HOME / SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS / GOAL 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development.
With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are
becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and
communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental
challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable
industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate
sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the
developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and
knowledge, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.    

 
GOALS IN ACTION
UNDP in Montenegro
A Guilt-Free Holiday
Montenegro is attracting ever-
growing numbers of tourists. But
just like any other tourist
destination, this beautiful
Western Balkan country can be
harmed by booming tourism.
That’s why we’re helping
Montenegro to go carbon-
neutral. MORE >
UNDP in Lao PDR
Community radio makes
waves
UNDP works with the Ministry of
Information, Culture and Tourism
to support community radio
stations that provide educational
programming as well as vital
information on health and
sanitation. MORE >
UNDP in Maldives
Drones for Social Good
How could drones possibly help
to fight the impacts of climate
change? The lowest lying
country in the world, the
Maldives, is giving it a shot.
MORE >
UNDP in Costa Rica
Pineapples on the path to
sustainability
With support from UNDP, Costa
Rica has introduced an action
plan that fosters partnerships to
promote production and trade
that is responsible, fair, and in
line with practices protecting the
environment, the community and
the general public. MORE >
UNDP in Afghanistan
Building bridges in
Afghanistan
Ten years ago there were just
three border crossing points
between Afghanistan and
Tajikistan. Today there are six
bridges, and there are plans to
construct a seventh. MORE >
UNDP in Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Flood warning systems in
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 2014 flooding and
landslides affected more than a
million people. With the
understanding that advanced
warning saves lives, UNDP is
helping to establish a flood
forecasting and early warning
system in the Vrbas River basin.
MORE >
UNDP in Bhutan

The climate shifts. Bhutan

responds.
Despite the susceptibility of
Bhutan’s public health to climate
change, the country has worked
hard to strengthen its capacity
to adapt to climate change. An
important innovation of the
Bhutanese initiative is linking
climate data with
epidemiological surveillance.
MORE >