Latest news with #CISL
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Investors Face ESG Shock as Risk Mispriced, Cambridge Study Says
Investors lack financial incentives to chase sustainable targets, leaving them more exposed to losses once sentiment shifts, according to a study by academics at the University of Cambridge. Despite years devoted to trying to make environmental and social investing financially appealing, there still aren't enough structures to encourage banks and asset managers to allocate capital in ways that will ultimately protect the planet and its inhabitants, scholars at the Centre for Sustainable Finance at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) wrote in a study published on Tuesday.
Local Italy
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Italy
Music, parades and picnics: How Italy celebrates Labour Day on May 1st
A public holiday Labour Day has been recognised as a public holiday in Italy since shortly after the fall of Fascism in the mid-1940s – more on that below. The fact that Labour Day falls on a Thursday this year means many Italians will take the opportunity to fare il ponte and give themselves a long weekend break by taking the Friday off as well. Parades and protests For many in Italy, Labour Day isn't just a day off work but also a day of action, with unions and other organisations organising rallies and marches to campaign for workers' rights and other social issues. Most Italian towns and cities hold some kind of march or parade, with trade unions CGIL, CISL and UIL focusing on worker safety and job security this year. USI-CIT has called an all-day strike that may effect the healthcare and education sectors - though since May 1st is a public holiday anyway in Italy, it's unlikely to cause much additional disruption. A tradition borrowed from the US Though May 1st is Italy's Labour Day (as it is for a long list of other countries, including France, Spain and Germany), this day of action actually has its origins in a huge strike in Chicago in 1886. On May 1st, 35,000 workers walked out of their jobs, joined by tens of thousands more in the next couple days, leading a national movement for an eight-hour work day. The idea of introducing an international workers' day made its way to Europe, and Labour Day was first celebrated in Italy in 1891 – but the holiday was suppressed under Fascism, and only became an official public holiday again in 1946. Music concerts Some Italian cities celebrate May 1st with live open-air music concerts. The biggest of these is the C oncertone or 'big concert' held every May 1st in Rome's Piazza San Giovanni in Luterano (though last year it briefly relocated to the Circo Massimo venue). The event – the largest free live music concert in Europe – features performances from some of Italy's most popular singers. This year's lineup is set to feature Achille Lauro, Elodie, Ghali and Giorgia, among some 50 performers. The city of Taranto, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, hosts the free concert Uno Maggio Taranto, featuring musical acts interspersed with speeches from guests and activists. When the weather is sunny, public holidays in Italy are often observed with a gita fuori porta, or 'trip outside the city gates', and Labour Day is no exception. Italians living in towns and cities take advantage of the day off to take a day trip somewhere in nature, be that the seaside, countryside or the mountains. It might involve a stroll or even a short hike, but food is always key, whether it's lunch at a trattoria or a barbecue at a picnic spot. Classic dishes As is always the case on Italian holidays, food comes front and centre, and different parts of the country have their own favourite May Day dishes. In Rome and the surrounding region of Lazio, green fava beans are eaten raw, straight from the pod, along with pecorino cheese and usually some locally produced vino sfuso (cask wine) – a tradition that dates back to ancient Roman times. In the mountainous central Italian region of Abruzzo, virtù teramane, a thick stew made using leftover legumes, pasta and fresh vegetables is widely consumed. And on the island of Sardinia, pilgrims make their way to the shrine of San Francesco di Lula, in the Nuoro province, where they're served s u filindeu or 'God's threads' soup – a kind of minestrone made with very fine strands of pasta in a mutton broth. Calendimaggio and the 'Songs of May' Italy's May folk traditions and spring rites celebrating renewal and rebirth, known as Calendimaggio, date back to the ancient pagan festival of Floralia, in honour of Flora – the Roman goddess of flowers and fertility. In the Middle Ages, young men would go into the woods on the night of April 30th and pick flowering branches to place outside the doors of young girls as a courtship ritual. Towns and villages would celebrate with music, parades, games and banquets. Maggianti or maggerini singers would go door to door playing instruments and singing folk songs about spring, receiving meats, sweets and wine in return. Today, towns in parts of central and northern Italy - in particular, mountain villages around the Tuscan city of Pistoia - continue the tradition of Cantamaggio folk singing. Terni, in the central region of Umbria, stages a Carnival-style float parade on the evening of April 30th, while Assisi, also in Umbria, puts on a whole month of Calendimaggio celebrations.
Bahrain News Gazette
15-04-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
BIBF Announces 9th Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Programme in August
Manama: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has announced the launch of the 9th edition of the Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Programme (IFLP), which is scheduled to take place from August 17 – 22, 2025, at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. According to Bahrain News Agency, the programme is organised in collaboration with the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance (Cambridge IIF) and includes the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) as a contributing partner. The initiative is supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and is recognised as one of the leading executive initiatives in the field of Islamic banking and finance. The IFLP is designed to provide an in-depth and interactive learning experience for senior professionals in the Islamic finance sector. This includes executives, regulators, shariah scholars, and policymakers. Participants will engage in advanced executive training, case-based learning, one-on-one mentorship from global experts, and networking with over 30 industry leaders in an esteemed academic environment. Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of the BIBF, highlighted the programme's alignment with Bahrain's strategic objective to reinforce its global leadership in Islamic finance. He reiterated the institute's dedication to nurturing innovative leaders who can drive sustainability and ethical growth within the sector. Dr. Rizwan Malik, Head of the Islamic Finance Centre at the BIBF, mentioned that the IFLP combines academic insight with practical application, equipping participants with the necessary tools to lead in a swiftly changing financial landscape guided by Islamic principles. He also expressed appreciation for the inclusion of CISL as a contributing partner, which enhances the programme's breadth. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain's endeavors to fortify its status as a global hub for Islamic finance and to provide national talent with exceptional skills.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BIBF to host 9th edition of Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Programme this August
Manama, Bahrain – The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has announced the launch of the 9th edition of the Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Programme (IFLP), scheduled to take place from 17 to 22 August 2025 at Trinity Hall Cambridge, United Kingdom. The programme is organised in collaboration with the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance (Cambridge IIF) and with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) as a contributing partner. Supported by the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', the programme is recognised as one of the world's leading executive initiatives in the field of Islamic banking and finance. It offers engaging, interactive learning experience aimed at developing the next generation of leadership talent in this vital sector. The programme features high-level executive training, case-based learning, one-on-one mentorship from globally renowned experts, and exclusive networking opportunities with more than 30 leaders and practitioners from around the globe — all within a distinguished academic environment. Recognised as a premier executive programme in Islamic finance, the IFLP offers an intensive, immersive experience designed to shape the next generation of industry leaders. The programme is designed for senior managers in banks and financial institutions, regulators, policymakers, shariah scholars, consultants and finance professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and expand their global influence. On this occasion, Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of the BIBF, stated: 'As part of our strategic direction towards strengthening Bahrain's global leadership in Islamic finance, we are committed to developing forward-thinking leaders who can drive innovation, sustainability, and ethical growth within the industry. Our continued collaboration with world-renowned institutions such as Cambridge IIF and CISL reinforces the BIBF's role in shaping the future of Islamic finance on an international scale.' Dr. Rizwan Malik, Head of Islamic Finance Centre at the BIBF, added: 'The Cambridge IFLP provides a unique platform that blends academic insight with real-world application. Participants will engage in advanced leadership training, interactive case studies, and mentorship from global experts—equipping them with the tools to lead confidently in a fast-evolving financial landscape rooted in Islamic principles. Additionally, this year we are glad to have the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership as a contributing partner, which will further enhance the breadth and depth of the programme.' The initiative aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain's vision to strengthen its position as a global hub for Islamic finance and to equip national talent with world-class knowledge and skills. Applications are now open, and interested professionals are encouraged to apply early due to limited seats. For more information, contact islamicfinance@ About the BIBF The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) is the leading provider of education and training in the region, established in 1981 under the Central Bank of Bahrain. With a commitment to enhancing human capital, the BIBF serves not only Bahrain but also extends its reach to 64 countries worldwide, solidifying its global presence. The BIBF is dedicated to delivering excellence across a broad spectrum of business disciplines. It partners with numerous international institutions to offer thought leadership, assessment, and training in key areas, including: Banking and Finance Islamic Banking Executive Education Accounting and Finance Academic Studies Leadership and Management Insurance Digital Transformation and Project Management For more information, please contact the Marketing and Corporate Communications Department at: Email: media@ Website:
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's circular solar economy: Opportunities & challenges in PV sustainability
Oman is steadily advancing toward its Vision 2040 goals, with renewable energy playing a crucial role in its economic diversification strategy. With an abundance of sunlight, the country has invested heavily in solar energy projects, including the Ibri II and Manah 1&2 solar plants. However, as Oman accelerates its solar adoption, it must also prepare for the challenge of managing solar photovoltaic (PV) waste. Without a structured approach to recycling and circularity, the country risks facing a growing environmental burden and lost economic opportunities. A recent report titled 'Circular Solar: Opportunities and Challenges in Solar PV' by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), IfM Engage, and Group Innovation GmbH highlights the importance of integrating circular economy principles into the solar sector. This essay examines how Oman can benefit from solar circularity, leveraging international best practices to strengthen its renewable energy sustainability, create economic opportunities, and establish itself as a leader in the Gulf's green transition. CIRCULARITY IN SOLAR ENERGY Solar PV technology has experienced rapid global growth, driven by declining costs and technological advancements. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that by 2050, global solar installations will exceed 4.6 terawatts (TW), but this will also result in over 200 million metric tonnes of solar panel waste. Without a proper recycling framework, most of this waste will end up in landfills, leading to resource loss and environmental hazards. Oman's increasing reliance on solar power makes it essential to address this challenge early. By incorporating circular economy strategies, the country can reduce environmental damage, lower costs for new solar projects, and extend the lifespan of solar investments. The question remains: How can Oman effectively integrate solar circularity into its renewable energy policy framework? OMAN IN THE CIRCULAR SOLAR ECONOMY One of the most effective approaches for Oman is adopting the '4R' framework outlined in the report: Reuse, Refurbishment, Remanufacturing, and Recycling. Reuse involves extending the life of solar panels through repairs and repurposing, while refurbishment upgrades panels for secondary applications. Remanufacturing disassembles panels to rebuild new ones using recovered components, and recycling extracts valuable materials like silver, silicon, aluminum, and copper for reuse in new solar panels. Oman can also learn from the European Union's (EU) circular solar policies. The Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive mandates that 85% of solar panels must be collected and recycled by manufacturers. By implementing similar regulations, Oman can prevent improper disposal, promote responsible recycling, and attract investments in solar waste management. The circular solar economy also presents a strong economic opportunity. According to SolarPower Europe, the EU solar recycling sector could create over 16,000 jobs by 2028. In Oman, solar panel refurbishment and recycling facilities could lead to new employment opportunities in green industries, fostering public-private partnerships and attracting foreign investments in sustainable technologies. Moreover, Oman has the potential to position itself as a regional hub for solar PV sustainability. As Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC nations expand their solar industries, Oman can lead by establishing solar PV recycling and refurbishment facilities, serving both domestic and regional markets. CHALLENGES Despite the benefits, Oman faces several challenges in developing a circular solar economy. One of the biggest obstacles is weak market formation for solar PV recycling. Due to the availability of cheap new solar panels, there is low demand for second-life panels. Additionally, many businesses and consumers are unaware of solar circularity, and there is a lack of certification for refurbished panels, making their resale difficult. Another major challenge is the absence of large-scale solar recycling infrastructure. Oman currently does not have dedicated facilities for solar panel recycling, which means that decommissioned panels either end up in landfills or are exported without proper oversight. To address this, the government must incentivize private sector investment in recycling facilities and establish a national network for collecting and processing solar waste. Policy gaps also hinder progress. While Oman has made strides in solar energy expansion, there is no dedicated regulation for solar panel recycling or circular economy mandates. Implementing policies such as extended producer responsibility (EPR)—which makes manufacturers responsible for collecting and recycling old panels—could ensure sustainable end-of-life management. Finally, technological and financial barriers pose additional difficulties. High-tech solar recycling methods, such as chemical and thermal processes, require substantial investment. To overcome this, Oman can partner with international solar firms, leverage regional cooperation within the GCC, and establish joint ventures with recycling technology leaders. RECOMMENDATIONS To effectively integrate circularity in its solar energy sector, Oman should take several key steps. First, the government must develop a National Solar Circularity Policy that includes mandates for solar panel recycling, producer responsibility regulations, and incentives for second-life PV solutions. A well-structured policy would create clear guidelines for manufacturers, businesses, and consumers, ensuring that solar waste is managed sustainably. Second, Oman should incentivize private sector investment by offering tax benefits and financial support to companies engaged in solar panel recycling and refurbishment. Establishing public-private partnerships (PPPs) can also accelerate the development of solar circularity projects. Third, investment in solar recycling R&D and infrastructure is crucial. Oman should set up pilot recycling plants in free zones or industrial areas, where businesses can test and develop solar PV recycling solutions. Universities and research institutions can also play a role by conducting studies on cost-effective solar waste management techniques. Fourth, Oman must promote public awareness and introduce a certification system for second-life PV panels. Consumer education campaigns can encourage businesses and individuals to opt for refurbished solar panels, reducing unnecessary waste. A government-backed certification systemwould also ensure that reconditioned panels meet quality standards, making them a viable alternative to new imports. Finally, Oman should strengthen regional and global collaborations. Partnering with the EU and China, both of which have advanced solar recycling programmes, could help transfer knowledge and best practices. Additionally, advocating for a GCC-wide policy on solar PV circularity would enable cross-border cooperation in solar waste management. CONCLUSION Oman's renewable energy transition is a step in the right direction, but it must also address the end-of-life challenges associated with solar PV technology. The circular solar economy offers a solution that is not only environmentally necessary but also economically beneficial. By adopting EU-style regulations, investing in solar recycling infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships, Oman can position itself as a leader in solar sustainability in the Gulf. The transition to a circular solar economy will require policy reforms, investment in technology, and regional collaboration, but if implemented successfully, Oman will reap long-term benefits in sustainability, economic diversification, and job creation. The time to act is now—before the solar waste crisis becomes a reality. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
