Our Scans · (ZY.4.27) Sustainable Development · Weekly Summary

• [New] In the UK, planning deregulation near rail stations offers potential for sustainable urban development but risks undermining carbon neutral construction goals unless matched by mandatory low embodied carbon materials and sustainable material specification. Whole Life Carbon
• [New] Blockchain technology will continue to play a significant role in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. EvaCodes
• [New] AMR is a threat to sustainable development and the economic future of nations, with the estimated global annual cost of AMR rising to US$ 3.4 trillion by 2030, driving an additional 28 million people to poverty by 2050. Times Kuwait
• [New] If biofuels development accelerates, it could lead to cumulative investments of $1.5 trillion across all sustainable fuel types by 2035. The Jakarta Post
• [New] The convergence of biotechnology, digital agriculture, and carbon-smart policies will further solidify biostimulants as a cornerstone of sustainable crop production, driving global food security and ecological balance in the decades ahead. openpr
• [New] Without coordinated governance and biodiversity safeguards, the push for renewable energy could undermine international commitments under the UN Ocean Decade, the Convention on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Mirage News
• [New] Fragile logistics networks are deepening inequality and threatening progress on sustainable development. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• The Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation Partnership, hosted by FAO, will continue to serve as a COP-to-COP mechanism ensuring agrifood systems remain central to COP dialogs and supporting Presidency initiatives in post-COP implementation. ClimateChange
• The UK agriculture sector in 2026 is now benefiting from a wide range of smart innovations in grain silos-technologies that enable farmers to remain competitive and sustainable in the face of rising global demand. Farmonaut
• Key debates will centre on climate finance, carbon markets, and the role of biodiversity in climate action, with Brazil seeking to highlight tropical forest preservation and sustainable agriculture. Hungarian Conservative
• The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations have garnered widespread acceptance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where they are regarded as the paramount global agenda for enhancing population health and well-being by 2030. LWW
• The Duqm Economic Forum 2025 underscores Oman's strategic pivot towards sustainable development and technology-driven growth, presenting robust opportunities in tourism, green manufacturing, and smart cities powered by AI. OMANET | Navigate Oman's Market
• As 2026 unfolds, the Essakane Mine in Burkina Faso remains a critical driver of economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable progress, both nationally and in the broader West African mining context. Farmonaut
• In 2026, there will be a high-profile platform to spotlight breakthrough developments in coastal protection, erosion control, sediment transport analysis, shoreline stabilization, and climate adaptation that support sustainable coastal development and ecosystem protection. The Hydrographic Society
• Mining diversification represents Botswana's strategic response to changing global economic conditions and the need for sustainable development models that maximise natural resource value whilst creating inclusive growth opportunities. Discovery Alert
• Botswana's Vision 2036 national development framework explicitly prioritises mining diversification as a cornerstone of economic resilience and sustainable growth. Discovery Alert
• UNCTAD will spotlight new frameworks for debt restructuring and debt-for-climate swaps, alongside efforts to mobilize private finance to close an annual $2.5 trillion financing gap for sustainable development. Washington Trade & Tariff Letter
• The UK will continue to advocate for investment as a driver of sustainable development, alongside gender equality and climate-smart trade policies. GOV.UK
• By 2025, over 60% of Melbourne farms are projected to adopt sustainable agriculture methods. Farmonaut
• Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-resilient crops and smart irrigation will redefine global food systems. TradingView
• The Scottish Government's Women and Girls Fund will deliver grants to women and girl-led organizations across Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia, aiming to contribute to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The Scottish Government
• Broader Community Engagement: By 2026, new programs targeting healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture will further diversify local economies and empower the communities of Goias. Farmonaut

Last updated: 20 November 2025