Latest news with #SandaOjiambo
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Inaugural Global Business Summit in Jakarta convened to advance sustainable BRI Infrastructure Cooperation for SDGs
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Inaugural Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment for Better Business Better World and Sustainable Development Goals" (the Summit) officially opened on May 25 in Jakarta. The Summit is co-hosted by the Government of Indonesia, the United Nations Global Compact "Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to Accelerate the SDGs" Action Platform (UN Global Compact BRI for SDG Action Platform), THK Forum, United in Diversity Foundation (UID), the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), UN Global Compact Network Indonesia (IGCN), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). In keynote addresses, UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua emphasized the imperative for "low-carbon, resilient, and universally accessible infrastructure" while the UN Assistant Secretary General, and Executive Director of UN Global Compact Sanda Ojiambo outlined four strategic priorities for businesses: adopting science-based decarbonization targets, prioritizing circular economy principles, engaging local communities, and leveraging blended finance. Xiamen Airlines Chairman Zhao Dong highlighted the pivotal role of aviation connectivity in advancing the "Air Silk Road". The summit yielded substantive outcomes, including the launch of the report Transition Finance for Sustainable Development of Traditional Industries and nine cross-sector initiatives spanning green energy transition, SME empowerment, and global health cooperation. A landmark Joint Statement by the UNGC BRI for SDG Action Platform High-Level Steering Committee reaffirmed BRI's role as a global public good for infrastructure investments and business participation, committing to sustainable development through responsible business and multi-stakeholder partnerships across sectors including healthcare, energy, telecommunications, construction, manufacture, transportation, food, agriculture and digital infrastructure. Four expert roundtables addressed critical themes: sustainable supply chains in green minerals, healthcare innovation, ESG compliance, and green industrial park development. Marking the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties, UN resident coordinator's office in Indonesia and China joined hands with UN Global Compact company participants to co-launch Sino-Indonesia Corporate Communities Action Network for sustainable development to enhance sustainable communities and SDGs. Business leaders endorsed establishing an annual business summit mechanism to ensure BRI projects align with SDGs and promote international standard and private sector best practices. The summit concluded with a unified call to action, underscoring shared responsibility in building an inclusive, climate-resilient future through strengthened BRI collaboration. This inaugural event has established a new paradigm for public-private partnerships in sustainable infrastructure development, setting the stage for long-term, principled cooperation. View original content: SOURCE UN Global Compact
Cision Canada
3 days 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.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JA Solar with 23 Leading Solar Companies unveils the first Initiative for Global Solar Sustainable Alliance at UNGC's summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- On May 25, 2025, at the UN Global Compact (UNGC)'s Inaugural Global Business Summit in Jakarta, a total of 24 global leading solar companies including JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Tongwei, LONGi, GCL Group and other core upstream suppliers, collectively released the initiative for "Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA)". Distinguished leaders across government, industry and academia attended the summit, including United Nations Global Compact Assistant Secretary-General and CEO Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee , Chairman of the National Economic Council of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Founder and co-chairman of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, President of the China Electricity Council Bao'an Xin, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines Dong Zhao, Founder and Chairman of GCL Gongshan Zhu. At this critical juncture of global energy transition, the solar industry, as a cornerstone of renewable energy, serves as a pivotal solution to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Amid rapid industry growth, leading enterprises have jointly launched this initiative to address social and environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Committed to delivering clean energy globally, the Initiative aims to strengthen sustainability across the entire value chain — promoting green mineral sourcing from the source, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, building an equitable society for common good, and driving inclusive growth. Aligned with the UNGC Ten Principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Initiative outlines 9 actionable pathways across three pillars, advancing ESG progress across the solar value chain and promoting its positive impact on the international market. The GSSA initiative has garnered strong endorsement from the UNGC. Meng Liu, UNGC China Representative, stated: "We commend the global solar industry, particularly Chinese photovoltaic enterprises, for their contributions to advancing the global energy transition, and we welcome the launch of this initiative. Closely aligned with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the Initiative underscores corporate responsibilities in environmental protection, human rights safeguards, and sound governance. We look forward to the solar industry setting an exemplary model for global sustainable development through collective action." Jing Li, Vice President of Branding and Sustainability Officer of JA Solar, officially launched this GSSA Initiative at the event, and introduced JA Solar's newly constructed responsible supply chain strategy with the theme of "Together Towards Tomorrow", which aims to promote the multi-stakeholders along the industry's value chain to evolve towards a sustainable future. UNGC encourages more solar companies and supply chain partners to join this initiative and jointly advance the sustainable development of the industry. To truly fulfill the summit's vision of 'Better Business, Better World: Accelerating the SDGs', the first co-signatories pledge to collaboratively develop a concrete action roadmap with stakeholder engagement, to ensure effective implementation of the Initiative. Appendix : Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA) As the backbone of renewable energy, the global solar sector provides consumers, industries, and society with affordable and reliable clean energy. It has made remarkable contributions to advancing global energy transition and promoting sustainable development, with immense potential yet to be realized. On the other hand, after decades of growth, the social and environmental footprints of the solar industry, particularly the associated risks across its supply chain—have increasingly emerged. These challenges pose significant obstacles to unleashing the industry's full potential and achieving its own sustainable development. In light of this, we, as the undersigned photovoltaic enterprises and supply chain participants, guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), hereby launch the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA). We call on all companies in the industry and its supply chains to adopt sustainability principles and strategies, and actively undertake the following actions: I. Just Transition: Safeguarding the green ecosystems and environment a) Reduce pollution, conserve resources, improve environmental management, implement clean production, and promote a circular economy. b) Cut energy consumption and carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, establish science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, and achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible. c) Protect biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting green mining from origins of materials, ensuring zero deforestation and no net loss of biodiversity. II. People-Centric Development: Building an Equitable Society for Common Good a) Respect and protect workers' fundamental rights, create gender-responsive, diverse, inclusive, safe, and healthy workplaces, and enhance employees' skills and development potential. b) Advance responsible procurement and marketing practices, implement human rights due diligence in supply chains, improve value chain transparency, traceability, and collaborative mechanisms, and strengthen supply chain resilience. c) Plan PV projects in alignment with local conditions, respect the rights of communities and residents, and leverage industry expertise to support community and social development. III. Governance Enhancement: Driving Inclusive Growth a) Optimize corporate governance structures, enhance professionalism and diversity in governance mechanisms, improve investor relations management, and protect the rights of minority shareholders. b) Operate with integrity and compliance, oppose all forms of unfair competition practices, proactively uphold a sound market order, and foster the healthy development of the industry. c) Strengthen internal and external oversight systems, conduct standardized information disclosure and regular tracking of progress and targets, and establish multi-channel stakeholder engagement and dialogue mechanisms. Building on the above consensus, we will pool wisdom and resources, engage in full collaboration, and establish a concrete action roadmap with the participation and support of multi-stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the GSSA Initiative. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. 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Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
JA Solar with 23 Leading Solar Companies unveils the first Initiative for Global Solar Sustainable Alliance at UNGC's summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- On May 25, 2025, at the UN Global Compact (UNGC)'s Inaugural Global Business Summit in Jakarta, a total of 24 global leading solar companies including JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Tongwei, LONGi, GCL Group and other core upstream suppliers, collectively released the initiative for "Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA)". Distinguished leaders across government, industry and academia attended the summit, including United Nations Global Compact Assistant Secretary-General and CEO Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee , Chairman of the National Economic Council of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Founder and co-chairman of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, President of the China Electricity Council Bao'an Xin, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines Dong Zhao, Founder and Chairman of GCL Gongshan Zhu. At this critical juncture of global energy transition, the solar industry, as a cornerstone of renewable energy, serves as a pivotal solution to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Amid rapid industry growth, leading enterprises have jointly launched this initiative to address social and environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Committed to delivering clean energy globally, the Initiative aims to strengthen sustainability across the entire value chain — promoting green mineral sourcing from the source, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, building an equitable society for common good, and driving inclusive growth. Aligned with the UNGC Ten Principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Initiative outlines 9 actionable pathways across three pillars, advancing ESG progress across the solar value chain and promoting its positive impact on the international market. The GSSA initiative has garnered strong endorsement from the UNGC. Meng Liu, UNGC China Representative, stated: "We commend the global solar industry, particularly Chinese photovoltaic enterprises, for their contributions to advancing the global energy transition, and we welcome the launch of this initiative. Closely aligned with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the Initiative underscores corporate responsibilities in environmental protection, human rights safeguards, and sound governance. We look forward to the solar industry setting an exemplary model for global sustainable development through collective action." Jing Li, Vice President of Branding and Sustainability Officer of JA Solar, officially launched this GSSA Initiative at the event, and introduced JA Solar's newly constructed responsible supply chain strategy with the theme of "Together Towards Tomorrow", which aims to promote the multi-stakeholders along the industry's value chain to evolve towards a sustainable future. UNGC encourages more solar companies and supply chain partners to join this initiative and jointly advance the sustainable development of the industry. To truly fulfill the summit's vision of 'Better Business, Better World: Accelerating the SDGs', the first co-signatories pledge to collaboratively develop a concrete action roadmap with stakeholder engagement, to ensure effective implementation of the Initiative. Appendix : Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA) As the backbone of renewable energy, the global solar sector provides consumers, industries, and society with affordable and reliable clean energy. It has made remarkable contributions to advancing global energy transition and promoting sustainable development, with immense potential yet to be realized. On the other hand, after decades of growth, the social and environmental footprints of the solar industry, particularly the associated risks across its supply chain—have increasingly emerged. These challenges pose significant obstacles to unleashing the industry's full potential and achieving its own sustainable development. In light of this, we, as the undersigned photovoltaic enterprises and supply chain participants, guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), hereby launch the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA). We call on all companies in the industry and its supply chains to adopt sustainability principles and strategies, and actively undertake the following actions: I. Just Transition: Safeguarding the green ecosystems and environment a) Reduce pollution, conserve resources, improve environmental management, implement clean production, and promote a circular economy. b) Cut energy consumption and carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, establish science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, and achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible. c) Protect biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting green mining from origins of materials, ensuring zero deforestation and no net loss of biodiversity. II. People-Centric Development: Building an Equitable Society for Common Good a) Respect and protect workers' fundamental rights, create gender-responsive, diverse, inclusive, safe, and healthy workplaces, and enhance employees' skills and development potential. b) Advance responsible procurement and marketing practices, implement human rights due diligence in supply chains, improve value chain transparency, traceability, and collaborative mechanisms, and strengthen supply chain resilience. c) Plan PV projects in alignment with local conditions, respect the rights of communities and residents, and leverage industry expertise to support community and social development. III. Governance Enhancement: Driving Inclusive Growth a) Optimize corporate governance structures, enhance professionalism and diversity in governance mechanisms, improve investor relations management, and protect the rights of minority shareholders. b) Operate with integrity and compliance, oppose all forms of unfair competition practices, proactively uphold a sound market order, and foster the healthy development of the industry. c) Strengthen internal and external oversight systems, conduct standardized information disclosure and regular tracking of progress and targets, and establish multi-channel stakeholder engagement and dialogue mechanisms. Building on the above consensus, we will pool wisdom and resources, engage in full collaboration, and establish a concrete action roadmap with the participation and support of multi-stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the GSSA Initiative.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global Africa Business Initiative Rallies Leaders to Accelerate Digital Growth in Africa
As digital transformation continues to shape Africa's economic landscape, the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) ( convened top public and private sector leaders at the Africa CEO Forum 2025. The high-level GABI Bridge session, focused on accelerating investment, collaboration, and aligning policy to support Africa's digital advancement. Held under the theme 'Connect. Empower. Prosper: The Big Push for Digital Africa', the GABI Bridge side event brought together decision-makers from government, industry, finance, and technology to address how Africa can build inclusive digital infrastructure, develop innovation ecosystems, and unlock scalable opportunities in the digital economy. In her opening remarks, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, emphasized the need for collective ambition: 'Africa's digital future must be inclusive, sustainable, and African-led. This is not just a technological imperative – it's an economic and social necessity. By investing in digital infrastructure, skilling our youth, and promoting innovation ecosystems, we empower Africa to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.' Key Takeaways from the GABI Bridge at Africa CEO Forum 2025 Urgent Acceleration Needed for Digital Infrastructure Investment Public and private sector leaders highlighted the need to fast-track investment in Africa's digital infrastructure. Despite significant strides in connectivity, vast rural and underserved areas remain at the edge, limiting access to digital tools, services, and opportunities. To bridge this gap, stakeholders stressed the need for coordinated investment strategies that combine public funding with private-sector innovation. Integrated finance models—leveraging government incentives, international development funding, and business investment—were core mechanisms to unlock sustainable financing for large-scale infrastructure projects. Cross-Sector Collaboration Essential for Scaling Digital Transformation Speakers emphasized that digital progress relies on strategic collaboration across industries, sectors and borders. A central theme of the discussion was the necessity of stronger public-private partnerships to speed up infrastructure development, enhance regulatory frameworks, and promote digital transformation. Governments, multilateral institutions, private enterprises, and local innovators must join forces to build a digital landscape that is both inclusive and sustainable. Locally Led Tech Growth Must Be Prioritized The session reinforced the critical need to empower Africa's homegrown tech talent. Regulatory reforms, startup-friendly policies, and improved access to venture capital and accelerator programs are key to promoting a thriving local innovation landscape. A Cornerstone for Africa's Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Success Industry experts stated that digital trade is a powerful force boosting commerce across Africa. Seamless cross-border trade depends on harmonized regulatory frameworks that support digital transactions, reduce friction in e-commerce, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services within African markets. Future-Proofing Education for the Digital Age There was strong consensus on modernizing education systems to equip Africa's youth with essential digital skills. Key recommendations included curriculum upgrades, teacher training investments, and closer collaboration between educational institutions and the tech sector. Driving the Digital Agenda Forward The GABI Bridge concluded with a clear mandate: turn commitments into investments, partnerships into scalable platforms, and digital ambition into measurable outcomes. As GABI continues to shape Africa's role in the global economy, the GABI Bridge remains a crucial forum for aligning priorities, mobilizing resources, and driving actionable strategies. For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative, visit the website ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.
