Latest news with #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Why private sector involvement is crucial for achieving SDG 2 & SDG 4
After having spent over a decade working to bridge the gap between hunger and education, one thing has become clear--while public policy lays the foundation, sustainable change is only possible when society, comprising corporates, non-profits and citizens embrace collective ownership of development agendas. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework to plan, measure and monitor progress towards creating a sustainable world. India has made considerable progress towards achieving two critical UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 2 - Zero Hunger and SDG 4 - Quality Education, with government programmes like PM POSHAN and Samagra Shiksha laying a strong foundation. However, in a country as vast and diverse as ours, the scale and complexity of challenges demand more than government support; they call for a united, multi-sectoral response. Over the years, it has become quite evident that a well-nourished child is far more likely to attend school, stay focused in class and achieve better learning outcomes. Nutrition is not just a health metric, it is the cornerstone of educational equity. When we feed a child, we don't just address hunger; we enable their right to learn, grow and thrive. Thus, any conversation about child nutrition and education must move beyond government responsibility. Reimagining schools not just as centres of learning but as effective platforms for child welfare can help unlock the full potential of school-based nutrition and create space for deeper multisector collaboration, particularly in advancing SDG 2 and SDG 4. While the government continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the mid-day meal programme, there is considerable scope to engage private players in complementary interventions, such as school breakfast programmes. A well-designed breakfast initiative can address early morning hunger, improve attendance, sharpen concentration and significantly enhance learning outcomes, thereby amplifying the overall impact of school feeding efforts. True transformation lies in multi-sectoral collaboration, where the private sector takes a larger role, going beyond being just a donor and becoming a co-creator of solutions. Even the most well-conceived welfare programmes can benefit from support going beyond government funding as far as scale, innovation and sustainability are concerned. We have witnessed first-hand how corporate partnerships, based on shared values and long-term commitment to a cause, can enhance programme efficiency, scalability and resilience. For the private sector, it is an opportunity to contribute; not merely as a funder, but as a strategic partner in the crucial task of nation-building. The evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, especially post the Companies Act 2013, has opened doors to deeper engagement. According to a Give Grants report, annual CSR spending has grown three times over the last decade. To maximise the impact of this spending, there is a need to go beyond compliance and foster strategic alignment with global and national development goals. A successful collaboration pairs corporate (innovation) with non-profit (implementation) and government (scale). While governments set the agenda, non-profits can bring community insight and corporations can contribute resources and expertise, thus helping maximise the impact of welfare programmes. True progress requires sustained impact over the course of time, and to ensure sustained impact, we can resort to local contextualisation and data-driven accountability. Measurable indicators, such as school attendance and learning outcomes, can help ensure optimal utilisation and continuous improvement of resources. Furthermore, fostering ecosystems of shared responsibility, such as co-funding models, joint impact assessments and platforms for learning exchange, do not just multiply impact but also build resilience necessary to mitigate disruptions caused due to unforeseen situations such as a natural disaster or as we witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a nation, we have both the ambition and infrastructure to achieve the UN SDGs. Our progress so far is a testament to the strength of our development policies. However, to unlock the full potential of these initiatives and to reach every child who needs support, we must embrace the idea of collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a brighter, more equitable India. In the end, feeding a child and educating a child are not just acts of service—they are investments in our shared future. This article is authored by Dhananjay Ganjoo, chief resource mobilisation and marketing officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
ICC Qatar launches Environment & Energy Commission to drive private sector leadership on sustainability
DOHA: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar, in collaboration with the Al-Attiyah Foundation, has launched the ICC Qatar Environment & Energy Commission – a landmark initiative aimed at galvanising the private sector's role in advancing Qatar's sustainable energy and climate goals. The Commission, unveiled during a high-level event in Doha on Wednesday, will serve as the country's premier platform for private-sector engagement on climate policy, environmental stewardship, and the energy transition. Aligned with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Commission's establishment marks a significant step in reinforcing commitment to sustainability and economic diversification under the Qatar National Vision 2030. The roadmap unveiled at the event outlines a phased implementation strategy, including the formation of dedicated working groups focused on low-carbon energy transition, sustainable water and desalination, and emissions mitigation through tools such as carbon markets and carbon capture. The Commission will also engage closely with national entities such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kahramaa, and QatarEnergy, while fostering strategic alliances with international partners including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and the UN Global Compact. Sheikha Tamader Al Thani, Secretary General, ICC Qatar highlighted: 'The establishment of the ICC Qatar Environment & Energy Commission represents a significant step in advancing our commitment to sustainability as a key driver of long-term economic resilience and private sector leadership. This Commission provides a dedicated platform for constructive dialogue, policy advocacy, and actionable collaboration between business, government, and global institutions.' She also pointed out: 'Through the commission work, we aim to align with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, while actively contributing to international frameworks and initiatives. Together with our partners at the Al-Attiyah Foundation, we are confident that this Commission will catalyze innovative solutions and position Qatar's private sector as a leader in the global energy transition.' Speaking at the launch, Colman Hands, Co-Chair of the Commission, emphasized the importance of private-sector leadership in addressing climate challenges. 'This Commission is designed to be a dynamic force, connecting policy, innovation, and investment in ways that can drive real change,' he stated.
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Seaweed farming can support Oman's blue economy, climate goals
MUSCAT: Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is supporting a private-led initiative to explore the feasibility of large-scale seaweed cultivation, aimed at driving the growth of various economic activities related to climate mitigation, sustainable fuels, food security and biodiversity enhancement. Leading the initiative is NTZ Solutions, a local Omani firm focused on delivering innovative solutions in carbon capture, waste management and sustainability — centric human capital development. The company is credited with establishing the GCC's first commercial-scale biochar production facility, currently operational in Barka. With funding support from MedcoEnergi — an Indonesian state-owned energy and natural resources development enterprise — work has commenced on a pilot project designed to assess the overall feasibility and scope of large-scale seaweed cultivation in Oman. Speaking at an energy forum held in Muscat earlier in May, representatives of NTZ Solutions and MedcoEnergi shared insights on seaweed cultivation as an 'innovative nature-based solution' to some of the most urgent global challenges. 'We never imagined seaweed could become a solution to the global crises we're currently facing,' said Johan Despurwantoro, Sustainability and Risk Management Specialist at MedcoEnergi. 'But the question is — why should we return to nature? Because nature-based solutions are not just environmentally relevant but also economically powerful.' According to Despurwantoro, seaweed can contribute to poverty reduction, improve food security and serve as a nutritious food alternative. It can offset carbon emissions by replacing synthetic inputs, enhance ecosystem resilience and directly sequester carbon. Seaweed cultivation, he added, has the potential to unlock an extended value chain — from cultivation and logistics to industrial processing — creating significant employment opportunities at both local and regional levels. At the same time, it can advance Oman's progress on several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Notably, a six-month pilot project was recently launched by the two partners in collaboration with the Ministry to assess the year-round viability of seaweed cultivation in Oman's coastal waters, Despurwantoro stated. A team of experts from NTZ Solutions and MedcoEnergi is currently evaluating the consistency of cultivation and identifying ideal conditions for selected native species. A key member of the team is Kamaruddin Azis, Project Facilitator at the COMMIT Foundation. In an update on the pilot, Kawther al Harrasi, Programme Manager at NTZ Solutions, revealed that the company has secured a pilot site within the Ministry's research facility at Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat. Of the 12 native seaweed species initially studied, six — Ulva, Codium, Sargassum, Kerva, Hypnea and Gracilaria — were selected for their commercial value. These species are already utilised globally in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and agriculture industries, she explained. In the next phase of the project, the focus will shift to scaling up production to support the development of high-value products such as agar, carrageenan, bioplastics and pharmaceutical ingredients. Kawther noted that seaweed can also play a major role in carbon sequestration. In her presentation, she further emphasised the significant knock-on effects of seaweed cultivation for Oman's blue economy growth strategy. Beyond the direct economic benefits, seaweed farming can contribute to job creation, in-country value generation and biodiversity enhancement, she added. HIGHLIGHTS Seaweed cultivation has the potential to unlock an extended value chain from cultivation and logistics to industrial processing
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UAE wins presidency of General Assembly of UN-Habitat
Shared achievement with Malaysia This well-deserved and unprecedented achievement was shared with the Republic of Malaysia, following a highly competitive election during the Assembly meetings being held in Nairobi, Kenya. Reinforcing UAE's global leadership in urban development This international recognition reaffirms the UAE's leading role in supporting sustainable urban development, housing initiatives, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN-Habitat General Assembly's global role The UN-Habitat General Assembly, composed of 193 member states, is the programme's highest decision-making body. It is responsible for guiding global policies aimed at improving living conditions in cities and enhancing the quality of life in urban communities. UAE's vision for sustainable urban environments On this occasion, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, expressed his pride and honour in this international achievement, which adds to the UAE's distinguished record of successes. Strategic priority for housing and urban development He emphasised that the UAE's election as President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly is a recognition of its significant efforts, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, in establishing the nation as a comprehensive model for adequate housing and sustainable urban environments. Achievements of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme Al Mazrouei said, 'This remarkable achievement reflects the vision and directives of the UAE's wise leadership, which has made housing and urban development a strategic priority, recognising it as a fundamental pillar for social stability and quality of life..." Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals He affirmed that the UAE will leverage this leadership role to support the implementation of Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on 'making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.' Promoting innovation and international dialogue He also pointed out that the joint presidency with Malaysia and membership in the UN-Habitat Executive Board will open new avenues for strengthening dialogue among member states and for exchanging the best international experiences and practices. Strengthening global partnerships and action plans The Minister continued, 'We will continue working with member states, civil society organisations, and the private sector to develop clear visions and innovative action plans that meet the needs of global communities..." Recognition of national efforts and collaboration For his part, Eng Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said, 'This achievement is a true reflection of the UAE's dedicated efforts in developing a sustainable and smart urban housing system..." Enhancing global standing in urban housing Al Mansouri also extended his appreciation to the national team from the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Nairobi, for their outstanding efforts over the past three and a half years... Advancing UAE's role in future urban policies He further noted that the UAE's presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly will bolster its status as an influential international partner in shaping future urban policies and support the country's drive to maintain momentum in sustainable development efforts both regionally and globally.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SANOMA CORPORATION: ACQUISITION OF OWN SHARES 30 May 2025
Sanoma Corporation, Stock exchange release, 30 May 2025 at 18:30 EET SANOMA CORPORATION: ACQUISITION OF OWN SHARES 30 May 2025 Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd: Date 30 May 2025 Exchange transaction Buy Share class SANOMA Amount 4,797 Average price/share, EUR 9.4988 Highest price/share, EUR 9.5000 Lowest price/share, EUR 9.4800 Total cost, EUR 45,565.74 The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5 and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. The company holds a total of 782,988 of its own shares (SANOMA) including the shares acquired on 30 May 2025. Detailed information concerning the acquisition is attached to this stock exchange release. On behalf of Sanoma Corporation Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) Helsinki branch Janne Tiihonen Jaakko Kosunen Additional information Kaisa Uurasmaa, Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability, tel. +358 40 560 5601 Sanoma Sanoma is an innovative and agile learning and media company impacting the lives of millions every day. Our Sustainability Strategy is designed to maximise our positive 'brainprint' on society and to minimise our environmental footprint. We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and signatory to the UN Global Compact. Our learning products and services enable teachers to develop the talents of every child to reach their full potential. We offer printed and digital learning content as well as digital learning and teaching platforms for primary, secondary and vocational education, and want to grow our business. Our Finnish media provide independent journalism and engaging entertainment also for generations to come. Our unique cross-media position offers the widest reach and tailored marketing solutions for our business partners. Today, we operate across Europe and employ close to 5,000 professionals. In 2024, our net sales amounted to approx. 1.3bn€ and our operational EBIT margin excl. PPA was 13.4%. Sanoma shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. More information is available at Attachment SANOMA SBB 30052025
