Latest news with #SDGs
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
India to present voluntary review on Sustainable Development Goals
NEW DELHI: India will join 36 countries including Japan, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Israel and Finland which will present their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) on 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the upcoming meeting of the High-Level Political Forum 2025 of the United Nations in July. VNRs serve as a basis for an international review of the progress on SDGs. Niti Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery and its chief executive officer BVR Subrahmanyam are likely to present India's achievements on key indicators and the country's outlook on SDGs over the next five years, a senior government official told ET. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Need To Kill Time On Your Computer, This Popular Strategy Game Is A Must Forge Of Empires Play Now Undo India has so far presented two VNRs, in 2017 and in 2020, since the launch of the SDGs in 2015. The SDG India Index 2023-24, released in July 2024, could form the basis to showcase India's significant progress in goals on eliminating poverty, providing decent work, economic growth, climate action and life on land. Live Events As per the index, overall SDG score for the country was 71 for 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018, on the back of targeted interventions by the government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhgaya and Start-up India. The index further showed significant progress has been made by India on goals 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land). SDG India Index, developed by the Aayog, is a tool for measuring national and subnational progress on the SDGs. There are 17 SDGs pertaining to poverty; hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions and partnership for the goals. VNRs are country-led and country-driven reviews of progress on SDG 2030 at the national and subnational levels. These are voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involve multiple stakeholders. The purpose of VNRs is to enable member countries to share experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, and to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Korea Herald
4 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
PT SMI and AFD Renew Strategic Partnership for a Low Carbon Future in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI") and Agence Française de Développement ("AFD") continue their partnership to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable development, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and green financing in Indonesia. This cooperation is outlined in the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah, and the CEO of AFD, Rémy Rioux, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta. The signing of the MoU was also witnessed directly by the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia. and Brunei Darussalam, Denis Chaibi. This is the third MoU signed between PT SMI and AFD. The purpose of this latest MoU is to further promote cooperation between the two institutions, beyond the scope of the financing agreement. Some points of cooperation outlined in the MoU are: (a) Financing to support national development transformation; (b) Knowledge sharing and capacity building in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, healthcare, and solid waste management; (c) Publications and bilateral cooperation that highlight the partnership between the two countries. The MoU represents a strategic bilateral relationship between Indonesia and France in supporting inclusive low-carbon development. PT SMI consistently fulfills its role by engaging in synergy and active collaboration to support the achievement of the SDGs through the SDG Indonesia One (SIO) platform. "PT SMI is very pleased to continue collaborating with AFD, as both institutions share a common vision and goal in the effort to provide clean energy. This agreement is important to strengthen the legitimacy and reputation of PT SMI as a key player in the climate field. We have a variety of innovative platforms and tools to mobilize collaboration in financing environmentally friendly projects, such as SDG Indonesia One and the ETM Country Platform. Thus, we can become the right partner for anyone who wants to contribute and provide benefits in addressing the impacts of climate change," said the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah. PT SMI and AFD have been collaborating on financing infrastructure projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation since 2015, particularly through the provision of a USD 100 million loan. In 2018, a partnership agreement was signed and an additional credit of USD 150 million was provided under the SIO PT SMI framework. Several projects developed as a result of the collaboration between PT SMI and AFD include the Pekanbaru Drinking Water Supply System in Pekanbaru, Riau, the Madong Mini-Hydro Power Plant in North Toraja, South Sulawesi, and the Ijen Geothermal Power Plant in Banyuwangi, East Java. - End – About PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI") PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI"), established on February 26, 2009, is a State-Owned Enterprise under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance, in the form of a Non-Bank Financial Institution (LKBB). PT SMI plays a role and has a mandate as an agent of sustainable development. PT SMI has 3 business pillars, namely Commercial Financing, Public Financing, and Advisory Service and Project Development. PT SMI has various functions and unique products/features to support the acceleration of infrastructure development, which not only serves as infrastructure financing but also as an enabler through the implementation of the Government and Business Entity Cooperation (KPBU) scheme involving various financial institutions, both private and multilateral. PT SMI actively supports the implementation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and encourages the acceleration of infrastructure development in the regions through regional loan products.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PT SMI and AFD Renew Strategic Partnership for a Low Carbon Future in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI") and Agence Française de Développement ("AFD") continue their partnership to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable development, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and green financing in Indonesia. This cooperation is outlined in the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah, and the CEO of AFD, Rémy Rioux, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta. The signing of the MoU was also witnessed directly by the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia. and Brunei Darussalam, Denis Chaibi. This is the third MoU signed between PT SMI and AFD. The purpose of this latest MoU is to further promote cooperation between the two institutions, beyond the scope of the financing agreement. Some points of cooperation outlined in the MoU are: (a) Financing to support national development transformation; (b) Knowledge sharing and capacity building in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, healthcare, and solid waste management; (c) Publications and bilateral cooperation that highlight the partnership between the two countries. The MoU represents a strategic bilateral relationship between Indonesia and France in supporting inclusive low-carbon development. PT SMI consistently fulfills its role by engaging in synergy and active collaboration to support the achievement of the SDGs through the SDG Indonesia One (SIO) platform. "PT SMI is very pleased to continue collaborating with AFD, as both institutions share a common vision and goal in the effort to provide clean energy. This agreement is important to strengthen the legitimacy and reputation of PT SMI as a key player in the climate field. We have a variety of innovative platforms and tools to mobilize collaboration in financing environmentally friendly projects, such as SDG Indonesia One and the ETM Country Platform. Thus, we can become the right partner for anyone who wants to contribute and provide benefits in addressing the impacts of climate change," said the President Director of PT SMI, Reynaldi Hermansjah. PT SMI and AFD have been collaborating on financing infrastructure projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation since 2015, particularly through the provision of a USD 100 million loan. In 2018, a partnership agreement was signed and an additional credit of USD 150 million was provided under the SIO PT SMI framework. Several projects developed as a result of the collaboration between PT SMI and AFD include the Pekanbaru Drinking Water Supply System in Pekanbaru, Riau, the Madong Mini-Hydro Power Plant in North Toraja, South Sulawesi, and the Ijen Geothermal Power Plant in Banyuwangi, East Java. - End – About PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI") PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) ("PT SMI"), established on February 26, 2009, is a State-Owned Enterprise under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance, in the form of a Non-Bank Financial Institution (LKBB). PT SMI plays a role and has a mandate as an agent of sustainable development. PT SMI has 3 business pillars, namely Commercial Financing, Public Financing, and Advisory Service and Project Development. PT SMI has various functions and unique products/features to support the acceleration of infrastructure development, which not only serves as infrastructure financing but also as an enabler through the implementation of the Government and Business Entity Cooperation (KPBU) scheme involving various financial institutions, both private and multilateral. PT SMI actively supports the implementation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and encourages the acceleration of infrastructure development in the regions through regional loan products. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) Sign in to access your portfolio
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Reimagining the urban future of Global South
Cities in the Global South are growing at an unparalleled pace, driven by migration and economic shifts. This rapid growth widens the 'urban services divide', with nearly 30% of urban residents living in informal settlements. In Mumbai's Dharavi, a self-organised ecosystem thrives — 65 million Indians drive grassroots innovation, with its $1-billion recycling economy repurposing 80% of the city's waste. These communities demand inclusive planning integrating them into the formal urban fabric rather than erasing them. The informal sector also dominates employment, accounting for up to 80% of jobs in some regions. Recognising and supporting these dynamics is crucial to creating equitable urban economies. Public-private partnerships and community-led initiatives, like Medellín's cable cars transforming hillside slums into connected neighbourhoods, offer scalable models for other cities. The demographic surge also increases demand for housing and transportation. Governments must prioritise infrastructure projects, catering to growing populations without compromising sustainability. Indore, crowned India's cleanest city for six consecutive years, achieved this through decentralised waste management and citizen-led composting. The climate crisis poses an existential threat to our cities, where extreme weather events are increasingly becoming more frequent. These impacts exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for low-income populations. In Surat, AI-powered flood warnings now protect informal settlements, while Bangkok's Chulalongkorn Park — a 'sponge city' project — absorbs monsoon rains through terraced wetlands, blending disaster resilience with public art. Climate justice must be a cornerstone of urban policy. Initiatives such as India's National Action Plan on Climate Change and Brazil's innovative use of green infrastructure in São Paulo offer valuable lessons. Singapore's emphasis on water-sensitive urban design further illustrates how localised strategies enhance resilience while addressing environmental challenges. Nature-based solutions — such as mangrove restoration and urban forests — not only bolster biodiversity but also provide natural buffers against the climate crisis. For coastal cities like Jakarta and Mumbai, these measures are critical. Localisation of SDGs also involves rethinking urban priorities. Cities like Nairobi are focusing on electrifying public transport to reduce carbon emissions, while participatory budgeting in Brazil empowers communities to decide how public funds are allocated, ensuring development aligns with local needs. Achieving sustainable urbanism requires socio-technical transitions — investing in renewable energy, rethinking urban spaces, and promoting mixed-use developments. Curitiba's integrated transport, Kigali's eco-friendly planning, and Nairobi's 3D-printed plastic pavers exemplify how cities can pioneer sustainable change. The circular economy can significantly cut urban waste. Recycling and resource recovery can create self-sustaining systems that minimise environmental impact. Governance is key to sustainable cities. Decentralised systems, as seen in Kerala, enhance resilience and inclusivity. Public-private partnerships can also drive change; Singapore's Housing and Development Board collaborates with private entities to deliver affordable housing. Technology-driven governance, such as mobile apps for real-time civic engagement, fosters transparency and trust between governments and citizens. The Global South holds a rich repository of indigenous technologies and architectural practices that can inform sustainable development. Traditional techniques, such as passive cooling in Indian architecture or rainwater harvesting in African villages, offer low-cost, high-impact solutions. Modern adaptations of these practices are underway. The Auroville Earth Institute in India has revived ancient construction techniques using compressed stabilised earth blocks, reducing reliance on energy-intensive materials. Countries like Mexico and Vietnam are also exploring vernacular architecture to build climate-resilient homes, incorporating locally sourced materials and traditional construction methods. Collaboration across the Global South is crucial. Platforms like BRICS and the C40 Cities network facilitate knowledge exchange, while the International Solar Alliance, co-founded by India and France unites 140+ nations in sustainable energy initiatives. Joint research on climate resilience and shared investments in green infrastructure amplify regional impact. Brazil and India have partnered on renewable energy projects, while African nations are developing transnational infrastructure, such as railways and energy grids, enhancing regional connectivity. The Global South must lead with its own playbook. It is time to abandon 20th-century paradigms that blindly replicated western models designed for a different planet and era. Today, we inhabit a world reshaped by climate urgency and technological leaps, where solutions must emerge from local realities, not foreign blueprints. Dikshu C Kukreja is managing principal, CP Kukreja Architects, and honorary consul general, Republic of Albania. The views expressed are personal
Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
New UN Protocol Charts Investment Pathway for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
Linking ocean health to prosperity, this new framework sets guidance to align financial flows and business practices with the transition to a Sustainable Ocean Economy worth $US 5.5 trillion by 2050 NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) unveiled the Ocean Investment Protocol, a comprehensive guide designed to mobilize and scale finance for a healthy and resilient ocean that supports a strong and innovative Sustainable Ocean Economy. Building on the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles and UNEP FI's Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, the Protocol provides financial institutions, insurers and re-insurers, ocean industries, governments and development finance institutions with a clear pathway to collectively lead the growth of the Sustainable Ocean Economy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG14 ("Life Below Water"). A thriving ocean is essential for biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, and global livelihoods. The Sustainable Ocean Economy links ocean health with prosperity, making targeted finance more urgent than ever. It is central to achieving the targets of the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. With ocean health inseparable from global prosperity, mounting pressures—rising ocean temperatures, overfishing, pollution, biodiversity loss, weak governance, and inequitable access to marine resources—highlight the urgency of dedicated investments and policies that safeguard marine ecosystems and drive equitable economic opportunities. The ocean economy is already equivalent in size to the world's fifth-largest economy as global markets are reliant on the ocean and its industries to support 90 per cent of global trade volume. Developing a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy is becoming increasingly central to global transitions in trade, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, food security and regenerative tourism. The Ocean Investment Protocol responds to the critical need for swift, holistic efforts to preserve ocean ecosystems and foster growth in sustainable ocean-based sectors. It outlines actionable steps to align investments with nature- and climate-positive outcomes, fostering innovation across key ocean sectors. By 2050, the market value of a refocused, sustainable and fairly shared ocean economy is projected to reach USD$5.5 trillion. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director, UN Global Compact, emphasized the Protocol's focus on uniting diverse stakeholders: "The Ocean Investment Protocol underscores the transformative role that businesses, governments and development finance institutions can play in protecting our oceans for future generations. It provides a blueprint for accelerating responsible investments and ensuring that all sectors of the economy contribute to a healthy and productive ocean." "The ocean is at a tipping point—and the decisions we make now will determine the future of life below water and far beyond. The Ocean Investment Protocol equips financial actors with practical guidance to unlock the capital needed for a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy projected to reach $5.5 trillion by 2050. But finance alone is not enough. Policymakers must send clear signals and create enabling environments that make sustainable ocean investment the smart, secure, and strategic choice. This Protocol calls on public and private leaders alike to align capital with ocean health—because a thriving blue planet is a foundation for prosperity, resilience, and global progress," said Eric Usher, Head, UNEP Finance Initiative. Key Elements of the Ocean Investment Protocol to guide financial institutions, insurers and re-insurers, ocean industries, Governments and development finance institutions to manage risks and understand opportunities to increase energy security, food security and transport security, while advancing sustainable solutions, include: Holistic Guidance for banks, investors, insurers, governments and development finance institutions, enabling them to manage environmental risks while pursuing growth opportunities in sectors such as offshore renewables, sustainable seafood and climate-resilient infrastructure. Data and Disclosure recommendations, promoting greater transparency on nature-related risks and impacts and aligning with global reporting frameworks, including Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and science-based targets. Sector-Specific Roadmaps outlining responsible financing and operational practices in shipping, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and other key ocean industries. Policy and Regulation Support to foster investment-ready environments, highlight the importance of marine spatial planning and encourage incentives for sustainable practices. Catalytic Role of Development Finance in advancing pipeline development for the Sustainable Ocean Economy, especially in emerging markets and coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change. The release of the Ocean Investment Protocol comes at a pivotal moment, with global momentum building around a nature-positive agenda, the high-stakes race to curb carbon emissions, and accelerating action to tackle plastic and chemical pollution. Ocean-related investment needs and opportunities are growing amid momentum for a Global Plastics Treaty and a High Seas Treaty as well as implementing the SDGs, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement. The Protocol is intended to galvanize multi-stakeholder collaboration and resource mobilization in the run-up to major ocean, climate and biodiversity milestones. By setting a clear vision and practical recommendations, the Protocol aims to empower all stakeholders—public and private—to scale up and accelerate actions that protect marine ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive economic development. Notes to Editors About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. About UNEP FI UNEP FI brings together a global network of banks, insurers, and investors to catalyze the transition to more sustainable economies. The initiative has been connecting the UN with financial institutions worldwide to help shape the sustainable finance agenda for more than 30 years. We host the world's leading sustainability frameworks for banking and insurance to help the financial sector address sustainability risks, opportunities and impacts. UNEP FI provides practical guidance and tools to more than 500 banks and insurers that are individually implementing Principles for Responsible Banking and Principles for Sustainable Insurance on a voluntary basis. Financial institutions work with UNEP FI to advance responsible banking and sustainable insurance to support clients and customers position their businesses for the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy. Founded in 1992, UNEP FI was the first initiative to engage the finance sector on sustainability. Today, the secretariat cultivates leadership and advances sustainable market practice through global programmes supported at a regional level across Africa & the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean and North America.
