Latest news with #ESD
Al Etihad
a day ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi taps youth in mission to turn climate intention into action across GCC
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) With the UAE capital officially recognised as a centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is determined to transform eco-awareness into tangible community action – and the youth would be driving force in this mission. In a first for the GCC, Abu Dhabi recently secured membership in the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The EAD is spearheading this regional mission. Speaking to Aletihad, Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director for Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management at EAD, explained Abu Dhabi's priorities as RCE: 'The Regional Centre of Expertise in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi - RCE) focuses on bridging the gaps in addressing the diverse environmental challenges facing the region, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.' 'This initiative directly contributes to SDG 4.7 by building knowledge and skills for sustainable development, and supports SDG 13.3 by enhancing education and capacity-building on climate change, encompassing policy, conservation, and technological solutions,' he added. The goal is to link education with concrete climate action, Baharoon said, and empowering the youth - the future environmental stewards - is central to achieving this. 'To ensure the RCE's relevance and impact, the youth must play a central role - through advisory boards, leading initiatives, and active participation in decision-making. Their ideas, energy, and unique perspectives are vital to tackling sustainability challenges,' he said. The youth has already made a mark. The youth-led 'Generation Restoration', for example, has helped shape Abu Dhabi's road map during 2024 World Environmental Education Congress. Their voice and insights will remain crucial in the centre's development. The RCE's establishment marks only the beginning of Challenge 6.3 under the UNEP Action Plan for the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Empowering 'Generation Restoration' through youth-focused curricula (for ages 10–16 and 16+) and 5,000 collaborative partnerships would be a key measure of success. Baharoon outlined clear markers that would indicate the RCE's success over the next five years. '[These] include achieving a significant increase in community engagement in sustainability initiatives; realising measurable positive impacts on local environmental conditions; the development and dissemination of innovative educational resources and programmes; and the establishment of strong, collaborative partnerships across various sectors,' he said. Shaping Eco Lifestyles As it reaches out to the community, Abu Dhabi – RCE aims to drive climate action by offering field-based learning, tapping into cultural knowledge, and promoting behavioural change. EAD's naha platform will play a key role in supporting this mission. Available online, naha serves as an environmental lifestyle guide, providing a single access point to EAD's initiatives. 'Through 'my naha', users receive a personalised climate lifestyle journey, accessible 24/7, with a special emphasis on engaging younger generations,' according to information on The naha platform is more than a digital tool, Baharoon said. 'It is a central hub for collaboration and learning, offering interactive modules, workshops, and forums to engage stakeholders in advancing sustainability. It underpins the RCE's work by making its resources widely accessible across the region.' Scaling impact across the GCC is another priority for the RCE, Baharoon said, 'Starting with our Abu Dhabi initiatives, we will support the Ministry of Education at the UAE level, and make our online platforms naha and e-GREEN regionally accessible.' A Greener Future Looking ahead, Baharoon said the RCE recognition will 'elevate Abu Dhabi's standing to become a key driving force in transformative learning and climate action'. 'It will attract increased investment towards environmental initiatives and provide a strong platform to adopt innovative environmental education initiatives, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration across government, NGOs, and the community,' he added. In the future, the EAD official sees the Abu Dhabi – RCE 'expanding its network of partners, deepening its engagement with local communities, and developing innovative programmes that address emerging sustainability challenges'. 'This includes a greater focus on areas such as climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development,' he said.
SowetanLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- SowetanLIVE
Standard Bank and Sacci back KwaZulu-Natal SMEs going global
Despite KwaZulu-Natal's strategic advantages as a trade hub, many of the province's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are unable to participate in global markets. Obstacles such as complex export regulations, limited access to funding, and a lack of international trade experience continue to stifle SME growth beyond SA's borders. In response, Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking, in partnership with the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci), have launched the Export Readiness Programme that will support 20 high-potential KZN-based SMEs with hands-on training, access to markets, and export compliance support. The programme, starting on July 17, is built on the Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) platform and combines tailored funding, capacity-building, and strategic market access. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will receive: Export compliance and certification training; Access to funding tools and trade finance solutions; and Connection to new markets through Standard Bank's African presence and Sacci's trade networks. 'SMEs in KZN are ambitious and capable, but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally,' says Naledzani Mosomane, head of ESD at Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking. 'This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage and grow sustainably — and beyond borders.'
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Programme helps SMMEs grow, improve
Air Liquide, in collaboration with the Lean Enterprise Acceleration Programme (LEAP) and the Secunda Business Hub, hosted a networking event for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) at the Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club recently. The event brought together 36 SMMEs taking part in Air Liquide's enterprise supplier development (ESD) programme. Part of the event provided a platform for these SMMEs to connect, showcase their products and services, explore new opportunities for collaboration and celebrate their growth and success. The owners of five SMMEs shared in a panel discussion how the programme had helped them start their enterprises and supported their growth and improvement. The programme also provides office space at the BBBEE Hive, creating a professional environment that helps entrepreneurs cut rental costs and build relationships with other businesses. The SMMEs emphasised the value of the guidance they received in adopting structured approaches and implementing business systems to streamline operations. The hub received praise for its accessibility, with facilities that accommodate individuals with disabilities. 'Air Liquide is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of SMMEs in Secunda, home to the world's largest oxygen production plant,' said Nkululeko Magadla, the general manager of Air Liquide. 'Providing platforms for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing is vital for businesses to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to economic development. 'Accordingly, this initiative highlights our commitment to SA's transformation agenda,' said Dr John Eliastam, the LEAP group general manager. Author and businessman Khathu Maestro was the keynote speaker and inspired the entrepreneurs and business owners with his words. Khathu Maestro, author, businessman and the event's keynote speaker, inspired entrepreneurs and business owners with his words. ALSO CHECK: Span maak gedenksteen op Vrede uit 1901 reg ALSO CHECK: Boy from Secunda faces new health setbacks as family seeks second opinion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why corporate giants need to champion SME skills development in South Africa
Many SMEs lack the financial resources to invest in training that would improve the quality of their products or services. By providing financial and resource support, corporates can bridge this gap and enable SMEs to develop the skills needed to meet industry standards. Image: File Though the buzzwords 'job creation' and 'economic growth' often dominate boardroom discussions, it is the humble Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that truly bring these concepts to life. SMEs are the ones taking risks, hiring locally and revitalising our markets. Yet, they are the ones struggling, particularly in accessing the skills they desperately need. The growth potential is clear - SMEs do not simply fill gaps in the market, they create new ones. They innovate and they adapt with a nimbleness that bigger entities lack but this potential is often choked by a lack of resources, especially in upskilling their workforce. It is unrealistic to expect SMEs to compete on a global scale, if they're perpetually battling to stay afloat due to a skills deficit. Corporate self-interest - strengthening the supply chain Many SMEs lack the financial resources to invest in training that would improve the quality of their products or services. By providing financial and resource support, corporates can bridge this gap and enable SMEs to develop the skills needed to meet industry standards. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ To put it bluntly, this is a prime opportunity for corporates to provide real support for SMEs by funding training programmes that enhance their capabilities. The argument for corporates to step in isn't just a matter of social responsibility, it's directly related to self-preservation. Given the sheer scale of interconnected global economies, supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. By investing in SME skills development through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives, larger organisations are not just throwing a lifeline; they're strengthening their own position. An SME with a well-trained workforce is a more reliable supplier, a more innovative partner, and a more capable contributor to the wider ecosystem. Strategic investment with skills development as a priorityThrowing money at the problem isn't enough. Too often, ESD funds are misdirected, or worse, squandered, because the recipient lacks the business acumen to manage them effectively. This is where the "skills" part of "skills development" must be brought sharply into focus. SMEs and their workforces require a diverse skill set on top of the basics of management skills, financial literacy, and administrative capabilities. Equipping individuals with these competencies ensures that the right people, possessing the right skills, are in place to maximise the Return on Investment (ROI) from ESD funding. Putting the focus on skills development in the right placeTo achieve this, a dedicated portion of every ESD investment must be explicitly earmarked for comprehensive training. This isn't as complicated as it sounds. To maximise the impact of these initiatives, corporates should partner with accredited training providers, who will bring in the experts to deliver impactful, relevant programmes, tailored to the unique requirements of the SME. Let's not forget the operational burdens that often cripple SMEs - the endless admin, the cash flow struggles, the constant juggling of multiple roles – these are the realities that prevent entrepreneurs from focusing on growth. Corporates can step in to alleviate these burdens by providing resources for administrative support, or by facilitating learnerships and internships where relevant, to give SMEs, the breathing room they need to move beyond survival. Stepping up to champion SME skills developmentIn short, it's about building the human capital that will drive long-term success. By outsourcing training to reputable providers, corporates can ensure that SMEs receive high-quality, relevant skills development that directly contributes to their growth. Such a partner would manage the skills development aspect of the investment from start to finish - covering everything from training materials to compliance reporting, making it almost effortless on the corporate's part to contribute to the growth of SMEs through their supply chain. To get there, however, a paradigm shift needs to happen. Corporate South Africa needs to move from a mindset of charity to a mindset of strategic partnership. This isn't about handouts; it's about investing responsibly in the future of businesses and communities. It's about recognising that when SMEs thrive, South Africa thrives. Daniel Orelowitz is MD at Training Force. Daniel Orelowitz, MD at Training Force. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
T Wallet clocks 16 lakh registered users in 8 years
HYDERABAD: India's first state-managed digital wallet, T Wallet has recorded 16 lakh registered users and processed over four crore transactions in its eight-year journey since its launch in 2017, the state government's Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) wing under the ITE&C Department announced on Thursday. Introduced during the 2016 demonetisation, T Wallet continues to drive digital payments across the state. The wallet enables a range of services, including Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)-based real-time bank transfers, utility bill payments, service fee payments, and merchant transactions. T Wallet is integrated with MeeSeva's 4,500 plus centres and 11,000 plus fair price shops, ensuring accessibility in remote and rural areas, with options for citizens to use it via mobile app, web, or assisted services for those without mobile access. Launched on June 1, 2017, T Wallet was a pioneering response to the 2016 demonetisation, aiming to promote cashless transactions in Telangana. Its flagship IMPS feature allows direct bank account transfers, setting it apart from traditional wallets that rely on peer-to-peer transactions or UPI and offering 24/7 availability for seamless banking integration. The ITE&C department emphasised T Wallet's role in enhancing financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions, with its growth over eight years underscoring its importance as a state-led digital payment solution for Telangana's citizens.
