The United Nations Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, known as the Human Reproduction Programme or HRP, has been providing the world with research findings and guidance on sexual health and reproduction (SRH) for more than half a century. This annual report highlights the programme’s key achievements in 2023, and points to major ongoing research that will be completed in the next few years.

In response to the close link between economic and population issues recognized by the United Nations in 1957, the World Health Organization (WHO) was prompted to address the concerns of developing nations dealing with slow economic growth and high population growth by 1964. Establishing the Human Reproduction Unit in 1965, WHO outlined its strategy in 1965, acknowledging the repercussions of population changes on health conditions. A pivotal development occurred in 1970 when global organizations convened to discuss a research program on human reproduction, leading to the creation of the Expanded Programme of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) in 1971. The HRP, with its scientifically authoritative and neutral methods, significantly contributed to the development of contraception methods, which are still in use today. Additionally, the program played a role in disseminating these methods through a discourse rooted in human rights principles. This historical narrative highlights WHO's enduring commitment to addressing global health challenges related to population and reproductive health.

Accomplishing sustainability in the agribusiness sector is a significant, yet time-sensitive, challenge, especially when balanced with the need to grow sufficient quantity and quality of food to keep the growing global population healthy. Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, this book explores the extent to which the agribusiness sector is already evolving to become sustainable and the ways in which innovation in the industry can help address sustainable development goals, particularly around zero hunger, gender equality, decent work, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. The contributors to this volume address the following key questions: What are the drivers and barriers for the agribusiness sector to become sustainable? Which business models best facilitate the implementation of sustainable goals? How can we measure the extent to which the agribusiness sector is becoming more sustainable? How can the agribusiness sector leverage recent technological advancements to achieve its sustainability goals? The analysis of the sustainability challenges for the sector ranges across various facets of the industry including employment, pre-production industries, agriculture, food processing, distribution, and trade. This book will be of significant interest to readers in agribusiness, innovation management, and sustainability.