The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is expanding its use of blockchain-based payments through a new agreement with the Stellar Development Foundation, following successful pilots in five countries. This move signals a broader integration of public blockchain infrastructure into global development programs.
Iran's economy faces severe difficulty from war damages, inflation, currency devaluation, unemployment and oil revenue contraction. Estimates suggest damage from US-Israeli attacks is nine times last year's budget, with 4.1 million more Iranians potentially falling into poverty. Despite Trump's prediction of Iran 'choking,' tankers are making it through the naval blockade, though the toman has fallen 22% against the dollar and inflation stands at 73.5%. The political elite is questioning how hardline they can afford to be with US negotiators.
UNDP report reveals women bear disproportionate burden when developing countries face rising debt costs, with 22 million women's jobs lost short-term and 38 million long-term between early 2010s and 2022. Women experience 17% income decline per capita during high debt-servicing periods while men's income remains unchanged, as cuts to education and care sectors disproportionately affect female employment.
