21st Century Health, Education, Development, and Global Security
21st Century Health, Education, Development, and Global Security
Author: Eliot Sorel
Health and education are essential for sustainable development across low-, middle-, and high-income economies. Health, education, and development in a well-integrated cluster are the sine qua non building blocks of global security.
Huge economic, health, and educational disparities abound among nations. These are accompanied by poverty that is catalytic to the seeds of disaffection, exclusion, and anger, and decreasing the threshold for violent, antisocial behavior globally.
The World Bank initiatives on (i) the role of education as one of the tools of poverty eradication, and (ii) the role of nutrition in brain development are commendable. These noteworthy initiatives must be accompanied by similar projects focusing on closing the health gap, a challenge well documented by Sir Michael Marmot, the President of the World Medical Association, in his most recent book, The Health Gap. The health gap, regrettably prevails in the world, decreases life expectancy, the quality of life, and undermines the countries' economies. The educational gap affecting girls mostly in low-income countries, has been well documented by both UNICEF and UNESCO. As a result of it there are dire consequences for the girls affected but also affecting the countries’ economies.
CIRSD and NGIC Coorganize a High-Level Conference at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
Vienna, October 21, 2025 — The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), convened a high-level international conference titled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe in a New Global Order”, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
Read more
Vuk Jeremić Addresses the China Institute’s Thinkers Forum on the Future of the World Order
Shanghai, October 2025 — President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) Vuk Jeremić, took part in the Thinkers Forum organized by the China Institute, marking the jubilee 10th anniversary of this distinguished institution.
Read more
Kazakhstan Will be an Enduring Geopolitical Convergence Point
As the history of humanity repeatedly demonstrates, being blessed with geography alone is no guarantee of long-term survival, let alone tangible influence. Instead, one’s ability to use geography as leverage for far-reaching strategy is what separates the survivors from those that stay on the margins.
Read more
Horizons Discussion in Belgrade Explores Europe’s Future with Zachary Karabell
Belgrade, September 29, 2025 — The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted another edition of its renowned Horizons Discussions series, featuring Zachary Karabell, prominent American author, investor, and founder of The Progress Network, in conversation with Vuk Jeremić, CIRSD President and former President of the UN General Assembly.
Read more