The holidays are a moment not just for personal resolutions but for asking a bigger question: how can we help the world's poor as effectively as possible? The UN's attempt to answer that question effectively died this year. We didn't hear much about these development challenges because 2025 was already crowded with urgent geopolitical and economic news. Research shows that every dollar delivers about $40 in lifetime economic benefits -- better than most policies being pursued today. Putting children in front of cheap tablets with educational software one hour a day can help each pupil learn at their own level and speed.

Source: Bangkok Post December 21, 2025 23:03 UTC