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The 2024 IPIE expert survey reveals a growing pessimism about the global information environment, with 63% of experts expecting it to worsen. The availability of accurate information and diversity of voices are identified as the most critical characteristics of a healthy environment. Social media platform owners, governments, and politicians are cited as the primary threats. While generative AI is viewed as a tool that could improve content detection and journalism, experts are predominantly concerned that it will amplify disinformation, harassment, and bias. Experts advocate for supporting free and independent media and digital media literacy to build resilience.

The 2024 IPIE expert survey reveals a growing pessimism about the global information environment, with 63% of respondents expecting conditions to worsen. Experts identify the availability of accurate information and diversity of opinion as the most critical characteristics of a healthy environment, while naming social media owners, governments, and politicians as the primary threats. Generative AI is viewed with mixed sentiment: 63% of experts believe it has negatively impacted the environment by scaling disinformation and bias, though 67% hope it will improve content detection and journalistic efficiency. To improve the environment, experts advocate for free and independent media and increased digital media literacy.

The 2024 IPIE expert survey indicates a growing pessimism about the global information landscape, with 63% of respondents expecting it to deteriorate. Experts identify the availability of reliable information and diversity of voices as essential for a healthy landscape, while naming social media platform owners and governments as the primary threats. Generative AI is viewed with mixed sentiment: while 67% hope it can improve content detection and journalism, 63% fear it will amplify biases, harassment, and misinformation. The report calls for support of independent media and improved data access for cross-platform, multidisciplinary research.

The 2024 IPIE expert survey reveals a growing pessimism about the global information environment, with 63% of respondents expecting it to worsen. Experts identify the availability of accurate information and diversity of voices as the most critical features of a healthy environment, while naming social media platform owners and governments as the primary threats. Generative AI is viewed as a double-edged sword: 63% of experts fear it will amplify bias and misinformation, although 67% see potential for improving content discovery and journalism. The report emphasizes the need for supporting independent media and overcoming data access barriers for researchers.

The 2024 IPIE expert consultation reveals a growing pessimism about the global information environment, with 63% of researchers expecting it to worsen. Experts identify the availability of accurate information and diversity of voices as the most critical characteristics of a healthy information environment. The owners of social media platforms, governments, and politicians are cited as the most significant threats. Generative AI is viewed with mixed sentiment: while 63% of experts fear it will amplify disinformation, harassment, and bias, 67% hope it will improve content detection and journalism. Experts advocate for free and independent media, digital literacy, and improved data access for multi-disciplinary research.

The 2024 IPIE expert survey reveals a growing pessimism about the global information environment, with 63% of respondents expecting it to worsen. Experts identify access to accurate information and diverse voices as critical for a healthy environment, while viewing social media owners, governments, and politicians as the primary threats. Generative AI is viewed with mixed sentiment: 63% fear it will increase bias and misinformation, while 67% hope it will improve content discovery and journalism. The report advocates for supporting independent media and improving data access for researchers.

The document evaluates various digital interventions to protect elections, including content moderation, algorithmic adjustments, and transparency measures. It highlights a significant gap in data access for researchers and a geographic imbalance in mitigation efforts, which primarily focus on Western contexts. The authors argue for a multi-stakeholder approach and standardized data access to improve the efficacy of electoral safeguarding.

The document examines 'Free to Grow', a curriculum-based intervention delivered during work hours to address risk factors for violence against women and children. Implemented at Tikketai in partnership with the Seven Passes Initiative, the programme uses a human-centred design to improve interpersonal communication, stress management, and parenting skills. Findings indicate that the programme is feasible for busy workplaces and results in positive outcomes for both employees—who report improved home relationships and emotional regulation—and businesses, which observed increased productivity and reduced workplace conflict. The brief emphasizes the importance of quality facilitation and the need for ongoing refresher sessions to sustain behavioral change.

The document analyzes Pakistan's reactive AI strategy, which is primarily driven by the need to counter India's military advancements. It details Pakistan's efforts to acquire AI-enabled tools through partnerships with China and potential ties with Russia, specifically in the domains of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground robots, and active cyber defense. The paper highlights the destabilizing effect of AI on the nuclear balance in South Asia, noting that AI-driven early warning and command systems could compress decision-making time and increase the risk of accidental escalation. It concludes that while Pakistan seeks to maintain a 'credible minimum deterrence,' it faces significant financial and technical limitations in developing indigenous high-tech AI weaponry.

The document examines India's military integration of AI, driven by the 'intelligentized warfare' capabilities of China and the acquisition of AI-enabled systems by Pakistan. It details India's shift toward 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliance) in producing UAVs and robotics, while maintaining a defensive strategic posture rooted in the 'dharmayuddha' (just war) philosophy. The authors highlight a tension between official policies of restraint and military calls for offensive cyber capabilities, as well as an ethical consensus on maintaining human primacy over lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS).

The document examines what it means to be and become 'middle class' in Mumbai, highlighting the importance of education, salaried employment, and assets like home ownership. It finds that while internal migration to Mumbai is a primary driver of social mobility, international migration is perceived as less essential for improving living standards. The study reveals a complex view of upward mobility that combines hard work, formal education, and social connections.

The UNHCR launched the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2019 to tap into the significant potential of Islamic social finance, specifically zakat, to address rising humanitarian needs. While the fund assisted 1.1 million people across 20 countries by 2023 and has gained endorsements from 17 Islamic institutions, it faces scrutiny regarding Sharia compliance and the legitimacy of centralized zakat collection. To maintain trust, UNHCR has implemented specific measures such as using interest-free accounts and waiving indirect support costs. The brief highlights a broader trend of UN agencies, including UNICEF and UNRWA, integrating Islamic social finance to diversify funding streams.

The report reveals a decline in international public finance for energy access, with electricity commitments peaking in 2018 and clean cooking funding showing extreme volatility. Significant regional and developmental disparities exist, with a heavy concentration of funds in a few countries like India, China, and Bangladesh, and a predominance of debt-based financing over grants. Case studies of Bangladesh and Kenya highlight that while both achieved significant access gains through concerted policy and financial efforts, they face ongoing challenges with system inefficiency and affordability.

The global mini-grid market has seen significant growth, with installations in 2024 projected to be six times higher than in 2018. There is a clear transition from diesel to solar PV, with solar's share of installed capacity rising from 14% in 2018 to 59% in 2024. While funding has increased—with total committed funding for ongoing programmes exceeding USD 3.1 billion—a significant financing gap remains, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The sector is shifting toward Productive Use of Energy (PUE) business models and innovative technologies like mesh grids and lithium-ion batteries to improve financial viability. However, the report notes that regulatory implementation often lags behind formal policy, and there is a critical need for standardized reporting and better data sharing to attract private investment.

The 2024 Global State of the Mini-Grid Market report highlights a significant expansion in mini-grid installations, with a marked shift from diesel to solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. It identifies a substantial funding gap despite an increase in total authorized funding to over 3.1 billion USD. The document emphasizes the transition toward integrated energy planning, the importance of Productive Use of Energy (PUE) for financial viability, and the role of digital tools in reducing operational and development costs. It provides detailed case studies on Sierra Leone, India, and Kenya to illustrate diverse regulatory and economic approaches.

The Energy Progress Report 2024 reveals that the world is not on track to achieve any of the 2030 targets for SDG 7. While 91% of the global population has electricity access, progress reversed in 2022, leaving 685.2 million people without power, with 83% of the deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clean cooking access stands at 74%, but 2.1 billion people still rely on polluting fuels. Renewable energy's share in total final energy consumption was 18.7% in 2021, and global energy intensity improved by only 0.8% in 2021, far below the 2.6% target. International public financial flows to developing countries rebounded to USD 15.4 billion in 2022 but remain well below the 2016 peak of USD 28.5 billion.

The Asia-Pacific region, home to 60% of the global population aged 60 and over, faces severe risks from climate change, including projected heat exposure nearly four times higher than other regions by mid-century. Older adults suffer disproportionately from heatwaves, natural disasters, and air pollution due to physical and socio-economic vulnerabilities. However, the document emphasises that older adults are not merely vulnerable but are 'a reservoir of knowledge and experience' who contribute to resilience through traditional knowledge and community-led initiatives in countries like India and Indonesia. The summary calls for a 'triangular strategy' of Protect, Reduce, and Mobilise to ensure older adults are active participants in climate action and that their human rights are protected through age-sensitive policies and universal social protection.

WWF's 2024 review highlights efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss through targeted programs. Key achievements include expanding the Food Waste Warriors program to 15 new cities, enrolling 1 million acres in the Ranch Systems and Viability Planning network, and contributing to a global tiger population increase to 5,574. The report also details human-wildlife conflict mitigation in the KAZA region, elephant tracking in India, and the establishment of the Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration in North America.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (JWS) outlines the safeguards and mitigation strategies for three 2024 activities: constructing waste disposal infrastructure, restoring lowland grasslands, and developing an ecotourism site. The plan ensures compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy. Key environmental risks identified include vegetation loss, dust pollution, and disturbance to wildlife, particularly elephants. The document also details comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) standards for workers and establishes grievance redressal mechanisms through BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The Living Planet Report 2024 documents a 73% average decline in monitored wildlife populations from 1970 to 2020, with freshwater species suffering the most (85%). The report warns that cumulative pressures from habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change are pushing ecosystems toward irreversible tipping points, such as the potential collapse of the Amazon rainforest and coral reefs. It argues that current national commitments for biodiversity and climate are insufficient, and calls for a systemic transformation of the global food system (the leading cause of habitat loss), the energy system (the primary driver of climate change), and the financial system (which currently provides almost US$7 trillion annually in nature-negative flows).