The World Social Report 2021 from the United Nations focuses on reconsidering rural development. It highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities for rural areas. The report calls for a new approach to rural development, aimed at ending the rural-urban divide, improving living standards and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Key recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, promoting sustainable farming and improving rural access to services and resources to better achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report is essential for policymakers and stakeholders interested in rural transformation and global sustainability.