Global development events and issues of 2013 – in pictures

New development goals, cuts in aid, a pushback on women's rights, an escalation in the Syrian refugee crisis, debate about migrant workers' rights (above, migrant workers put the finishing touches to a Zinedine Zidane sculpture in Doha) and natural disaster – we look back at some of the key moments in development from 2013 Photograph: STR/EPA

Money sent from migrants to family and friends back home in the form of remittances has increased significantly recently, dwarfing global aid budgets. In January, we dissected the figures, looking at how much money is sent home, and to which countries. We also looked in more detail at four countries to assess the impact of this growing source of revenue Photograph: Ben Garvin/Getty Images

Work to create post-2015 development goals began in earnest this year. In Liberia in February, the UN high-level panel said it was 'going for gold'. The panel met in Bali in March and published its report, calling for an end of extreme povety, in May – a sentiment endorsed by the UNGA in September. Meanwhile, the co-chair of the working group on sustainable development goals said the tough work was just beginning Photograph: Made Nagi/EPA

In March, the UK government announced it will hit the 40-year 0.7% aid target by the end of 2013, calling it an 'historic moment'. Meanwhile, in May, Canada announced it was to cut its aid budget, a move followed by Australia in September under its new prime minister Tony Abbott Photograph: Muhammed Muheisen/AP

Violence against women and girls was a recurring theme of 2013. In March, the UN Commission on the Status of Women agreed a document on eliminating violence. In April, the UK foreign secretary made prosecuting perpetrators a G8 issue. In November, Britain pledged £21m to tackle violence in emergency settings Photograph: Phil Moore/AFP/Getty Images

In May, we investigated China's growing investment – and influence – in Africa. Our research revealed that the Chinese government has backed 1,700 projects on the continent since 2000 in an apparent attempt to win favour among governments. We unpick the figures and look at the extent of Beijing's influence in Ethiopia, Ghana, Algeria and Zambia Photograph: Xu Suhui/Xinhua

Britain hosted the G8 summit in June, which ended in a communique that promised action on tax avoidance. In January, NGOs launched the IF Campaign to pressurise leaders meeting in Lough Erne in Northern Ireland, to take firm action. Organisers held rallies in London and Northern Ireland Photograph: Mark Pearce/EPA

The Syria refugee crisis escalated. In July, the Guardian dedicated a day looking at the lives of people forced to flee. Three refugees joined us for a live chat, we looked at whether camps are the best solution, the impact of confict on mental health, and how donor money is being spent. The UN launched its largest appeal for Syria in June, and increased it in December Photograph: ChristianJepsen/NRC/Guardianwitness

In September, a shocking investigation by Guardian Global Development found Nepalese migrant workers in Qatar were experiencing abuse and exploitation at its World Cup sites. Much of the Gulf state's expansion is being built by some of the poorest migrant workers in the world. In the worst cases, employees are not being paid and work in conditions of forced labour. Each month dozens of young Nepalese migrant workers are returning home in coffins. The impact of the revelations reverberated around the world, and continue today. The Qatar government is due to publish a report into the abuse claims in the next few weeks Photograph: Peter Pattison

Poor countries walked out of climate talks in Warsaw in November, after the EU, Australia, the US and other wealthy states insisted that the question of who should pay compensation for extreme climate events be discussed only after 2015. The orchestrated move by the G77 and China bloc of 132 countries came during talks about 'loss and damage' – how countries should respond to climate impacts that are difficult or impossible to adapt to. Poorer countries bear the brunt of climate change but are the lowest carbon omitters Photograph: Beawiharta/Reuters

In November, we highlighted the true cost of the cashew nut trade for the pickers and processors. Focusing on India and Ghana, we found that cashew nut workers experience appalling conditions. Many workers earn just 30p a day and risk permanent injury, say NGOs, who are calling on the EU to crack down on unfair trading practices. In our monthy podcast, we hear from Fiona Gooch, senior policy adviser at Traidcraft, and Felicity Lawrence, Guardian investigative reporter Photograph: Thierry Gouegnon/Reuters

On 8 November, typhoon Haiyan stuck six central islands in the Philippines, killing thousands of people and destroying homes and infrastructure. The typhoon is believed to be the deadliest in the country's history. We're been hearing from aid workers in the Philippines, who have been sharing how people are coping in the aftermath Photograph: Wally Santana/AP

It was looking impossible, but after more than 12 years of negotiation, the World Trade Organisation reached a last minute deal in the Doha round of trade talks on 7 December. The deal, agreed by 160 members gathered in Bali, was the first of its kind for the WTO Photograph: Edgar Su/Reuters