Latest news with #SDC
Fibre2Fashion
18 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Sri Lanka launches GRI-backed ITSB for apparel sustainability
Sri Lanka's textile and apparel industry has taken a major leap in sustainability with the launch of the Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) programme, a new ESG-focused initiative supported by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) South Asia, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). Backed by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the ITSB programme aims to embed world-class ESG reporting across apparel businesses—ranging from multinational firms to SMEs—strengthening the sector's transparency, investor confidence, and global market readiness. Companies will be trained on the use of GRI Standards to report on critical issues such as labour practices, energy and climate impact, economic contribution, and waste. The initiative aligns with Sri Lanka's Inclusive and Sustainable Business Action Plan and responds to rising global demand for ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance, including EU's upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) rules. The first full-day session took place on July 16, 2025, in Colombo, featuring stakeholder workshops, ESG strategy discussions, and a preview of the 2025 GRI Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard, JAAF said in a media release. With apparel contributing over 40 per cent of Sri Lanka's exports and employing 350,000 people, the ITSB is a strategic step towards making the industry more competitive, transparent, and future-ready. The programme is expected to extend to India and Bangladesh later this year, positioning Sri Lanka as a regional ESG frontrunner. 'ITSB is designed to elevate sustainability practices and transparency across South Asia's textile and apparel sector, positioning it for long-term resilience, profitability, and global leadership. Through this multi-year initiative, we aim to foster a dynamic and inclusive platform that brings together key stakeholders across Sri Lanka's textile and apparel sector. Adopting the GRI Standards – the world's most widely used sustainability standards, does not only elevate corporate transparency but also strengthens investor confidence, international positioning, and regulatory preparedness—contributing to a more transparent and future-ready economy,' said Rahul Singh, senior manager, South Asia, GRI, commenting on the significance of the programme. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Sri Lanka has launched the ITSB programme to boost ESG reporting in its apparel sector, backed by GRI South Asia, EDB, SDC, and JAAF, with support from Sweden's SIDA. Aimed at SMEs and large firms, the initiative promotes transparency and global compliance. The first session was held on July 16, 2025, with plans to expand to India and Bangladesh later this year. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Rudaw Net
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Rojava calls for urgent national dialogue as tensions continue in the south
Also in Syria Sunni fighters threaten to 'burn' Suwayda despite ceasefire Secretary Rubio warns Damascus over Suwayda violence as tribal forces withdraw 'They're erasing our identity': Suwayda native in Erbil pleads for end to violence Clashes continue in Suwayda, death toll passes 900: Watchdog A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which rules northeast Syria (Rojava), on Tuesday issued an urgent call for an inclusive national dialogue involving all democratic national actors, while also urging an investigation into the recent clashes between Druze militants and Sunni fighters. A fragile ceasefire seems to be holding. 'We urgently call for the launch of an inclusive national dialogue. This dialogue should culminate in a broad-based national conference that brings together all democratic national actors. The goal must be to shape a new Syrian political project grounded in transitional justice,' the SDC said in a statement. The SDC is the political wing of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto army of Rojava. The statement highlighted the importance of inclusive national dialogue, aiming to bring an 'end to authoritarianism,' and emphasized the need to establish a democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic system in Syria that will 'guarantee genuine participation for all segments of Syrian society without exception.' It further called for an independent and transparent investigation into the recent clashes in the southern province of Suwayda. The fighting erupted between the Druze and Bedouin tribes on July 13, leading to a regional crisis as Israel intervened in support of the Druze - hitting several targets - including Syrian state forces and an airstrike on the building of the defence ministry in Damascus. Syrian state forces were accused of siding with the tribal fighters. The ceasefire between Israel and Syria - brokered by Washington - was announced Saturday by the US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack. Several clashes between the Druze and Bedouin fighters were reported hours later but the truce currently seems to be holding. The Druze are in control of the province while the state forces are guarding the entrance of the province to prevent Sunni fighters from entering it in a bid to avoid further tensions. Bedouin families who were stuck in the province were escorted out on Monday. The recent clashes have killed at least 1,265 people, according to the SOHR. 'It is essential to ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable. This must be done without discrimination or bias,' the SDC said. It criticized the recent clashes as 'a direct manifestation of the broader collapse of the political and institutional structures,' amid affirming it as a threat to Syria's territorial integrity. Three ceasefires between Damascus and the Druze fighters have failed since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. 'We warn of the grave danger of being drawn into internal conflicts driven by sectarian, regional, or communal divisions,' the SDC said. Kurds in Rojava, like other minorities in Syria, remain concerned about the centralization of power and reliance on Islamic jurisprudence in the transitional constitution that has been adopted by the interim government in Damascus. While Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity,' he continues to face domestic and international criticism over his perceived marginalization of minority communities.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MTUC delegates should vote for those with a proven track record
LETTERS: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) will hold its Special Delegates' Conference (SDC) on Aug 2 and 3, where it will be no exaggeration to say that the future existence of the MTUC will be at stake. The challenges faced by trade union leaders in the country to be independent, resourceful and brave are daunting, though not new. Former MTUC leaders such as Dr. V. David, Ahmad Nor, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud and A.H. Ponniah, to name a few, had constantly and consistently stood up for the rights of workers and the institution of trade unionism. Thus, the SDC is no ordinary delegates' conference as office bearers are elected. This time, delegates must ensure history does not repeat itself when teams are formed before the MTUC elections, often consisting of strange bedfellows who were elected almost wholly or predominantly into office. Once at the helm, a split within the leadership happens - first insidiously and then openly. The main activity of the MTUC then becomes leaders fighting among one another. The people who pay the price are the low-income workers in the country. Thus, when the delegates cast their votes at the upcoming SDC, they would do well to not vote along team lines. Votes should be cast in favour of those who can best do the job. By that I mean those who have a track record of doing productive trade union work – advocating for changes in policies and legislation, increasing the membership of their unions through organising efforts, fiercely engaging in collective bargaining and not flinching or compromising when members have been wronged or unjustly treated. MTUC will be better served if the delegates elect office bearers who are from different teams, or, for that matter, who are standing for elections without presenting themselves as part of any team. The leadership which has caused the current dysfunction of the MTUC, where their selfish interests were placed ahead of those of the workers, should be rejected by the delegates. If they are elected again, we can only expect history to repeat itself. I believe that the MTUC, through the mature decision of its delegates in the coming SDC, will be resurrected to its rightful place and serve as the bastion of workers' rights in the country.
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power meter checks begin: Avoid R14k fine by allowing access
City Power has announced that it will be commencing with meter audits across the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) supply areas from Monday, July 14. According to the entity's spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, the programme, which will run until August 31, is part of their ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline operations. 'Its primary objective is to enhance the accuracy of electricity billing while promoting greater transparency and operational efficiency in the delivery of our services.' Mangena adds that it is crucial that all customers are properly metered, ensuring that they are paying for the electricity they use daily. 'Customers who refuse meter audits and normalisation, particularly where meters are faulty or have been tampered with, leave us with no option but to disconnect them, with a fine of over R14 000 imposed for single-phase connections, along with additional reconnection fees. Three-phase connections may incur penalties exceeding R30 000. 'We urge customers to allow our metering technicians to complete their work efficiently. 'If residents are unavailable, our technicians will leave a 'No Access' letter by the customer's premises with the company name and contact details. In addition, we will provide the SDC name and the team leader's contact details. 'Customers are urged to immediately make arrangements for the audit.' Mangena adds that the entity is aware of safety concerns during this process, as criminals could attempt to disguise themselves as entity employees to gain access to properties. 'We urge customers to verify the credentials of City Power employees and contractors by contacting our Security Risk Management Control Room, their SDC, or by checking with their ward councillor to confirm if any work is scheduled in their area,' he says. 'All City Power employees and contractors are required to carry and produce their official ID cards while on duty.' These ID cards are colour-coded according to the different sections within City Power and display important identifying information, including: • The photo and personal details of the employee or contractor • The contractor's verification number (badge number) and expiry date • A firefly hologram for added security • Contact details for our Security Risk Management Control Room At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Tom's Guide
16-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
iPhone Fold — Apple is reportedly partnering with Samsung for a 'crease-free' display
We've heard rumors that Apple has been working on a foldable iPhone for some time now — to the point where we're now pretty confident that something is coming from Apple on the foldable front. Still, details about the iPhone Fold (if that's what it's called) remain sparse. However, a new rumor from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provides a potential interesting detail about the iPhone Fold. Specifically, Apple could team up with Samsung Display (SDC) for its folding iPhone — a smart move for Apple, given that Samsung has just released the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to promising early reviews. Kuo says the company will "ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone in 2026." He also noted that this could mean Apple trusts SDC more than its screen designers to create a crease-free foldable smartphone, as the lack of a crease will be critical for making the iPhone stand out from already established foldable phones. Not everyone is as confident that Apple is making the right choice by partnering with SDC, as Apple is turning to a competitor for such a significant part of its portfolio. "It's a risky bet given the tepid success of foldable phones in the consumer smartphone market," Dan Ives, global head of tech research at Wedbush Securities, said. "Samsung is trying to gain share, and it puts some pressure on Apple to go down this path." It's worth noting that this isn't the first time we've heard Apple could work with Samsung for its foldable iPhone. A report emerged back in April, so this could be a case where there's smoke, there's fire. At the end of the day, though, it's about delivering a quality product to consumers, and if Apple feels working with Samsung Display is the best way to achieve that goal, I'm all for it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I've been waiting for Apple to release the iPhone Fold before I buy my first folding phone, so whatever it takes for the company to make the best phone possible has me excited. Of course, with leakers claiming a foldable iPhone would cost between $2,100 and $2,300, it might be a prohibitively expensive device. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
