Sustainability

Behavioural insights ‘have taken root’ in governments: OECD report

The use of ‘behavioural insight’ techniques in public policy is entering the mainstream, a new report from the OECD argues, and the next step is to use them to influence […]

UK Lords urge integration of health and social care to cope with ageing population

A proposed new department to integrate bringing together health and adult social care is the centrepiece of a report by the UK’s House of Lords on the future sustainability of […]

IMF warns of threat to global stability from productivity slowdown

Policy makers worldwide must take urgent action to reverse a slowdown in global productivity growth that could undermine living standards and threaten social stability, the head of the International Monetary […]

Norway tops happiness index while mistrust blights the US

Norway has leapt from fourth to first place in this year’s world happiness index, on account of its high levels of social support and the absence of corruption in government […]

OECD chief of staff calls for bold policies on gender equality

Governments have been urged to increase female participation in decision-making as part of efforts to crack down on corruption, tackle unemployment and boost economic growth. OECD chief of staff and […]

Singapore appoints civil service innovation champion

Singapore’s government is to train 10,000 public servants to use data analytics, the deputy prime minister has announced, while education minister Ong Ye Kung will spearhead a drive for public […]

India to roll out cashless food subsidies system

A new cashless benefits distribution system is set to be rolled out across India, after a scheme introduced by a civil servant in a single district caught the eye of […]

Jacques Ganoulis, Special Secretary for Water, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Greece: Exclusive Interview

Greece suffers from ‘imported floods’, says its international lead on water issues – for river management in one country affects all those downstream. So solving the problem, says Jacques Ganoulis, […]

Finland pushes ahead with basic income trial

The government of Finland is to trial a new ‘basic income’ model that it hopes will pave the way for broader reforms of the country’s social security system. The concept […]

Mayors go global with new world cities network

Seven mayors from around the world have formed a steering committee to promote the voices of cities in global affairs after the launch a new ‘Global Parliament of Mayors’ (GPM). […]