological realities of each country at various levels of policy, planning, implementation and evaluation. The discussions in this book extend beyond formal education systems like schools, higher education, pre-service and in-service teacher preparation to community education and education initiatives conceptualized with the goal of sustainability. All initiatives will demonstrate how each country in its own pace contributing to move ESD from the periphery to the core of education initiatives.
Indian Economy on The Eve of Independence On the eve of India's independence in 1947, the Indian economy was predominantly agrarian, with agriculture contributing a significant portion to the national income and employing most of the population. However, it was also characterized by a complex mix of colonial exploitation, poverty, and limited industrialization. Key Features of the Indian Economy Before Independence: Agriculture Dominance: Agriculture was the backbone of the economy, employing about 70-80% of the workforce. Landholdings were generally small, and farmers faced various challenges such as tenancy issues, lack of credit, and dependence on monsoons. Colonial Legacy: The British colonial rule had left a deep imprint on India's economy, with policies often designed to benefit British interests. Industries were concentrated in a few urban centres, mainly for processing raw materials for export. Limited Industrialization: India had a nascent industrial sector, mostly comprising small-scale industries and cottage industries. Major industries like textiles, jute, and steel were in existence but were largely underdeveloped compared to their potential. Trade and Commerce: India's trade was dominated by British interests, with raw materials being exported to Britain and finished goods imported back into India. Infrastructure such as railways and ports primarily served the purpose of facilitating colonial trade. Infrastructure: The infrastructure was inadequate and unequally developed across regions. Railways, though extensive, were largely geared towards transporting raw materials for export rather than promoting industrial growth. Poverty and Social Issues: Poverty was widespread, with a large population living below the poverty line. Social issues such as caste-based discrimination and limited access to education and healthcare persisted. Political Unrest: The economy was affected by political movements and unrest against British rule, which often disrupted economic activities. Challenges on the Eve of Independence: Economic Dependence: India was economically dependent on Britain, both in terms of trade and technology. Infrastructure Deficit: Limited infrastructure development hindered economic growth. Social Issues: Poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality posed significant challenges. Industrial Backwardness: The industrial sector was underdeveloped, leading to limited job opportunities outside agriculture. In summary, the Indian economy on the eve of independence was characterized by its agrarian base, colonial exploitation, limited industrialization, and significant social and economic challenges. The period following independence would witness efforts to address these issues through economic planning, industrialization policies, and social reforms aimed at transforming India into a modern nation.
Jeffrey D. Sachs is one of the world's most perceptive and original analysts of global development. In this major new work he presents a compelling and practical framework for how global citizens can use a holistic way forward to address the seemingly intractable worldwide problems of persistent extreme poverty, environmental degradation, and political-economic injustice: sustainable development. Sachs offers readers, students, activists, environmentalists, and policy makers the tools, metrics, and practical pathways they need to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Far more than a rhetorical exercise, this book is designed to inform, inspire, and spur action. Based on Sachs's twelve years as director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, his thirteen years advising the United Nations secretary-general on the Millennium Development Goals, and his recent presentation of these ideas in a popular online course, The Age of Sustainable Development is a landmark publication and clarion call for all who care about our planet and global justice.
Increasing urbanization and changing climate are two critical stressors that are adversely affecting the biophysical environment of urban areas in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. The book discusses various choices and options – from demand management to supply enhancement, understanding ecological footprints of towns to managing water at a bioregional scale. In doing so, it is vital to address issues of equity and empower local institutions in managing water. The focus for the future must be on building urban resilience by strengthening the adaptive capacities of affected communities while also understanding the limits to adaptation. In Focus – a book series that showcases the latest accomplishments in water research. Each book focuses on a specialist area with papers from top experts in the field. It aims to be a vehicle for in-depth understanding and inspire further conversations in the sector.
This is the report of the Seventh Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) Regional Consultative Forum Meeting (RCFM) on Sustainable Development for Resilient Blue Growth of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The meeting was convened in Cebu, Philippines from 7 May to 9 May 2018 and was attended by 80 participants from 16 countries, together with representatives from ten regional and international partner organizations and projects. The key conclusions and recommendations endorsed by the Seventh RCFM are summarized as: (1) The RCFM recognized the great advances in the four thematic areas pertaining to sustainable and resilient fisheries and aquaculture for blue growth in the region; (2) There are a number of remaining and emerging challenges to the sustainability and resilience of fisheries and aquaculture sector; (3) There remains a great need in many countries for reinforced legal frameworks and guiding policies to ensure a human rights-based and environmentally friendly development of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors in line with the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF); and (4) More targeted disaster risk management and climate change strategies and technologies for the sector are needed in several countries. The RCFM considered the reviews of regional fisheries and aquaculture, presentations by member countries and regional organizations, reports of action plans of APFIC regional consultative workshops and the major issues outlined in the agenda and developed a report and recommendations to inform the Thirty-fifth APFIC Session.
