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SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS AND NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

October 26, 2023 by Parallelpoint Consult in Events, Industry News

UN Global Compact Launches New Business Guidance on Sustainable Infrastructure

In Beijing, the UN Global Compact introduced guidance and assessment tools for advancing sustainable infrastructure within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), involving government, business, and academic leaders. These tools underscore the vital role of businesses in propelling economic growth and ensuring that infrastructure projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They offer practical resources to help companies adhere to the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, encompassing human rights, labor practices, environmental considerations, and anti-corruption measures. CEO Sanda Ojiambo emphasized the need for inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development. The release also featured an online platform and case studies to bolster corporate sustainability within the BRI, while the High-Level Steering Committee emphasized the Action Platform’s contribution to responsible business participation for advancing the SDGs through infrastructure projects. The UN Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF) facilitated this collaborative initiative. https://esgnews.com/un-global-compact-launches-new-business-guidance-on-sustainable-infrastructure/

Volkswagen Group delivers 45% more all-electric vehicles in first 9 months

The Volkswagen group has announced significant achievement in its electrification strategy

• 531,500 all-electric vehicles (BEVs) were handed over to customers from January to September, compared to 366,600 in the prior year period
• BEV share of total deliveries increased to 7.9 percent (Jan-Sep 2022: 6.1 percent), reaching 9.0 percent in Q3 (Q3 2022: 6.8 percent)
• Europe remained key driver of Volkswagen Group’s electrification strategy with an increase of 61 percent to 341,100 BEVs (Jan-Sep 2022: 211,900), USA up 74 percent to 50,300 BEVs (Jan-Sep 2022: 28,900), China 4 percent above prior year level with 117,100 BEVs (Jan-Sep 2022: 112,700). https://esgnews.com/volkswagen-group-delivers-45-more-all-electric-vehicles-in-first-9-months/

WWF Report: Water crisis threatens US$58 trillion in economic value, food security and sustainability

The WWF’s new report, “The High Cost of Cheap Water,” underscores the escalating global crisis centered around water, a resource often undervalued yet essential for human and environmental well-being. The report reveals that water and freshwater ecosystems hold an estimated annual economic value of US$58 trillion, equivalent to 60% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this, these ecosystems are in severe decline, with one-third of wetlands lost and an average 83% drop in freshwater wildlife populations since 1970. This alarming trend contributes to water shortages, food insecurity, economic strain, and hampers efforts to combat climate change and nature loss. To address the crisis, WWF calls for increased investment in sustainable water infrastructure and the restoration of freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing the need for collective action from governments, businesses, and financial institutions. https://esgnews.com/wwf-report-water-crisis-threatens-us58-trillion-in-economic-value-food-security-and-sustainability/

Canada Pension Plan Publishes 2023 Report on Sustainable Investing

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has released its 2023 Report on Sustainable Investing, focusing on active ownership and engagement throughout the investment life cycle. The report highlights progress made in achieving its net-zero commitment amid challenging economic conditions. CPP Investments emphasizes the importance of sustainability throughout the investment process and has updated its definitions of sustainability-related factors for long-term success. Active ownership is a key element, with engagement activities, voting rights, and influencing climate-related disclosures at portfolio companies. Progress toward the net-zero goal includes increased investments in green and transition assets, carbon neutrality in internal operations, and decarbonization efforts across various sectors, contributing to long-term value and sustainability goals.https://esgnews.com/canada-pension-plan-publishes-2023-report-on-sustainable-investing/

PayPal Announces Investments to Advance Economic Empowerment for Women

PayPal Holdings, Inc. has invested in Sweef Capital’s Southeast Asia Women’s Economic Empowerment Fund (SWEEF) and Quona Opportunity Fund, as part of its $108 million commitment under the UN Generation Equality Forum to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women and girls. These investments are the first of PayPal’s planned $100 million in capital investments in funds and initiatives led by or focused on women. Sweef Capital, based in Singapore, focuses on underserved markets and challenges in Southeast Asia and seeks opportunities in women-led enterprises and those promoting gender equality and diversity. Quona Opportunity Fund, a part of Quona Capital, supports fintech companies in emerging markets aiming to enhance financial services access. PayPal also collaborates with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and supports Opportunity International’s Women THRIVE Program to empower women worldwide economically.https://esgnews.com/paypal-announces-investments-to-advance-economic-empowerment-for-women/

Climate change: Largest all-women voyage to set sail for Antarctica

In November 2023, an expedition of 188 women from around the world will set sail to Antarctica on a 19-day voyage with a mission to promote the long-term sustainability of the planet. These participants, all with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), will gain firsthand experience of Antarctica’s ecosystem and use their expertise to enhance research and legislation. The initiative, led by Homeward Bound, aims to empower women in STEMM fields and increase gender equality while addressing climate change and sustainability. The voyage, with participants from 25 countries, is part of Homeward Bound’s broader mission to enable 10,000 women in STEMM to lead and influence global policy decisions for a more sustainable future by 2036. The journey is preceded by a 12-month virtual leadership program to develop leadership and strategic skills. https://www.environewsnigeria.com/climate-change-largest-all-women-voyage-to-set-sail-for-antarctica/

NDDC To Power Niger Delta Communities With Solar Energy

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled a plan to provide solar-powered electricity to every community in the Niger Delta region, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat climate change in Nigeria. The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, announced this initiative during a presentation on Renewable Energy and Carbon Credit by the Asteven International Company. The NDDC aims to create industrial clusters powered by solar energy to enhance the agricultural value chain. This collaboration reflects the NDDC’s commitment to climate-related issues, with a focus on carbon credits, sustainable development, and climate resilience in the Niger Delta region. The Asteven International Company pledged to assist the NDDC in monetizing carbon credits and unlocking substantial carbon investment potential in the region.https://naturenews.africa/nddc-to-power-niger-delta-communities-with-solar-energy/

SUSTAINABILITY EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD